This four-day writing-intensive program is offered winter session and spring break. Focused discussion on challenges specific to graduate student writers is coupled with daily independent writing times that allow you to apply new strategies and tips, as well as make tangible progress on your writing.

Here’s what past participants have to say:

“The workshop created the space for me to stop making excuses and just sit down and write something.”
“I was able to create a plan for completing my thesis on time!”
“Having dedicated blocks of writing time with accountability and the structure of morning/afternoon lectures got my brain to engage fully in the writing process.”
“It was really helpful to get more tips and tricks on being deliberate in goal-setting and tools to break up larger things into smaller, more attainable pieces.”

Jump Start allows you to:

• gain momentum and make tangible progress in your writing
• experience a supportive environment for intense, focused writing time
• discuss effective thesis/dissertation writing strategies
• develop effective writing habits to utilize throughout your career

Daily format (9am – 2pm):

• one hour of discussion and instruction focused on common challenges and key strategies for productive writing
• three hours of independent writing, with Writing Center staff support available
• an additional hour of discussion and instruction

Dates for 2023-24:

• Winter Break Jump Start: January 8-11th, 2024.
• Spring Break Jump Start: March 18-21st, 2024.

Registration: To accommodate learners near and far, we are offering both on-line and in person attendance options. Email writingcenter@umontana.edu to receive the registration link. Early registration is encouraged as space is limited.

Note: You must be actively working on a writing project to participate and will benefit most from the program if you are ready to write at least part of your research proposal, thesis or dissertation. We welcome repeat attendees!