Structured writing support

Supporting momentum and connection during the thesis-writing process

About the programs

Held throughout the year, our writing initiatives are open to all graduate students from all faculties; in particular, those in thesis-based programs. Whether you are drafting a literature review or finalizing a chapter, these programs offer a welcoming space to focus or refocus your writing energy.

These events provide structured focus time, peer connection, and resource support to help you maintain motivation and progress regardless of your writing stage. They offer quiet, distraction-free writing time paired with practical strategies to support your academic productivity and wellness.

These initiatives also include the opportunity to join or lead a graduate co-working group. These informal, student-led groups meet regularly either online or in person to co-work, share accountability goals, and create a consistent writing rhythm. The School of Graduate Studies provides administrative support to help student leaders coordinate logistics, promote sessions, and access helpful resources. If you are interested in joining or facilitating a group, you are encouraged to get in touch.

All thesis writing support initiatives are free and open to Concordia thesis-based graduate students. Registration is required through the GradProSkills portal. You will receive session details and materials after registering.

Join or lead a thesis co-working group

Thesis Boost and Mini-Boost

These writing events give you dedicated time and support to advance your thesis. The three-day Thesis Boost (twice a year) offers extended writing blocks, workshops, and peer accountability, while the one-day Mini-Boost (five times a year) helps you re-engage with your writing and maintain steady progress.

Fill our our interest form

Program outcomes

By participating in these writing initiatives, you will gain:

Dedicated time and space for focused writing
A structured process for setting and reflecting on goals
Peer support and a sense of community in the writing process
Access to resources that support writing productivity and well-being

Testimonials

Beth – MDes Design

"Definitely go! You will definitely learn some new tips/tricks to help with writing and focusing, and if nothing else it's 3 days of uninterrupted work."

Amanda – PhD Humanities

"If you need guidance in the planning or last steps of the thesis process, this is for you. It was a very friendly and wholesome experience reviewing each step, through methods and habits that will help you accomplish your goals. This was one of the best resources in my academic experience at Concordia."

Max – MA History

"Even if you are comfortable with your own writing ethic, you may benefit from this event in unexpecting ways. I was surprised by what I learned about myself. I regret not attending this event in the past."

Andrea – PhD Mechanical Engineering

"Do the writing retreat every single time it's offered. Writing with peers in a structured environment is so helpful for productivity. The Thesis Boost provides an opportunity to meet grad students in other disciplines in varying stages of their degrees! It's such a supportive event, don't miss out."

Master's student – INDI program (Fine Arts)

"Writing a thesis can be very lonesome sometimes and being here with other people who are going through the same struggle or have been ... it really helps. It helped me! Felt less lonely in this process."

Doctoral student – Humanities

"No matter how uniquely and insurmountably terrible you think your writing woes are, come to this retreat to find otherwise. The bare fact of being in a room full of people with the exact predicament, on its own, will get your head out of wherever it is :), collectivize your problem, and make it actionable. Trust that the structure of the retreat will work its magic and no matter how impermeable your writing block appears to you, the words will eventually flow. At the very least, you will identify the source of the block which will go a long way into breaking it."