Graduate Student Writing Seminar

Graduate Student Writing Seminar (noncredit workshop; (virtual) drop-ins are also welcome)

Sponsored by the Institute of Behavioral Science
Led by Sarah Klassen
Wednesdays at 5:00 p.m. in IBS-155B (Dinner will be provided)

The Graduate Student Writing Seminar is a noncredit seminar designed to provide graduate students with the structure, accountability, and community needed to make meaningful progress on their dissertation and related scholarly writing. Recognizing that students are often at different stages of their graduate careers, the seminar will be tailored to participants’ individual goals and evolving needs throughout the semester. Whether you’re just beginning your dissertation, preparing to defend, working on a grant proposal, or drafting a paper for publication, you’re welcome to join us.

Topics may include developing dissertation proposals, writing and revising dissertation chapters, preparing manuscripts for publication, crafting fellowship and grant applications, responding to reviewer feedback, and establishing sustainable writing practices. Participants will also engage in discussions of broader professional development topics, including publishing strategies, academic career preparation, and writing beyond the dissertation.

Each weekly meeting will combine peer discussion and opportunities for feedback in a supportive, interdisciplinary environment. The seminar emphasizes accountability, collegiality, and the development of lasting professional networks. By bringing together graduate students from across the social sciences, the course aims to reduce the isolation of dissertation writing while fostering a community of scholars who support one another’s research and career development. 

The seminar will meet Wednesdays at 5:00 p.m. in IBS-155B. Students are also welcome to attend any of the workshop sessions in person or via Zoom on a drop in basis. Please email the instructor in advance to receive the Zoom link for the session you wish to attend.

Dinner will be provided.

Workshop Dates:

  • August 26
  • September 2
  • September 16
  • September 23
  • October 7
  • October 14
  • November 11
  • November 18

To enroll, email Sarah.Klassen@colorado.edu  by Wednesday, August 26, 2026.