Faculty Writing Culture

Faculty writing groups and retreats help faculty maintain as well as increase writing productivity and also help faculty overcome writing barriers (Brinthaupt et al, 2021; Chai et al, 2018; Geller and Eodice, 2013; Jensen, 2017; Sword, 2017). Having protected, uninterrupted writing time allows faculty to prioritize and focus on their writing. Writing groups and retreats also provide opportunities for faculty to exchange writing tips and challenges, thereby increasing their sense of community. Informal, yet dedicated faculty writing groups and retreats are offered throughout the academic year. These groups are for faculty looking for a quiet space for writing as well as support at any phase in writing that moves you from idea to publication.  

Event / Program	Frequency	Length	Benefits
Faculty Writing Retreats	Three times a year, between academic terms	Two full days	Sustained writing; build a community of scholars; create partnerships and/or collaborative writing projects
Mini-Writing Retreats	Occasional, during academic term	4-6 hours	Sustained writing; build a community of scholars; create partnerships and/or collaborative writing projects
Faculty Writing Themed Workshops	Several times throughout the academic year	60 minutes	Increase knowledge about best practices and resources; build confidence and enthusiasm; provide opportunities for collaboration
Faculty Writing Groups	Weekly dedicated time in fall and spring semesters	Varies	Increase knowledge about best practices; build a community of scholars

Spring 2026 Faculty Writing Retreat

The faculty writing retreat is a two-day intensive that provides quiet, dedicated writing time for faculty to either kickstart or complete writing projects. The spring faculty writing retreat is 9:00 am – 3:00 pm on January 12 and January 13 in the James E. Walker Library. You may reserve a spot on one or both days. Lunch each day will be provided by the Center for Teaching and Mentoring, and Professor Emeritus Tom Brinthaupt will join us on Monday, January 12 for a lunchtime session on “writing effectively.”

Space is limited to the first 20 faculty who sign up. During the registration process, you will select your location preference and if you prefer to work alone or collaboratively. If you are planning to work collaboratively, please ask each colleague to submit their own registration so we can include them in the registration count. 

Spring 2026 Faculty Writing Groups

Faculty writing groups offer semester-long, weekly 90-minute time blocks to engage in scholarly writing projects. We are offering three writing groups for Spring 2026: two in-person writing groups and one online group that meets on Zoom. Registration is not required. Just attend as you are able.

Additional Resources

• Brinthaupt, T. M., Otto, S., Cirillo-McCarthy, E., & Martin, J. (2021). How can CTLs create and support a culture of faculty writing? Journal on Centers for Teaching and Learning, 13, 17-38.
• Chai, P. R., Carreiro, S., Carey, J. L., Boyle, K. L., Chapman, B. P. and Boyer, E. W. (2019). Faculty member writing groups support productivity. The Clinical Teacher, 16, 565-569. https://doi.org/10.1111/tct.12923
• Geller, A. E., & Eodice, M. (Eds.) (2013). Working with faculty writers. University Press of Colorado.
• Jensen, J. (2017). Write no matter what: Advice for academics. University of Chicago Press.
• Sword, H. (2017). Air & light & time & space: How successful academics write. Harvard University Press.