The Moorhead Writing Academy (formerly known as the Winter Writing Retreat) takes place in January and provides a space to work in the company of others. Many attendees find that this creates a sense of accountability and community. The Graduate School provides coffee, tea, and snacks to fuel your productivity. Lunch is also provided every day, so you don’t have to worry about bringing anything besides your work! In addition to dedicated space and time to work, we have optional workshops scheduled to support your writing. Past workshop topics include publishing, using library resources, managing data, and reducing writing anxiety. Furthermore, we have faculty members available for consultation during the academy so you can get feedback on your work. The writing academy is all about supporting you in your work, whether you just need time and space to write, or want to learn new skills to improve your writing. Formerly known as the Winter Writing Retreat, this annual event was renamed to celebrate its tenth anniversary and honor Dr. Cari Moorhead, Dean Emerita of UNH Graduate School.
FAQs
If you have work that you can do quietly at a desk, you can do it at the retreat! Examples of non-writing work include coding, data analysis, statistics, creating presentations, illustrating, and reading. The academy features both quiet and chatty spaces because we know everyone works differently.
The 2025 Moorhead Writing Academy will take place January 13-17 on the UNH Durham campus in Hamilton Smith Hall (also known as HamSmith, located in between Thompson Hall and the MUB). We always have several spaces reserved for workshops, conversation, snacks & beverages, and plenty of room to spread out.
All graduate students and postdocs! We're here to support YOU in whatever you need to work on.
Registration is available here until January 7; it will also be shared through the UNH Graduate School Weekly Newsletter. You will have the option to register for as many individual days as you like. There are tiered awards based on how many days you attend, so be sure to check the details! You may also register for optional writing support workshops to develop a range of skills. You are expected to attend every day that you register for. Lunch and other perks will only be available for attendees.
Visit our Writing & Research webpage to learn about other opportunities and resources available to you! Some of this year's offerings include the Professional Writing Series, the Weekly Writing Group, and the Public Speaking & Science Communication Series. One-on-one writing support is available by appointment through the Connors Writing Center.
What do our past participants have to say?
"The Moorhead Writing Academy gives me an opportunity to take a step back and evaluate the way I've been doing my writing, while providing resources to help me become a more efficient and skilled writer. The sense of shared purpose is very motivating and comforting at the same time."
"I have realized during the pandemic how desperately I need structure to help me work. The Writing Academy provides that structure to push me to get my work done."
"The academy really helps make the grad experience easier, more productive, less stressful, and even more enjoyable because you're not alone in your work."
