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 2026 Moorhead Writing Academy will take place January 12-16 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."
Writing Support
The UNH Library is an essential resource for graduate students. With millions of books, articles, and other media items available physically and/or electronically (as well as through interlibrary loan), the library has something for all members of the UNH community, in any field. Library locations offer wireless Internet access, computer workstations, individual study and collaborative group work spaces, and assistance by knowledgeable librarians and staff. As part of a public university, the UNH Library is open to all. Check out their full list of services to get started.
There is also a handy guide of Library resources specifically for graduate students, as well as an online plagiarism tutorial with helpful examples on what is and is not considered plagiarism.
Collaboration is the core of the Connors Writing Center approach. Together, writer and writing assistant work to brainstorm and find a path through the revision process. The CWC is available to support, assist, help, guide, and learn from writers. Schedule a one-on-one appointment with a member of the writing center team today!
The UNH Office of National Fellowships provides information, counsel, and editorial support to high achieving students applying for national and international fellowships and scholarships. Their services are available to undergraduates, graduate students, and alumni of the University. Visit the website linked above or email National.fellowships@unh.edu with any questions you have.
The ability to secure financial support for research and outreach activities is becoming increasingly important. This course is intended for graduate and post-graduate level students who need to write proposals for their graduate work or to gain in-depth understanding of the proposal writing process through class discussions, insights shared by UNH faculty, and by writing a research proposal following the entire process.
This course is designed to enable students to receive information, guidance, and support in applying for the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship program (GRFP). Students will become familiar with the NSF, its mission, and the selection criteria for this fellowship. Through independent work and collaborative exercises, students will strengthen writing skills and develop a strong application.
The University of New Hampshire Speech-Language-Hearing Center (SLHC) is a premier center that offers a full range of speech, language and communication services to both children and adults. the SLHC also serves as a clinical training program for graduate students in the communication sciences and disorders program.
