GRAD Writes retreats best suit graduate students who plan to complete theses/dissertations in 2026. However, graduate students and postdocs are welcome to attend at any stage of their writing process and to make progress on any writing projects.
CSU Writes retreats are rooted in research on “writing in social spaces” and “writing containment.” Each day of a retreat includes 5+ hours of writing time, writing-focused conversations, and scheduling support. Select retreats include consultations with the retreat lead.
Behind-the-Scenes at CSU Writes, we are a program run by students and faculty who also write. We appreciate your patience as we work to serve your writing needs. Your retreat registration and access will be confirmed with an Outlook calendar invite and a pre-retreat information email.
PLEASE NOTE: we process your retreat requests manually, which means you will not receive an automated response/calendar invitation. We strive to process registrations within 24 hours.
We appreciate you applying only for retreats you can commit to attending. Your attendance commitment is a win-win for you and our writing community. By honoring your commitment to attend a retreat, you will attend to your goals, contribute to the vibrancy of a retreat experience for everyone, and you help CSU use resources wisely. Thank you!
SUMMER 2026
Summer Week-Long Retreats | IN-PERSON
MAY 18 - 22
JUNE 8 - 12
8:30am - 4pm | Preconstruction Building 116
Summer retreats provide graduate students and postdoctoral fellows an extended writing opportunity. Summer retreats are in-person and include 5 hours of writing for 5 consecutive days. Coffee, tea, healthy snacks, and great company fuel an intensive and productive writing experience. Participants will receive information via Outlook Calendar about what to expect and how to prepare.
GRAD Retreats of Years Past
2026
1-Day (in-person): JAN, FEB, MAR, APR
1-Day (virtual): FEB, MAR, APR, MAY
Weeklong Retreats: MAY + JUNE
2025
1-Day (in-person): JAN, FEB, MAR, APR, SEPT, OCT, NOV, DEC
1-Day (virtual): FEB, MAR, APR, AUG, SEPT, OCT, NOV
Weeklong: MAY + 3-Day Retreats in JUN, AUG
2024
1-Day (in-person): FEB, MAR, APR, AUG, OCT, NOV
1-Day (virtual): JAN, FEB, MAR, APR, SEPT (x2), OCT
Weeklong: MAY + 2-Day Retreat in JUNE + 1-Day Retreat in AUG
2023
1.5-Day: JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH, APRIL, JULY, AUG,
Weeklong: MAY + 1-Day Retreats in JUNE, JULY, AUGUST
2022
1.5-Day: JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH, APRIL, AUG, SEPT, OCT, NOV, DEC
Weeklong: MAY + 1-Day Retreats in JUNE, JULY, AUGUST
2021
1.5-Day: JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH, APRIL, AUG, SEPT, OCT, NOV, DEC
Weeklong: MAY, JUNE
2020
2-Day: FEBRUARY, MARCH (remote) & APRIL (remote) Week-Long: MAY (remote)
2019
2-Day: FEBRUARY, MARCH, APRIL, SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER
Week-Long: MAY & JUNE
2018
2-Day:, MARCH, APRIL, SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER
Week-Long: MAY
2017
2-Day: MARCH, APRIL, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER
Week-Long: MAY
2016
2-Day: MARCH, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER
Week-Long: MAY#1, MAY #2
