Join us for our next Graduate Scholar Summit: Winter 2027 

Scholar Summit is a Graduate Writing Program that is designed for graduate students that are about to start or are currently working on a Thesis, Project, or Dissertation. Please note that graduate students that are not currently working on their capstone are still welcome to attend, however some of the workshops may be more directed towards the Thesis/Project/Dissertation process.

This two-day program provides the opportunity to not only build community with fellow graduate writers, but to also have individual project time with writing consultant support available, as well as participate in a variety of writing workshops that cover topics such as the writing process, approaching editing and revision, as well as ways to navigate procrastination, perfectionism, and more. Snacks, coffee, and catered lunch will be provided for this event, which has a $25 non-refundable administrative fee, that is payable upon registration.

Graduate Scholar Summit is an intensive writing boot camp that offers dedicated time for you to make significant progress on your Thesis, Project, or Dissertation. Additionally, Scholar Summit offers an engaging way to not only help you learn more about your own writing process, but to also help you navigate the unique challenges of capstone writing alongside a community of fellow graduate writers. 

Modeled after the University of Twente's Thesis Boost program, GVSU's Scholar Summit event provides graduate writers with a safe and encouraging space to talk about all things writing while also providing you, the writer, with the opportunity to ask questions and learn along the way. 

Browse our content to the right to learn more about the structure of Graduate Scholar Summit and some of the programmatic offerings you receive when you register for our upcoming writing boot camp!

9:30am - 11:30am: Group Seminar

• Daily goal setting
• Activities and discussions in small groups

11:30-12:30pm: Individual Writing Time

• Time to work on your paper, Project, Thesis, or Dissertation
• Opportunity to meet with a writing consultant

12:30pm - 1:30pm: Lunch Break (Lunches Provided)

1:30pm - 3:00pm: Individual Writing Time & Optional Workshop

• Time to work on your paper, Project, Thesis, or Dissertation
• Opportunity to meet with a writing consultant
• Optional hour-long workshop

3:00pm - 3:30pm: Coffee Break (Coffee Provided)

3:30pm - 4:30pm: Group Seminar & End of Day Review

• Activities and discussions in small groups
• Reflection on daily goals

Graduate Scholar Summit Workshop Topics:

• Writing Process
• Writer Type
• Mock Defense/Presentation Practice
• Writing Resources
• Reviewing & Editing
• Writing & Wellness
• Writing Self-Reflection 

Support Services Available:

• One-to-one & Group Consultations
• Writing Consultant Support
• Email Consultation Support
• Research Consultation Support
• Speech Consultation Support
• Writing Resources
• Access to Scholar Summit Blackboard Organization 

Interested in joining Graduate Scholar Summit? Check back soon for a registration link! When available, please click the icon on the right in order to sign-up. Please note that there is a non-refundable administrative fee of $25 for each participant; however, that non-refundable fee provides you as a graduate writer with:

1. Meals for two days, including catered lunches, snacks, and coffee
2. A wide variety of writing workshops focused on you and your writing process
3. Individual writing time to get a head start on your paper, Thesis, Project, or Dissertation
4. Writing Consultant Support available for both days of Graduate Scholar Summit
5. Access to a Blackboard Organization with additional writing resources and support documents

For Graduate Scholar Summit 2025, the Graduate School will cover the $25 administrative fee for those who complete the full program (attend the full scheduled day for both Monday and Tuesday of Fall Break). For help with any questions regarding Scholar Summit, please contact Meredith Fedewa, Writing Center Assistant Director, at [email protected].