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Dissertation Bootcamps

The Fox Center's Dissertation Bootcamps provide a focused, supportive environment for sustained scholarly work. Designed to balance accountability with flexibility, the program helps participants make meaningful progress in a distraction-free setting among a cohort of focused fellow graduate students. Bootcamps are typically offered during university breaks (see the tentative schedule below). More information about dissertation bootcamps will be circulated to departments via email as we approach the live sign-up windows.

What the Bootcamps Offer

  • Daily uninterrupted writing time
    • Bootcamps are week-long writing intensives, offered in separate morning and afternoon 4-hour shifts. 
  • A focused community of graduate scholars engaged in dissertation writing
  • A quiet, comfortable, and distraction-free environment at the Fox Center 
  • Goal-setting and outlining tools to support progress
  • A structured format that promotes accountability without disrupting workflow
  • Coffee, tea, and light refreshments (with dietary accommodations available)
  • External monitors available upon request (first-come, first-served)

What Is Expected of Participants

  • Must be enrolled in a Ph.D. program at Laney Graduate School
    • Priority given to ABD students in humanities disciplines; other graduate students admitted as space allows
  • Commit to attending all sessions 
  • Arrive on time
  • Respect the shared quiet writing environment
  • Maintain a daily goals sheet

How to Sign Up

Sign-ups are available in person at the Fox Center from 9 AM-5 PM. Participants must sign up in person during the bootcamp sign-up window. The first 10 students to sign up will secure their spot, but a waitlist will remain open until the Friday before the first day of the scheduled bootcamp. Waitlisted students will be notified of an opening as soon as possible. 

**Sign-ups for the August 24-28 Bootcamp are live and online! Interested graduate students can sign-up [here].

**Sign-up windows will be indicated in the circulated email and updated on this webpage when available.

Fox Center

2026-2027 Bootcamps

  • August 24-28, 2026: Sign-ups will be available online since they will be live before the fall semester begins, from July 30 to August 14.
  • December 14-18, 2026: Sign-ups available from November 30 to December 9. 
  • March 8-12, 2027: Sign-ups available from February 1 to March 1.
  • May 3-7, 2027: Sign-ups available from March 22 to April 26.

Frequently Asked Questions

The bootcamp is open to graduate students in Ph.D. programs at Laney Graduate School. Priority is given to ABD students in humanities disciplines. Participants may use the bootcamp to make progress on any academic writing project (dissertation chapters, articles, end-of-term papers, etc.).

Yes. Participants are expected to attend all sessions. However, we understand that some appointments cannot be rescheduled. Preference is given to those who can fully commit, but if you have indicated limited scheduling conflicts in advance, we will still consider your participation. 

Bring your laptop, writing materials, notes, and any resources needed for your writing. A tote bag will be provided so you can leave your materials at the center overnight.

Yes. The bootcamp is designed as a quiet writing space. Breaks provide opportunities for informal interaction. Headphones are allowed, but noise should not be heard by others working around you. 

Yes. Coffee, tea, and light refreshments are available, with accommodations for dietary needs.

Depending on the bootcamp, the center will be open up to an hour before the start of the bootcamp. Most bootcamps allow materials to be left at your station overnight.