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University Writing Program

Columbian College of Arts & Sciences

GW Faculty Writing Retreats

Group of UWP faculty posing on a stone and brick balcony on the Mount Vernon Campus during the June 2024 Faculty Writing Retreat

Proudly Sponsored by the GW Office of the Vice Provost for Research

The GW Faculty Writing Retreat supports GW's strategic goal of nurturing intellectual diversity and providing faculty the resources they need to drive interdisciplinary research by providing space and time for them to work together for multi-day retreats held at the beautiful Mt. Vernon campus.

Facilitated by faculty from the University Writing Program, researchers and faculty from across all GW schools attend the retreats to work on writing projects in progress, take time to plan or begin new projects, and discover opportunities to discuss writing and research with colleagues.

At previous retreats, participants have worked on journal articles, conference presentations, book proposals, book outlines, book chapters, grant proposals, literature reviews, creative projects, and more!

The retreat is structured around blocks of individual writing time, with daily guided goal setting, check-ins, and reflection. There are also daily opportunities for:

  • 1-on-1 coaching sessions with a facilitator
  • Developing productive writing habits
  • Discussing writing and research with faculty from across the university

Due to the popularity of these retreats, RSVPs are required. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the attendee list reaches capacity, interested faculty can sign up for a waitlist. Faculty may register to attend as many or as few of the retreat days as their schedule allows.

Upcoming Retreats

  • May 27-29, 2026
  • January 2027 (Dates TBD)

Testimonials

Pulled from past retreat anonymous attendance surveys.

  • "In terms of my research and scholarship, this retreat was the most fruitful and inspiring activity I have participated in since joining GW."
  • "This was such a tremendous benefit to me as a faculty and really helped reinvigorate me."
  • "Having a chance to really concentrate on my scholarship was a powerful way to kick off the summer, and it helped me to build the momentum to keep going. I also appreciated the opportunity to be with so many other people from around the university. Seeing their focus and hearing about their projects was motivating. […] I really feel like I work in a community of scholars."
  • "A terrific experience and very productive!"
  • "Loved the structure! Loved the writing tips! Loved the reflection and planning tips!"

FAQ

How can I find out about and register for upcoming retreats?

Retreats are advertised via infomails sent to the GW Faculty listserv. These emails include a link to the required registration form.

How can I get to Mt. Vernon campus?

The Mount Vernon Campus is located at 2100 Foxhall Rd NW, Washington, DC 20007.

Parking
If you are driving to campus, there is a parking lot just inside the campus gates from the Whitehaven Parkway entrance (Campus map here). MVC offers three hours of free parking without GWorld. If you take a ticket and park there for fewer than three hours, you will not be charged. If you take a ticket and park for more than three hours, you can pay with your GWorld card on the way out for a slight discount.

Shuttle
The Mount Vernon shuttle (the Vern Express) runs to and from Foggy Bottom every fifteen minutes.

What is the space like?

We work together on the Mount Vernon Campus in the following spaces:

  • Post Hall – a lovely, large space  inside the Academic Building, with large windows and access to a private balcony—is the central hub of the writing retreat, where all of the group facilitation, fellowship, and meals take place.
  • Academic Building - participants can spread out to classrooms with various layouts and furniture for individual and group workspaces.
  • Eckles Library - an additional workspace with large tables in Eckles Library is available for retreat participants. 
Is food provided? 

Yes! We provide breakfast and lunch each day.

Is bottled water provided?

Per the University Writing Program’s commitment to GW Green Office Initiative sustainability goals, we do not provide bottled water. There are multiple water fill stations located throughout the campus, so please plan accordingly and bring a reusable water bottle!

What accessibility accommodations are provided?
  • Lactation Room - a room is available in the Academic Building.
  • Quiet spaces - these are always made available.
  • Dietary accommodations - meals typically provide options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free participants; we strive to accommodate all dietary requirements and collect specific needs at registration.
Will I have a way to charge my devices?

Yes! We provide power strips throughout the Academic Building spaces (Post Hall and Classrooms). However, we encourage participants to bring the longest charging cord they have and/or an extra battery source.

Where can I exercise before, during, or after the retreat?

The Mt. Vernon Campus has plenty of lovely green space for walking; in addition, Gym access is available to GWorld holders (no membership needed) in West Hall on the Mt. Vernon campus.

I have questions, who can I contact? 

Questions should be directed to the Writing Program Administrative Supervisor at uwpadminatgwu [dot] edu.