January 2026 Dissertation Boot Camp

Grad Center, 3615 Locust Walk
Cost: $20/person (waivers available)

Dissertation Boot Camp provides participants with the structure and motivation to overcome typical roadblocks in the dissertation process, by offering an environment and support for intense, focused writing time. Participants must attend orientation and commit to daily attendance. Participants also discuss their writing process, share goals, and offer support to build structures of accountability within a community of writers.

Attendance from 9:00am-1:00pm each day is mandatory. Participants should not plan to arrive late or leave early. Participants are welcome to continue writing each day through 4:30pm. 

Boot Camp includes a small program fee to help offset the cost of supplies, staffing, and food. Boot Camp is otherwise made possible with the resources and support of the Graduate Student Center, Weingarten Learning Resources Center, and the Graduate & Professional Student Assembly (GAPSA). 

After we have reviewed your application, you will receive an email if you are admitted to the program with a link to pay the $20 fee. Program fee waivers are available to those with financial hardship- contact mwooten@upenn.edu to request a code for a waiver.

Who should apply?
Applicants should be currently enrolled Penn doctoral students in the active writing stage of the dissertation process.  Preference is given to post-candidacy PhD dissertation writers and those who have not previously participated in a writing retreat or dissertation boot camp.

Space is limited. Students selected to participate will be notified as soon as possible. Participants are expected to discuss their goals for the program with their dissertation advisor(s), who will be notified upon your successful completion of the program.

Please review all program details and requirements on our website BEFORE applying: www.gsc.upenn.edu/dissertation-boot-camp