Thesis Jumpstart!
A Two-Day Writing Retreat for Graduate Students
Friday, July 24 & Saturday, July 25, 2026
Luther College LC 211, LC212, LC215
Thesis Jumpstart is a two-day writing retreat designed to help graduate students make meaningful progress on their thesis or proposal. The program combines short, focused sessions with extended periods of dedicated writing time to help participants build momentum, strengthen their writing habits, and connect with peers in a supportive environment.
This is not a workshop or lecture-based session. The focus is on protected writing time with light structure and optional supports to help students stay focused and accountable. A quiet, structured space to make meaningful progress on your thesis writing - at your own pace and with support.
This retreat is open to all thesis-based graduate students, whether you are just getting started, revising your proposal, or nearing completion of your thesis.
Registration form here - share what you would like included in the retreat as we plan this year’s program.
Register early as space is limited. Please register by July 22nd.
Feb 27-28, 2026
Day 1 – Friday| Time | Activity |
| 9:00 – 9:30 am | Registration with coffee and muffins |
| 9:30 – 10:00 am | Welcome and Goal Setting |
| 10:00 – 11:00 am | Session #1: LC 212 - Writing a Literature Review LC 213 - Take a project management approach to your thesis |
| 11:00 am – 12:00 pm |
Session #2: |
| 12:00 – 1:00 pm | Lunch |
| 1:00 – 1:15 pm | LC 211 - Short Presentation |
| 1:15 – 3:45 pm | Focused writing session* |
| 3:45 – 4:00 pm | Day 1 wrap-up and reflection |
Day 2 – Saturday
| Time | Activity |
| 9:00 – 9:30 am | LC 211 - Overview and Goal Setting |
| 9:30 am – 12:00 pm | Focused writing session |
| 12:00 – 1:00 pm | Lunch |
| 1:00 – 3:30 pm | Focused writing session* |
| 3:30 – 4:00 pm | Closing reflections and wrap-up |
* Resource supports will be available throughout the writing sessions, including library support, writing assistance, and research guidance.
Registration form here.
| Time | Activity |
| 8:30 – 9:00 am | Registration with coffee and muffins |
| 9:00 – 9:30 am | Welcome and Goal Setting |
| 9:30 am – 12:00 pm | Focused writing session |
| 12:00 – 1:00 pm | Lunch |
| 1:00 – 1:15 pm | Short Presentation |
| 1:15 – 3:30 pm | Focused writing session* |
| 3:30 – 4:00 pm | Day 1 wrap-up and reflection |
Day 2 – Saturday, November 29
| Time | Activity |
| 9:00 – 9:30 am | Overview and Goal Stting |
| 9:30 am – 12:00 pm | Focused writing session |
| 12:00 – 1:00 pm | Lunch |
| 1:00 – 1:15 pm | Guided mindfulness exercise |
| 1:15 – 3:00 pm | Focused writing session* |
| 3:00 – 3:30 pm | Closing reflections and wrap-up |
* Resource supports will be available throughout the writing sessions, including library support, writing assistance, and research guidance.
Registration form here.