Boot Camp Accomplishments whiteboard showing the 85,000 words, 122 pages, and many chapters written and goals met

Sponsored by the Graduate Student Association, the annual Writing Center Summer Dissertation Boot Camp at CUA is designed as a unique opportunity for Ph.D. candidates to make progress on their work, to build community with fellow dissertators, and to reflect on productivity and long-term project goals.

The 2023 Dissertation Boot Camp will be held on campus and in person the week of June 26-30, Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm. The application can be found here

What we provide:

  • A quiet space and a week to work
  • A proven daily writing schedule
  •  A community of peer scholars
  • Lunch talks with guest speakers
  • An optimistic, motivating atmosphere
  • Discussion of work habits and productivity skills
  • Writing Center consultations and advice as needed
  • Caffeine and breakfast daily

Previous attendees rave:

        “the boot camp is the reason I’m close to a complete dissertation!”


"[a] life changing experience”


“I'm not sure I would be defending in two weeks without the Boot Camp.”

Attendees will be asked to pay a $50 deposit; deposits will be refunded upon completion of the boot camp. Information about deposits will be sent to successful applicants.

For questions and inquiries about this year's camp, please email the Writing Center Director, Dr. Kevin Rulo (rulo@cua.edu) .