Graduate students at Rice University are finding new ways to tackle one of the most challenging parts of their academic journey: writing.
The Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies hosts weekly writing groups that provide structure, accountability and community for students working on major projects such as dissertations, theses and publications.
“Writing a dissertation can feel really lonely,” said Megan McSpedon, a Ph.D. student in industrial-organizational psychology. “At the end of the day, it’s just you and your brain. This writing group has been so helpful—something that’s independent but also in community.”
The sessions, held twice weekly, mix quiet writing time with group check-ins, goal-setting and book discussions on effective academic writing practices. Graduate students from across disciplines meet in one space to build consistent habits and encourage one another.
For Dillon Stewart, a fourth-year Ph.D. student in psychological sciences, the group provides both motivation and measurable progress.
“Grad school can be lonely. I sit in a basement office with no sunlight,” Stewart said. “But when I come here and see 25 other grad students writing together, it motivates me—I want to write too. That community doesn’t exist naturally in grad school, so I’m really grateful for it.”
The group is open to students from all departments, including fields not traditionally associated with heavy writing. Kyra Stovicek, a mechanical engineering graduate student, said the workshops have helped her focus on an often-overlooked part of her training.
“As an engineer, I love building things—but writing is the hardest part,” Stovicek said. “The accountability of this group keeps me on track, and seeing peers from different majors struggle with the same challenges makes me feel less alone.”
Danielle King, associate dean in GPS and associate professor of psychological sciences, facilitates the writing group and said she designed it with her own graduate school experience in mind.
“Writing is hard, and it can be isolating,” King said. “The writing group helps students realize they’re not alone. We cheer for each other’s wins and keep each other motivated.”
King said the aim is to give students both consistency and camaraderie on a task that can otherwise feel solitary.
“Graduate school has less structure than undergrad,” she said. “This group provides that structure in a fun, community-oriented way. Just putting in a little consistent effort each week makes a huge difference in writing goals.”
The Rice graduate and postdoctoral writing group will continue throughout the academic year, offering students a place to make progress and connect with peers.