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Graduate Writing Services

Graduate writers face unique challenges that range from learning to navigate larger pieces of sustained writing to successfully approaching unfamiliar genre conventions. OGS is here to provide support.

Schedule a 30-minute online meeting with Dr. Stephanie Harper regarding graduate writing at any stage of the process.

Schedule a 45-minute online meeting with Laura Murphy, OGS's multilingual writing specialist, regarding graduate writing at any stage of the process. 

Booking Information

• Appointments cannot be made less than 48 hours in advance.
• Appointment Limits: 1 session per day, no more than 2 per week
• Please email us if you need to reschedule or cancel  
• Be prepared to share your screen (check system settings before the meeting)
• Have materials, like the writing or the prompt, readily available to share

Writing Support Sessions can be scheduled

 

Crafting Research Abstracts

Date/Time: February 4th from 1:00 PM- 2:00 PM. (Virtual) 
Description:  In this workshop, we provide a concise guide to crafting abstracts. This presentation will break down the writing of the abstract into simple steps that will enable you to create an engaging abstract highlighting your research. Academia is competitive, and writing a strong abstract is crucial for success. It opens doors and encourages engagement with your work.  Effectively summarizing complex research within a tight word limit (often 200-250 words) is challenging. This workshop focuses on the capacity of the abstract as a genre convention to create a clear pathway to your work for a wide range of potential audiences and the methods to do so successfully.

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Writing Literature Reviews

Date/Time:  February 18th from 1:00 PM- 2:00 PM. (Virtual)
Description: OGS Writing Services presents a writing workshop on structuring and crafting literature reviews. This workshop covers the basic genre conventions of Literature Reviews as well as strategies for organizing and drafting one.

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Sustainable Writing Strategies

Date/Time: March 16th, 11:15 AM.
Location: EDU 347 (In Person) 
Description: Writing is a lifelong skill, not just for academic work. Writing is where we articulate our knowledge.  Sustainability prevents binge writing, burnout, and frustration. The goal of this workshop is to help attendees, through reflection and discussion, consider what strategies will help them develop a consistent, fulfilling, and adaptable writing practice.

This workshop occurs In-Person at the Dissertation Forum and Writing Retreat. Register for the Dissertation Forum & Writing Retreat below or here:

 

Dissertation Forum and Writing Retreat 

Date/Time: March 16th - 18th from 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM.
Location: Tampa campus, Education building (EDU 347, 314, 316) 
Description: During spring break, join us for a three-day graduate dissertation forum and writing retreat featuring sessions on research, writing, and communication strategies that are tailored to thesis and dissertation writers. We'll have workshops devoted to citation management, using AI in your writing, and managing stress. The forum will host a new faculty panel on committee relations, professionalization, and writing strategies. Each day, we've included 2 one-hour sessions each day making sure you have time to sit down and write.
Hosted by USF Libraries and the Office of Graduate Studies with support from the Writing Studio. 
Cost: $10 
Schedule: 

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Online Mini Thesis & Dissertation Writing Retreat 

Date/Time: Fall Semester TBA
Join for two 3-hour block writing sessions each day, with a facilitator present for quick 5–10-minute break-out sessions regarding writing concerns if needed. The Fall Sustainable Writing Strategies Workshop occurs in conjunction with this retreat. 
ºÚÁϱ¬ÁÏ are encouraged to show up and write for the full duration of as many sessions as they are able. 

 

Writing Accountability Groups (WAGs) provide community, support, and engagement while helping students establish goals, structure, and sustainable writing practices.

Writing Accountability Groups at USF are composed of Masters and Doctoral students working on sustained writing (Proposals, Portfolio papers, Theses, Dissertations, Academic essays). These peer-focused writing groups meet once a week for an hour over 10 weeks during the semester.

Spring 2026 10-Week WAG Registration is open.

Spring students will agree to meet for 1 agreed-upon hour to do sustained writing for 10 weeks in the Spring 2026 semester, beginning on Monday, January 26, and ending Sunday, April 12.  

Registration Deadline: January 16th at 5 PM
Group formation begins after registration closes, and a brief online orientation will take place on Friday, January 23rd at 9 AM.

 

Spring 2026: January 14 - April 29

Online: 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
In-person: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: ALN 209 USF Tampa Campus

Online Moderated by Dr. Stephanie Harper, Assistant Director, ETD and Writing Services
In-person Moderated by Dr. Tracy Costello, Assistant Dean, Postdoctoral Affairs and Graduate Student Success

Being intentional and consistent about writing will help you progress and meet your goals. Whether it's a journal article or a fellowship/grant, thesis or dissertation, proposal, or a scholarship/award application, join peers in a time of intention setting and dedicated writing. 

Questions?
Contact Dr. Stephanie Harper (Online)