Graduate Student Programs

The following opportunities are available to all Vanderbilt graduate students in the humanities and humanistic social sciences.

Dissertation Bootcamp

RPW hosts a Dissertation Bootcamp each fall and spring semester. In addition to receiving and giving peer support, participants take part in individual activities designed to get over hurdles and toward a final draft. Participants agree to weekly minimum writing requirements, in-person attendance at weekly Bootcamp meetings, and the full nine-week program. Participants should be ABD and have completed enough of their dissertation research to spend the semester writing. Participants who complete Bootcamp successfully receive $500. Click for full information.

Spring 2025: Tuesdays, January 14 – March 18

12 Weeks to an Article

RPW sponsors 12 Weeks each spring for advanced graduate students looking to publish an article in an academic journal. Workshop participants meet weekly and complete assignments designed to ready research for publication. These include designing writing plans, crafting abstracts, selecting a journal, and navigating the review process. The workshop follows Wendy Laura Belcher’s Writing Your Journal Article in 12 Weeks. Participants who submit their article for publication receive $500. Participants must have successfully completed Dissertation Bootcamp or hold a recommendation for an article from their dissertation advisor. Click for full information.

Spring 2025: Fridays, January 17 – April 18

Writer’s House

Most Thursdays throughout the academic year RPW sponsors an afternoon of lunch and writing for graduate students and faculty. Participants enjoy an hour’s lunch together at noon before writing in silence and solidarity from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Visit our events calendar to see upcoming sessions. RSVP required for lunch via the RPW weekly newsletter.

Career Center Drop-in Hours

RPW joins with the Vanderbilt Career Center to offer weekly drop-in hours exclusively for humanities graduate students. Career and fellowships coach Whitney Taylor can review CVs and resumes, make suggestions on cover letters or fellowship application materials, and answer general questions about job searches, networking, and other professional development opportunities. September-April only. Wednesdays, 1:00-3:00PM; no appointment necessary.

Humanities Grad Student Happy Hours

Need a break with friends? Maybe a taco and a brew?

RPW offers happy hours throughout the academic year right here at the Vaughn Home.

Happy hours are typically held once a semester and announced here and in graduate student newsletters.

Questions?

Please contact Matt DiCintio, Associate Director, Robert Penn Warren Center for the Humanities.