Graduate Student Programs

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

Dissertation Bootcamp

This 8-week program in Fall 2026 is an opportunity for graduate students in the humanities to work on their dissertations with accountability and peer support. Guided by the book Finish Your Dissertation Once and For All by Alison Miller, the participants will produce 8-10 pages a week, work with an accountability buddy, and have small group discussions on their work and process. To participate, students must be writing a dissertation in a humanities field. They are allowed one absence from the 8-week program, and students who finish the program will receive a $250 stipend. Lunch will be served each week. Participants will meet on Tuesdays, 11 – 12 PM, at the RPW Center from 9/8 – 10/27. 

For more information or to apply, email Elizabeth Covington.

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 must have successfully completed Dissertation Bootcamp or hold a recommendation for an article from their dissertation advisor.

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.

While the RPW is not currently offering graduate dissertation completion fellowships, you can learn more about past fellows here.

Questions?

Contact RPW Associate Director Elizabeth Covington.