Dissertation Lab
2026 D-Lab Application now open through April 7th!
The Division of Graduate Writing is proud to offer the Dissertation Writing Lab for advanced doctoral students. The weeklong event, held each year during the week following May commencement, is designed to help students develop productive writing habits while making significant progress on their dissertation.
Summer 2026 dates will be May 18-22. Due to the nature of this opportunity, all participants must attend D-Lab in person; we are unable to support travel to Waco to attend D-Lab at this time.
All doctoral candidates who are in the drafting stage of their dissertation may apply.
Participants must have an approved prospectus and must be far enough along in their projects to devote a full week to writing; the Dissertation Lab is not designed to accommodate extended periods of library research or data collection. Due to the nature of the program, students must commit to the full, in-person week of Dissertation Lab. The Graduate School and the Center for Writing Excellence are unable to fund travel to Waco for D-Lab at this time.
Limited spots are available.
D-Lab is a five-day event, taking place from 8:30am to 3:30pm each day in the Graduate Research Center (located in Baylor's Poage Library). The schedule offers extended periods of writing punctuated by opportunities for motivation and feedback from select faculty and fellow participants.
Each morning will begin with breakfast while a faculty member shares tips, tricks, and words of wisdom about the writing and research at the dissertation stage. This is followed by a morning writing session. Lunch, provided by the Division of Graduate Writing, will offer participants time for rest and informal conversation with their peers, as well as a brief small group meeting to help writers work through problems and set writing goals for the next day. Each day will conclude with an afternoon writing session. Writers will have access to large tables, power outlets, AirBear, printers, snacks, and coffee throughout the day.
To apply for Dissertation Lab, complete the following online application form.
You will be asked for 1) your personal contact information, 2) dissertation information, and 3) a PDF upload that includes the following:
- Confirmation that you will be ABD or will have defended your prospectus (or the department's equivalent) by May 18. This can be an email screenshot from your GPD or advisor, a copy of the form admitting you to candidacy, etc.
- A general timeline of your dissertation work, including what stage you will be at by May 18. NOTE: D-Lab is designed for drafting large chunks of material rather than research/early data collection or formatting finished dissertation drafts; students who are too early or too far along in the process might not be accepted to the program.
- A brief paragraph explaining how D-Lab will contribute to your dissertation progress.
Finally, you will be asked to enter the email of your dissertation advisor who will then receive a link to a brief recommendation form.