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Finding the time and space to focus on writing is challenging with the fast pace of graduate study. Mark your calendar for Just Write! sessions to jump start your writing process and learn more about the research and writing resources available for graduate students.
The Graduate School and VCU Libraries host a series of Just Write! sessions for graduate students throughout the fall and spring semesters. These sessions, held once a month in Cabell Library, provide a quiet space to write with other students. During the day, enjoy a workshop while you enjoy lunch (provided for you), covering topics related to research and writing.
For more information, contact Erin Brown (embbrown@vcu.edu) or Bettina Peacemaker (bjpeacemaker@vcu.edu)
Upcoming Sessions:
Writing Retreats 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
with lunch time workshops
Selecting a Journal for Publication
Friday, April 10, 2026
James Branch Cabell Library Room 205
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Instructor: Scholarly Communications Librarian Katharine Miller
You’ve done the research. Now it’s time to share the results by writing an article for publication. Learn the factors to consider when selecting a journal and how to use tools provided by VCU Libraries to gather the information you need. Register now.
Past Events
Writing Retreat “What a Dissertation Looks Like”
Friday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
James Branch Cabell Library 205
Lunch will be provided at noon.
Research Data Librarian Nina Exner and Scholarly Communications Librarian Katharine Miller present at noon during lunch, which is free.
Find out what a dissertation looks like and how to use tools to simplify formatting and ensure the published work is accessible. In this session, you will learn to
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- find examples of dissertations from your department to understand what the d;
- use Microsoft Word’s formatting tools to simplify the creation of tables of contents and the document-wide formatting, and
- understand VCU’s requirements for dissertation formatting and ADA accessibility and how to use Microsoft Word and Adobe to make your document accessible.
Writing Retreat: “Organize your Research with Zotero”
Friday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
James Branch Cabell Library Room 205
Lunch will be provided at noon.
Science Research Librarian Erin Carrillo will present at noon during lunch, which is free. Learn about keeping your research organized and formatting your citations with Zotero.
Writing Retreat: “Introduction to Generative AI for Graduate Writing”
Friday, Nov. 14, , 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
James Branch Cabell Library Room 205
Lunch will be provided at noon.
The VCU Writing Center with Science and Engineering Research Librarian Julie Arendt will present at noon during lunch, which is free.
This Writing Center workshop will emphasize positive ways that AI can be part of the writing process and highlight its shortcomings. Instructors will advise caution that students should exercise when using AI. Join us for this session to discuss the additional care students must keep in mind when using generative AI in their graduate-level work, such as a thesis, dissertation or publications.
Develop your Research Elevator Pitch
Friday, Feb. 13, 2026
James Branch Cabell Library Room 205
- Instructor: Scholarly Communications Librarian Katharine Miller
Learn techniques to craft a concise and compelling research pitch you can use in any professional setting, from conferences to job interviews. The session will include hands-on activities to develop and practice your pitch.
Data Stories: Communicating Clearly with Charts and Graphs
Friday, March 20, 2026
James Branch Cabell Library Room 205
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Instructor: Multimedia Teaching and Learning Librarian Oscar Keyes and Research Data Librarian Nina Exner
Help your audience better understand your quantitative information, including picking the right chart type, how to draw viewer attention to important points, and a big emphasis on how (and why!) to declutter your visualizations.
For special accommodations, or to register offline, please contact Ryan Larson event manager, rbpander@vcu.edu or 804-828-0593.