Description
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. These sessions provide a quiet space to write with other students and confer with experts from the Graduate School, VCU Libraries, and Writing Center. 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 lunchtime workshops
Develop your Research Elevator Pitch
Oct. 16, 2026, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
James Branch Cabell Library Room 205
Lunch provided at noon.
Scholarly Communications Librarian Katharine Miller will cover how to Develop your Research Elevator Pitch at noon during lunch, which is free. During this session, you will 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.
Organize your Research with Zotero
Nov, 20, 2026, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
James Branch Cabell Library Room 205
Science Research Librarian Erin Carrillo will cover how to Organize your Research with Zotero. During this session, you will learn how Zotero can help you keep your research organized and format your citations.
Past Sessions:
What a Dissertation Looks Like
Sept. 18, 2026, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
James Branch Cabell Library Room 205
Research Data Librarian Nina Exner and Institutional Repository Librarian Kim Wolfe will cover What a Dissertation Looks Like at noon during lunch, which is free. During this session, you will learn 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
- find examples of dissertations from your department to understand what the expectations are;
- 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.
For special accommodations, or to register offline, please contact Ryan Larson event manager, rbpander@vcu.edu or 804-828-0593.