Dissertation Writer's Retreat FAQ
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- 1. Who is eligible?
- Doctoral students who have successfully completed their comprehensive exams; have selected an approved topic; and are currently working with an advisor, chair, or mentor may attend.
- 2. What will I be doing?
- You will be spending most of your time writing in your room or at a comfortable spot you find nearby. You’ll also be able to sign up with writing program faculty for one or more 30-minute conferences, as well as make appointments with a library specialists and research methodologists. Finally, you can attend 90-minute, elective workshops on various topics.
- 3. What’s happening on Friday?
- All the students in the retreat and the faculty will meet from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. for introductions, an orientation to the retreat, goal-setting activities, group assignments, and a reception.
- 4. Do I have to make my own hotel accommodations?
- No. Your room is included in the price of the retreat. We will make hotel accommodations for you. In addition, complimentary in-room Internet will be provided.
- 5. I live in the area. Do I have to stay at the host hotel?
- Yes. Because the purpose of the retreat is to remove you from the stresses of daily life to allow you to concentrate on writing your dissertation, you must stay at the host hotel.
- 6. When and where do I check-in?
- Check-in is on the first day of the retreat at 6:00 p.m. in the “Retreat Club Room” at the hotel. Please refer to the hotel reader board for the exact meeting room name and location. Please note that you will receive the schedule of optional workshops during the orientation for the retreat. At check-in you will receive your name badge, which you will need for meals and any evening activities.
- 7. What should I bring?
- Bring your notes and books, laptop, APA manual and a USB flash drive so that you can take advantage of the print station.
- 8. What should I wear?
- Dress as comfortably as you like. The entire retreat is intended to be low-key, casual, and focused on what you need to make significant progress on your dissertation. We encourage you to consider exercising regularly, so bring whatever gear you need to run, walk, swim, etc. Also, if you want to go out for dinner with fellow writers, you might throw in some business casual clothes for evenings out.
- 9. How do I get to the hotel from the airport?
- Transportation to and from the Dissertation Writer’s Retreat (DWR) is your responsibility. You may find helpful transportation information on the host DWR hotel’s website.
- 10. What meals are provided, and can my guest join me for the meals?
- Capella University will provide a continental breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack on most days of the retreat. There is a light reception on the first evening of the retreat, and on the last day of the retreat there is a continental breakfast. A guest can join you for the meals at a cost of $45 per day per person. If you wish to arrange this, please see an event team member at the events booth.
- 11. How do I cancel?
- To cancel your registration, please complete the Colloquium/Residency Cancellation Form at www.capella.edu/colloquia . If you are unable to attend because of a last-minute emergency or flight cancellation, please obtain documentation of the emergency and fax it to Customer Care at 612.977.5055 to be reviewed for a possible refund.
Schedule of cancellation refunds/fees:
More than 30 days before the retreat: Full refund
7–30 days: $150 fee
0–7 days: No refund
