UVA Faculty Writing Support
The School of Medicine helps faculty to build a sustainable writing practice and advance their scholarship. Led by Dr. Monique Dufour, Director of Faculty Development, programs include:
- Writing Retreats at Morven Farm. Immerse yourself in your writing among supportive colleagues and learn skills to use in your writing practice after the retreat ends. We offer full-day writing retreats for SOM faculty as well as multi-day retreats for all UVA faculty. See the current calendar of events (below) for current offerings
- Mini Writing Retreats. Three-hour hybrid mini-retreats on grounds. Put writing on your schedule and write in a supportive community. See the current calendar of events (below) for current offerings.
- Writing Accountability Group (WAG) Program. Registration for the Fall 2025 program is open from September 19-September 30. Get matched with a group and write together for the 8-week session. Learn more and register.
Resources
Fall 2025 Session Events/Workshops
- Thursday, 9/25, 1:00-4:00pm
- Monday, 10/20, 9:00am-noon
- Tuesday, 11/18, 9:00am-noon
- Wednesday, 12/10, 1:00-4:00pm
Hybrid: Join in person at the Center for Faculty Wellbeing and Development and online via Zoom. Registration required.
Put writing on your calendar, make progress on your work, and meet colleagues from across campus.
Facilitated by Dr. Monique Dufour, the mini-retreat features three 50-minute writing sessions with 10- minute breaks.
FALL 2025 SOM Writing Accountability Group Program. Deadline: September 30, 2025.
This fall, the Office of Faculty Affairs and Development is hosting a Writing Accountability Group Program for SOM faculty of all tracks and ranks.
Registration for the Fall 2025 session is open from September 19-September 30. Writing groups meet weekly for 8 weeks, October 13-December 19.
Learn more and apply here.
- Thursday, 9/25, 1:00-4:00pm
- Monday, 10/20, 9:00am-noon
- Tuesday, 11/18, 9:00am-noon
- Wednesday, 12/10, 1:00-noon
Hybrid: Join in person at the Center for Faculty Wellbeing and Development and online via Zoom. Registration required.
Put writing on your calendar, make progress on your work, and meet colleagues from across campus.
Facilitated by Dr. Monique Dufour, the mini-retreat features three 50-minute writing sessions with 10- minute breaks.
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
8:30am-4:00pm
Morven Farm
Application deadline: Friday, October 10, 2025.
Notifications of application status sent via email Friday, October 15, 2025.
Facilitated by Dr. Monique Dufour, Director of Faculty Development, School of Medicine
Apply here.
Spend a day immersed in your writing at beautiful Morven Farm. Make progress on your work, connect with other writers, and learn tips for building a sustainable writing practice once the retreat ends. The day includes focused writing sessions, short workshops, and opportunities to meet fellow writers and learn about one another’s work.
- Participants are asked to commit to attending the full day (9:00am-4:00pm).
- UVA School of Medicine faculty members of all types and ranks are welcome.
- Light breakfast, lunch, and coffee breaks are provided.
FAQs
Q. Am I required to work on a particular type of writing project?
A. Please work on whatever you think is important and merits your attention. Retreat participants work on a wide range of genres, including (but not limited to):
- grants, articles, and books
- teaching materials and letters of recommendation
- P&T dossier materials and awards applications
- white papers, posters, abstracts, and lectures
Q. Will I receive feedback on my writing?
A. No. This retreat gives you time to focus on your own work in community, along with short workshops to help you to keep the writing going after the retreat is over.
Q. I can’t make it in August. Will there be other retreats?
A. Yes, in the upcoming academic year, we will offer additional support for faculty as writers, including writing groups, workshops, and retreats. Please watch for announcements.
Q. I’ve never been to a retreat before. Will it be worth my time?
A. If you are seeking time and space to write among your colleagues, and if you want some tips for gaining momentum on your work in your busy work life, please join us.
Questions?
Contact Dr. Monique Dufour
- Thursday, 9/25, 1:00-4:00pm
- Monday, 10/20, 9:00am-noon
- Tuesday, 11/18, 9:00am-noon
- Wednesday, 12/10, 1:00-noon
Hybrid: Join in person at the Center for Faculty Wellbeing and Development and online via Zoom. Registration required.
Put writing on your calendar, make progress on your work, and meet colleagues from across campus.
- Thursday, 9/25, 1:00-4:00pm
- Monday, 10/20, 9:00am-noon
- Tuesday, 11/18, 9:00am-noon
- Wednesday, 12/10, 1:00-noon
Hybrid: Join in person at the Center for Faculty Wellbeing and Development and online via Zoom. Registration required.
Put writing on your calendar, make progress on your work, and meet colleagues from across campus.
Past Session Events/Workshops
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
8:30am-4:00pm
Morven Farm
Facilitated by Dr. Monique Dufour, Director of Faculty Development, School of Medicine
Registration required: register here.
Spend a day immersed in your writing at beautiful Morven Farm. Make progress on your work, connect with other writers, and learn tips for building a sustainable writing practice once the retreat ends. The day includes focused writing sessions, short workshops, and opportunities to meet fellow writers and learn about one another’s work.
The roster has reached the maximum amount of registrants. Please contact Ashley Ayers to be added to the wait list.
- Participants are asked to commit to attending the full day (9:00am-4:00pm).
- UVA School of Medicine faculty members of all types and ranks are welcome.
- Light breakfast, lunch, and coffee breaks are provided.
FAQs
Q. Am I required to work on a particular type of writing project?
A. Please work on whatever you think is important and merits your attention. Retreat participants work on a wide range of genres, including (but not limited to):
- grants, articles, and books
- teaching materials and letters of recommendation
- P&T dossier materials and awards applications
- white papers, posters, abstracts, and lectures
Q. Will I receive feedback on my writing?
A. No. This retreat gives you time to focus on your own work in community, along with short workshops to help you to keep the writing going after the retreat is over.
Q. I can’t make it in August. Will there be other retreats?
A. Yes, in the upcoming academic year, we will offer additional support for faculty as writers, including writing groups, workshops, and retreats. Please watch for announcements.
Q. I’ve never been to a retreat before. Will it be worth my time?
A. If you are seeking time and space to write among your colleagues, and if you want some tips for gaining momentum on your work in your busy work life, please join us.
Questions?
Contact Dr. Monique Dufour
Monday, June 23, Tuesday, June 24, and, Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Participants are asked to commit to attending all three days.
9:30am – 4:00 pm
Location: Morven Farm
Enrollment is now full, but we encourage you to register for the waiting list, as seats do open and it helps us gauge interest for future retreats.
Facilitated by Dr. Monique Dufour, Director of Faculty Development in the School of Medicine.
Sponsored by the Center for Faculty Wellbeing and Development.
Join UVA faculty writers as we connect with our projects and learn how to build a sustainable writing practice once the retreat is over. Each day includes focused writing sessions, short workshops, and opportunities to meet one another and learn about one another’s work.
UVA faculty members of all types and ranks are welcome.
Tuesdays, 11:00am-1:00pm
Spring Session: February 11-May 13, 2025
Location: Virtual or In person at the UVA Center for Faculty Wellbeing and Development on the Corner at 3 Elliewood Ave, 2nd Floor
Join for any part of the session as you are able.
Registration required: register here.
Hosted by Dr. Monique Dufour, School of Medicine, and Dr. Jennie Knight, Director of the Center for Faculty Wellbeing and Development, Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost.
UVA faculty and staff are invited to write together each Tuesday from 11:00-1:00.
Your work matters. Let’s help each other:
- Achieve some focus amid stress and competing commitments.
- Dedicate time to our writing.
- Make progress on our projects.
- Learn strategies for strengthening concentration, gaining momentum, and building a
sustainable writing practice. - Work in a supportive community of fellow writers.
Session Format
Join for any part of the session as you are able.
11:00-11:05 Share what we’re working on and session goals.
11:05-11:50 Focused Writing Session
11:50-11:55 Share what we accomplished and celebrate.
11:55-12:00 Break
12:00-12:05 Set session goals.
12:05-12:50 Focused Writing Session
12:50-12:55 Quick plan for next writing session.
12:55-1:00 Share what we accomplished and celebrate.
Who can participate?
All UVA faculty and staff are welcome.
Do I need to attend the whole time, or can I drop in?
You are welcome to join us as your schedule permits. Drop in and leave as works for your schedule.
Will I get feedback on my writing?
This is a show-up-and-write writing group: we write alongside one another, but do not share work
or provide feedback.
Do I need to register separately for each Tuesday session?
No. Register only once for access to all spring UVA Writes sessions. Attend as you are able.
Questions?
Contact Dr. Monique Dufour