UVA Faculty Writing Support
The School of Medicine helps faculty to build a sustainable writing practice, develop supportive communities of writers and scholars, and advance their scholarship. Led by Dr. Monique Dufour, Director of Faculty Development, programs include:
- Writing Retreats. Immerse yourself in your writing among supportive colleagues and learn skills to build a sustainable writing practice after the retreat ends. See the current calendar of events (below) for current offerings
- Writing Accountability Group (WAG) Program. Registration for the Fall 2026 program is open from August 21-September 11. Fall groups start the week of September 28. Get matched with a group and write together for the 10-week session. Learn more and register.
Resources
Past Session Events/Workshops
SOM Faculty Writing Retreat: Kickoff Your Summer of Writing
Monday, June 8
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Guest House at Morven Farm
Facilitated by Dr. Monique Dufour, Director of Faculty Development in the School of Medicine.
Let’s kick off the summer with a day of writing. We are hosting a small, one-day faculty writing retreat on Monday, June 8 from 9:00am-4:00pm at the Guest House at Morven Farm.
Registration is limited to the first 18 people. As a UVA writing retreat alumni, you have early access to this retreat. Please register here.
As always, you’ll have lots of time to write among supportive colleagues. We will also have short workshops to support your sustainable writing practice after the retreat ends, and make some plans to meet your summer goals.
https://med.virginia.edu/faculty-affairs/development/writing-support/
UVA Faculty Writing Retreat
Tuesday, June 23 – Thursday, June 25
9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Morven Farm
Registration is open until the retreat is full.
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 across grounds of all types and ranks are welcome.
https://virginia.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aWP1Ns5PrvyjpOK
Writing the Personal Statement
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Time: 12:10 noon–1:10 pm
Location: Virtual
Facilitated by Dr. Monique Dufour, Director of Faculty Development, School of Medicine.
Description/Learning Objectives: Start where you are, make progress on your draft, and leave with a plan for writing a statement with impact. In this hands-on workshop with experienced writing coach Dr. Monique Dufour, you will learn what makes for successful personal statements and how to apply them to your own. Whether you’re just getting started, have a complete draft, or are in a messy middle, you can expect to feel more confident and to have some momentum on writing this important element of your promotion and tenure portfolio. By the end of this learning activity, participants will be able to:
- Describe the required elements of an effective personal statement.
- Identify the relevant performance criteria for your case and assemble strong evidence that meets the criteria.
- Evaluate your personal statement draft using criteria for statements that make effective cases that align with performance criteria.
- Draft parts of your statement that demonstrate key features of your case.
- Make a plan for completing the statement and getting useful feedback to revise and polish.
Please bring your cv, personal statement drafts (in any state—can even be in notes form), and any other portfolio materials you’ve assembled. Note that you will not be required to share your statement draft. (1.0 CME credit)
Clinician Scientist Writing Retreat
March 31, 2026
Morven Farm
8:30-4:00pm
Led by Dr. Monique Dufour, Director of Faculty Development, School of Medicine.
Sponsored by the Office of Faculty Affairs and Development.
For clinician-scientist faculty only. This specialized retreat is designed to help build community among clinician scientists across SOM and to develop writing support for their unique needs.
Spend a day immersed in your writing among fellow clinician scientists at beautiful Morven Farm. Make progress on your work, connect with colleagues, and learn how to build a sustainable writing practice once the retreat ends. The day includes focused writing sessions, short workshops, and opportunities to build community among clinician scientists at the UVA School of Medicine.
- To sign up, please complete this survey.
- All UVA faculty members who consider themselves clinician scientists are welcome.
- Morning coffee, lunch, and coffee breaks are provided.
- Enrollment is limited and will close when the retreat is full. Register early to reserve your place.
Questions? Please contact Dr. Monique Dufour at qde4wb@uvahealth.org
- 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.
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
8:30am-4:00pm
Morven Farm
Registration open until October 31 or until retreat is full. Upon registering, watch your email for retreat details.
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 attend. 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.
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.
- 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.
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