Graduate Student Support

Book an appointment with a graduate support consultant for one-on-one help with academic writing, research, grant applications, dissertation writing, and more.

Want to make real progress, while supported by a distraction free atmosphere and an expert writing coach who will help you move through any specific writing blocks?

Join the GSS Coffee and Writing group for weekly distraction-free writing time and space. Turn off your phones and notifications for 3 hours and join us for coffee and silent graduate writing sessions. Meet other graduate students looking to make progress in their writing too. 

For Spring/Summer 2025, Coffee and Writing will be offered as a hybrid format. Come to SLC 452 if you are on campus or join via Zoom! Sessions run weekly on Wednesdays starting on May 7 to August 20, 2025.

We offer interactive workshops on a variety of graduate-focused writing topics, designed to help you become more familiar with the essential skills necessary for academic success in graduate school, and invite you to interact with your peers.  Each workshop consists of two parts (50-minutes each) offered in tandem: a) Instructional (Theory) and b) Peer-review (Practice).

You can register for the workshops here by selecting “Graduate Student Support” and then “Workshops”. Workshops are offered during the fall and winter semesters and as in-class presentations upon request. 

Feeling stuck in the writing process for your PhD dissertation or Master's MRP? Meet with a dissertation coach to develop writing strategies, set up an accountability system, and receive direction and feedback on your process, approach, or the structure of your dissertation

How it works:

•  (google form) Submit a request for a 50 minute 1-on-1 appointment with a dissertation/MRP coach (external link, opens in new window) 
• The initial appointment will include an informal needs assessment and goal setting
• Subsequent sessions will focus on the progression of your goals and providing feedback unique to your writing needs

What we can help with:

• Identifying and setting goals
• Establishing good work habits and setting up an accountability system
• Developing a strategy and a realistic writing schedule
• Preparing for defences 
• Building resilience and overcoming imposter syndrome or writer’s block
• Finding a clear direction when you feel stuck
• Learning effective writing and research strategies
• Organizing your writing process 
• Learning ways to monitor your progress
• Demystifying aspects of the grad school journey 
• And more!

Thursday April 3, 2025 from 11am-3pm (hybrid)

TMU graduate students, let’s spend the day writing together!

Writing doesn't need to be so daunting. Building community can help. This Graduate Write-a-thon is our chance to get down to writing, together. 

Whether you’re writing a paper, editing a proposal, or revising a thesis, we invite you to join us for intensive writing time, individual support, and camaraderie!

Immerse yourself in your work in a quiet, virtual distraction-free setting. Enjoy dedicated writing space and time, individual support, and a community of peers committed to the same goal.

Bring your work, and we will provide a structure and support, as well as lunch, coffee, and snacks.

GSS Summer Writing Camp 2025 Announcement 

Wednesday June 18, 2025 to Friday June 20th, 2025 from 10am to 4pm each day (Hybrid) 

TMU graduate students, are you looking to make progress on your proposal, MRP,  thesis or dissertation? Or are you looking for dedicated writing time and/or space this summer to get some writing or work done? 

Join our 3-day Summer Writing Camp in June 2025! Graduate Student Support (GSS) is holding time and space for grad students to write and meet one another. 

The GSS Summer Writing Camp will facilitate focused writing time and structure in combination with connecting graduate students across programs and disciplinary fields.  We will also be offering writing support and activities during extended lunch times as part of camp programming.  Whether you’re writing a paper, editing a proposal, or revising a thesis/dissertation, we invite you to join us for dedicated  writing time, individual support, and camaraderie across three days!  

Come for one day, or all three days, online and/or in-person!  Bring your work, and we will provide a structure and support, as well as lunch, coffee, and snacks. 

General Agenda for each day

• Morning Writing Session (1.5 - 2hrs) 
• Lunch (2 hrs):  Each day will have an activity, like arts and craft or board games, for in-person participants. You're also welcome to go for a walk or step away from your computer during lunch break.  
• Afternoon Writing session (1.5-2hrs)

All TMU graduate students are invited to participate.  

Details: 

In-Person Location: Interdisciplinary Graduate Space, 7th Floor, Daphne Cockwell Complex (DCC) (external link) 

Online: Zoom (link will be sent one week before the start of the GSS Summer Writing Camp)