grad rebel boot camp

Grad Rebel Writing Boot Camp

Do you need help jumpstarting a thesis/ dissertation proposal, thesis, dissertation, professional paper, or publication? Are you stuck on how to create an outline? Are you interested in learning about how to avoid plagiarism, how to build the literature review, and what resources are available to help you format your citations? Would you like to become better at time management and meeting goals/ deadlines that you set for yourself?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, then we invite you to apply for the Grad Rebel Writing Boot Camp, which takes place from Monday, January 9, 2023 to Friday, January 13, 2023. The Grad Rebel Writing Boot Camp is a week-long program that provides graduate students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become more efficient and successful writers. It also provides students with the opportunity to learn about the different types of writing groups as well as how to successfully start and maintain their own writing group. The program is a collaborative effort between the Graduate College, UNLV Libraries, and UNLV Writing Center.

We are now accepting applications for the January 2023 Grad Rebel Writing Boot Camp session. The deadline to submit an application is Friday, December 23, 2022.

Program Schedule

Students will be expected to check-in promptly by 9 a.m. via WebEx. Each day concludes by 4 p.m. Throughout the week, there will be different guest speakers, workshops on various topics, as well as fun activities (e.g., yoga as stress management). In addition, students will typically write for 3-4 hours each day. Students will also have the opportunity to set-up a one-on-one appointment with their subject librarian and a one-on-one consultation with a Writing Center consultant.

Examples of the topics covered by the guest speakers and workshops include:

  •         Help with creating the outline
  •         Avoiding plagiarism
  •         Tips and strategies for conducting the literature review
  •         Time management strategies and tips for staying organized
  •         Tips for starting and sustaining a writing group after boot camp

Eligibility Requirements

Any enrolled masters or doctoral student who is in good academic standing in a graduate degree program and who is actively working on a thesis/ dissertation proposal, thesis, dissertation, professional paper, or publication is eligible to participate in the Grad Rebel Writing Boot Camp.

Application Process

The January 2023 Grad Rebel Writing Boot Camp Application can be found on The Grad Rebel Gateway. Please log in to the Grad Rebel Gateway and click on The Grad Academy tab to apply.

The deadline to submit an application is Friday, December 23, 2022.

Program Benefits

The Grad Rebel Writing Boot Camp provides you with the tips and strategies to become a more efficient, successful, and confident writer. In addition, students will also learn how to start and maintain their own writing groups at the completion of this program. Finally, participants who successfully complete all program requirements, including the week-long Boot Camp and three follow-up writing sessions during the fall semester, and submit their FAFSA or Alternate Need Determination form, will be awarded a $100 program scholarship.

Requirements & Policies

  • Students must apply and be admitted before they can begin participating in the program.
  • Once accepted into the program, students must be actively working on a thesis/ dissertation proposal, thesis, dissertation, professional paper, or publication.
  • Students must be able to participate in the program for the full week. This includes logging into WebEx on time each day (by 9 a.m.) and staying for the full day (day ends at 4 p.m.).
  • Students must also be actively engaged in all activities associated with the Grad Rebel Writing Boot Camp.
  • Students must fill out all Qualtrics surveys associated with the Grad Rebel Writing Boot Camp, including a program follow-up survey which is sent out a semester after the Writing Boot Camp session.
  • The Grad Rebel Writing Boot Camp does not carry academic credit and does not appear on student transcripts. Similarly, any workshops associated with this program do not carry academic credit and do not appear on student transcripts.
  • If a student is chosen for the program, there is typically a $100 application fee. Students either bring in a check or cash to the Graduate College Welcome Center (GTW 200). However, if the student completes the program, the cash/check will be returned to the student at the Graduation Ceremony. Due to circumstances surrounding COVID-19, we will not be requiring the application fee.
  • If a student is not in good standing in their degree program, or if they create any problems as a participant in the Grad Rebel Writing Boot Camp, they may be removed from the program at the discretion of the Graduate College Dean.
  • After the Writing Boot Camp, students must also participate in three follow-up writing sessions during the semester.

Follow-up Writing Sessions

August 2022 Writing Boot Camp Participants

As part of the Grad Rebel Writing Boot Camp requirements, participants must also attend at least one follow-up writing session a month during September, October, and November (for a total of 3 sessions). Below are the dates for the sessions:

  • Wednesday, September 7, 2022, 5:00-6:30 p.m., Virtual
  • Friday, September 23, 2022, 12-1:30 p.m., Virtual
  • Wednesday, October 5, 2022, 5-6:30 p.m., Virtual
  • Friday, October 14, 2022, 12-1:30 p.m., Virtual
  • Wednesday, November 9, 2022, 5-6:30 p.m., Virtual
  • Friday, November 18, 2022, 12-1:30 p.m., Virtual

January 2023 Writing Boot Camp Participants

As part of the Grad Rebel Writing Boot Camp requirements, participants must also attend at least one follow-up writing session a month during February, March, and April (for a total of 3 sessions). Below are the dates for the sessions:

  • Wednesday, February 8, 5-6:30 p.m., Virtual
  • Friday, February 17, 12-1:30 p.m., Virtual
  • Wednesday, March 1, 5-6:30 p.m. Virtual
  • Friday, March 24, 12-1:30 p.m., Virtual
  • Wednesday, April 5, 5-6:30 p.m., Virtual
  • Friday, April 14, 12-1:30 p.m., Virtual

Past Cohorts