Amid a demanding schedule, faculty at the University of Pittsburgh often struggle to find blocks of time to devote solely to research. This is particularly true for faculty members who make keeping commitments to others, such as meetings and service work, a priority. They may find it difficult to prioritize keeping the commitments they have made to themselves — and sometimes finding time for research becomes an afterthought.

In an effort to address this difficult challenge, the Office of the Provost launched a pilot program in 2017 aimed at developing researchers’ writing groups. This pilot program was part of IDEAL-N, a larger initiative to support the professional development and career progression of Pitt faculty. IDEAL-N is led by Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, Development, and Diversity Laurie Kirsch; Associate Professor Kristin Kanthak, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences; and Professor Anne Robertson, Swanson School of Engineering. More information about the IDEAL-N initiative is available online.

With sponsorship from the Office of the Provost, the Center for Communication in the University Center for Teaching and Learning is now continuing this program in the spring 2019 term. This voluntary writing program is open to all faculty. The program will provide a space for interested faculty to meet weekly for two-hour blocks that would be dedicated solely to research endeavors. The hope is that the writing groups will carve out time in researchers’ busy schedules for writing, and provide external accountability for those who find they need it.

About the session blocks

Interested faculty members will be assigned a time and a place to meet with their group to write. (Rooms will be reserved on the Pittsburgh campus, but other locations will be accommodated.) Groups will consist of up to 10 faculty members from around the University, and will meet initially for one term, although the groups may continue based on interest. The first few minutes of the group time will consist of group members updating each other on their research projects, but the majority of the time will be dedicated to working independently on one’s own research.

If you choose to participate, you will be asked to make a commitment to attend as many of the two-hour sessions as possible throughout the term.

How to participate

For more information  or to sign up to be part of a researchers’ writing group, contact Tahirah Walker at tjw88@pitt.edu or 624-6592. The deadline to indicate interest in participating in the program is Feb. 27, 2019.