Come Write With Us!

We’ve reserved two days in October in downtown Grand Rapids to step away from the demands of work and home, and focus on writing together.

University Outreach and Engagement and The Writing Center invite MSU and Non-MSU faculty, Extension and academic staff, post-docs, and graduate students to join us for this supportive writing retreat.

Bring whatever you’re working on: public or practitioner pieces, journal articles, book projects, curricula, theses or dissertations, grant proposals, or conference paper. Anything that deserves your focused writing time in a community of engaged writers.

Expectations:

Participants are expected to arrive with a writing project (or multiple projects) in mind, along with a laptop, power cord, and any other necessary writing materials.

To make the most of this dedicated time, we encourage you to protect your writing hours as much as possible. Past participants have found success by clearing their schedules, setting out-of-office email replies, and informing colleagues they will be unavailable during the retreat.

You’ll gain the greatest benefit from this experience by fully immersing yourself! Free from other meetings or obligations during these two valuable days.

Schedule:

Thursday, October 16
The retreat will begin with a welcome session, an overview of retreat options, and an opportunity for participants to share their writing goals. Throughout the day, optional topical workshops, one-on-one consultations, and peer feedback sessions will be available.

• Lunch: 12:00 PM
• Dinner: Group plans will begin around 6:00 PM

Friday, October 17
We’ll continue with optional workshops, consultations, and peer feedback sessions.

• Wrap-up session: 3:30 PM

Consultants from The Writing Center and University Outreach and Engagement will be available both days for informal conversations and more structured feedback.

Location: 

The two-day writing retreat will take place at Embassy Suites Grand Rapids Downtown (710 Monroe Ave NW). Situated along the Grand River, the hotel offers a relaxing and inspiring setting with amenities including an indoor pool, fitness center, and indoor/outdoor hot tub.

Just steps from a scenic walking and biking path, as well as nearby coffee shops and brewpubs, the hotel provides an ideal urban retreat. Its spacious balconies, terraces, and light-filled common areas create a welcoming environment perfect for focused writing and creative reflection.

Costs:

The standard registration fee for both MSU and Non-MSU participants includes:

• Hotel accommodations for the night of October 16
• Breakfast, lunch, and snacks on October 16 and 17
• All retreat materials and consultations

Please note: Dinner on October 16 is on your own. We will provide recommendations for local restaurants in Grand Rapids, including options for small group dining. Each room includes a mini-fridge, microwave, and coffeemaker for those who prefer to bring their own meals or snacks.

Registration Fees:

• Standard MSU participants: $395
• Standard Non-MSU participants: $475
• Optional Wednesday night stay: $195
• Day rate (no overnights, attendance Thursday & Friday): $250

If you choose the optional Wednesday night stay on October 15, an informal welcome reception will be held that evening.

To add this option, simply check both the standard registration fee and the Wednesday night stay boxes on the form below, there is no need to make separate arrangements with the hotel.

Sponsored by: University Outreach and Engagement; The Writing Center; The Graduate School