LTC

Someone wandering through the LTC late in May might have spotted a room full of faculty members sitting at computers in the Forum and not thought much of it.  After all, not a lot seemed to be going on—15 faculty members from disciplines across the curriculum quietly typing on keyboards, reading books, or scratching notes on yellow pads.  However, the LTC visitor would be wrong. Actually, quite a bit was going on.

The faculty were taking part in Writing with Friends, a two-and-a-half day, on-campus writing retreat the LTC sponsors twice a year: at the end of the spring term and during the winter inter-session.  The participants had identified various writing and research projects they hoped to complete (or at least get a good jump on) during the retreat. Some are working on articles or book chapters, others on grant proposals or course material, monographs, fiction, poetry, blogs—whatever projects they chose.  The LTC provides a light breakfast and lunch each day of the retreat and enough coffee to keep everyone alert.

Writing with Friends is just that—an opportunity for faculty to write in the company of supportive peers.  They write for three hours in the morning, break for lunch, then write for three-and-a-half hours in the afternoon.  Participants have the opportunity to meet new colleagues and talk casually with each other about their work during lunch and prior to and after each session.   

Written evaluations of the retreats are uniformly positive.  The faculty appreciate the opportunity to devote time to their writing in a setting that promotes both friendship and accountability.  Many have remarked on the positive energy that fills the room during the writing sessions and the satisfaction they feel with the work they’ve completed at the end of each day.

The call for the winter session of Writing with Friends will come out late in the fall term.  Respond quickly if you are interested—the retreat is limited to 15 participants, and spots fill up in a hurry!