We offer free, non-credit workshops for undergrads, graduate and professional students, instructors, faculty, academic staff, and members of the Madison community. Workshops make it easy to learn and practice new and different approaches to writing—for a variety of writing situations. Browse our listings below and sign up.
View upcoming workshops in calendar view and other current events for the Writing Center on the UW-Madison Events calendar.
Workshops for
Undergraduates
Designing and Composing Effective Research Posters (for Undergrads)
If you need to create a research poster, this workshop is for you! This new workshop will be presented in partnership with UW-Madison’s DesignLab. In it, you’ll discover how to create a research poster that clearly communicates its message through both written composition and captivating design. You’ll be introduced to basic design concepts, learn about the fundamental components of strong research posters, and analyze sample posters. By the end of this workshop, you’ll have the tools necessary to craft a poster that clearly conveys your research and appeals to your audience.
Register!
Monday, March 27
4-5:30 p.m. in-person Helen C White Hall Room 6162 and online
How to Email Like a Professional
Want to demonstrate your good “communication skills” to a potential employer? Need to request an extension or letter of recommendation from a professor? Interested in learning how to express your ideas concisely to peers, supervisors, and instructors? In this workshop, we’ll talk about how to compose professionally effective emails. Along the way, we’ll have fun looking at examples of what not to do, and we’ll address your specific questions, scenarios, and concerns.
Register!
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
2-3:30 p.m. online
Application Essays and Statements for Graduate School
This workshop is for students applying to Masters or PhD programs in any department. We’ll explore principles for writing compelling application essays, share tips for highlighting your previous experiences, and look at example statements from a variety of disciplines.
Register!
Friday, April 21, 2023
12-1 p.m. online
Peace Corps Application/Reapplication Workshop: Writing the Résumé and Motivation Statement
Co-led by a Writing Center instructor and Peace Corps recruiter, this workshop will walk you through the Peace Corps application process, briefly discuss the expectations of a federal résumé, and help you draw on your experiences to write an effective Peace Corps motivation statement.
Registration opening soon!
Monday, April 24, 2023
1-2:30 p.m. online
A Writer’s Retreat
Participating in a Writer’s Retreat will help you get some dedicated writing time scheduled on your calendar. Our retreats provide a layer of intention and focus on your writing, all in the company of your peers across campus. Retreat participants will engage in brief goal-setting exercises followed by time to write, with Writing Center staff on hand for consultation.
Register!
Friday, April 7, 2023
9 a.m.-1 p.m. in-person, Helen C White Hall Room 6172
Register!
Thursday, April 27, 2023
5:30-8:30 p.m. in-person, Helen C White Hall Room 6191
Register!
Friday, April 28, 2023
1-4 p.m. online
Graduate & Professional Students
Rescheduled!
Writing Literature Reviews of Published Research
Literature reviews are required for courses, as parts of research proposals and grant proposals, and more. This workshop will help prepare you to write this common and important part of research projects. Join us as we discuss the purpose and expectations of the literature review, how to organize themes from your research, how to make an argument in your literature review, and peruse samples from various disciplines. We’ll talk about each step of the literature review process, from searching for sources, outlining, and polishing your final draft.
Register!
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
1-2 p.m. in-person Helen C White Hall Room 7191
Workshop canceled and will be rescheduled. Date and time to be confirmed!
A Writer’s Retreat for Graduate Students
Participating in a Writer’s Retreat will help you get some dedicated writing time scheduled on your calendar. Our retreats provide a layer of intention and focus on your writing, all in the company of your peers across campus. Retreat participants will engage in brief goal-setting exercises followed by time to write, with Writing Center staff on hand for consultation.
Register!
Friday, April 21, 2023
9 a.m. – 1 p.m., In-Person – Eagle Heights Community Center
Writing Your Way to a Fulbright: The Application Essays
Are you a current UW-Madison undergrad or graduate student and thinking about applying for a Fulbright US Student Program award? In this workshop, you’ll learn about the requirements for the two essays, analyze successful samples from past applicants, and have a chance to ask questions about the essays. This workshop could be useful for people in any stage of the Fulbright application process, from those considering whether or not to apply to those who have final(ish) drafts of their essays.
Register! New Date!
Friday, April 21, 2023
12:15 – 1:45 p.m., In-Person, Helen C White Hall, Room 6191
Peace Corps Application/Reapplication Workshop: Writing the Résumé and Motivation Statement
Co-led by a Writing Center instructor and Peace Corps recruiter, this workshop will walk you through the Peace Corps application process, briefly discuss the expectations of a federal résumé, and help you draw on your experiences to write an effective Peace Corps motivation statement.
Registration opening soon!
Monday, April 24, 2023
1-2:30 p.m. online
Upcoming Workshops
Writing with Scrivener: Software to Keep Your Long Projects Organized (virtual)
Are you working on a large writing project? You’re not alone if you struggle to keep your sources, notes, and drafts organized. In this workshop, co-taught by the Writing Center and DoIT, you will get training in Scrivener software and explore ways it can facilitate your thinking and writing.
Rescheduled from April 21! New Date and time to be confirmed!
Asynchronous Workshops
Asynchronous Workshops
Asynchronous workshops are a great way to actively learn and practice your skills at your own pace. The Writing Center currently offers two Asynchronous Workshops. Access them at any time at the links below.
Access Online Workshop Content on Kaltura
Materials from select workshops are available on our Kaltura Channel, available here:
Are you looking for workshops that you don't see in our listings?
Workshops for Faculty & Instructors
The Writing Across the Curriculum Program offers workshops for all levels of instructors, across all subject areas. We welcome new faculty members, long-time faculty members, and current teaching assistants at these workshops. [link to the For Instructors/Workshops page]
Request a New Workshop
Is there a workshop you’d like to see the Writing Center offer? Please send your request to reception@writing.wisc.edu.
Workshops Available Upon Request
Are you a faculty member, instructor, or program coordinator looking for a workshop for your class or group? Request a workshop or other types of class visits.