Space, time, & collegial support for academic writing — May 12–16, 2025

Have you been waiting all school year to make serious progress on your book manuscript, article, or grant application? Jumpstart your summer writing project at the Obermann End-of-Year Writing Retreat May 12–16, 2025!

Fifteen participants will enjoy a week of quiet productivity apart from the distractions of campus at the beautiful North Ridge Pavilion in Coralville. Daily catered lunches will provide an opportunity for exchange and discussion with other writers across campus. Each day will include structured blocks for writing, breaks, and small-group "creative moments and check-ins."  

Organizers: Luis Martín-Estudillo, Director of the Obermann Center, and Lauren Cox, Associate Director of the Obermann Center. Additional facilitators will be announced in early 2025.

This program is funded by the P3 Writing for the Public Good Initiative.

Eligibility & application

• The retreat is open to University of Iowa artists, scholars, and researchers working on any kind of writing project (e.g., academic articles/essays, fellowship or grant applications, book projects, edited volumes, nonfiction).
• 15 participants will be accepted by competitive application. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. March 14, 2025. 
• Participants must commit to attending the retreat from 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. from Monday, May 12 to Friday, May 16.
• UI faculty, graduate students, undergraduates, and staff working on writing projects are welcome to apply.

The venue

North Ridge Pavilion is a 1,700 square-foot, all-season event venue at 2250 Holiday Road in Coralville, Iowa (map), featuring a large great room, fireplace, kitchen, accessible restrooms, free wifi, and a veranda overlooking a park and fishing pond. Free parking is available at the pavilion.