What is DATA?

The Dissertation Article and Thesis Assistance (DATA) program is a semester-long program designed to support graduate students working on a thesis, dissertation, or article for publication. Undergraduates working on an undergraduate thesis are also welcome to apply.

When you participate in DATA, you attend weekly meetings with the same writing consultant at a time worked out between you and the DATA administrator (e.g., Tuesdays at 1 pm). Throughout the semester, you spend time each week independently developing the project, whether by researching, writing, or revising. Depending on where you’re at in your process, you may decide to use your meetings for brainstorming, feedback, accountability, or a combination of the three.

How does it work?

In your first session, sometimes called a DATA zero session, you get to know your consultant, discuss your project, and set goals based on what you’d like to achieve by the end of the semester.

In addition to setting goals, you and the consultant will work out how best to conduct your weekly appointments, whether in person, by email, or via Zoom. You must be available to attend a minimum of 6 sessions, and you should let us know during your initial session which weeks, if any, you cannot attend. Throughout the semester, you and your consultant may update your initial goals based on how you progress.

What is expected of DATA participants?

To help you toward completion of your project, we ask that you follow these ground rules:

• You agree to spend time each week independently developing the project, whether by researching, writing, or revising.
  • If you don't have new material to show your DATA consultant, do not cancel.
  • Instead, use the meeting, which may be brief, to check in with your consultant, who will work with you to adjust your goals as needed.
• If you can no longer attend at the agreed-upon time, notify the DATA administrator. We will work with you to try to find an alternate time, but due to high demand for this program, we cannot guarantee your continued participation in the program.
• DATA is most helpful when meetings happen regularly, i.e., each week or every other week, which is why we have the policies below in place.
  • If you miss 2 appointments without providing notice, you will lose your place in the program. For asynchronous appointments, this means forgetting to upload a document.
  • If you cancel 3 consecutive appointments or can no longer complete a minimum of 6 total sessions, you will lose your place in the program for that semester.
  • If your consultant is unexpectedly unavailable, your session that week will be cancelled. If the cancellation leads to multiple consecutive weeks without a session, the DATA administrator may work with you to reschedule.
• Former DATA participants may reapply for future semesters, but preference will be given to first-time applicants. Returning participants will not be guaranteed the same consultant. 
• To cancel or change a scheduled session type (synchronous to asynchronous, for example), inform your consultant, who will record the change. To make changes outside of a session, you must contact the UWC at least 24 hours in advance of the session.
• You may schedule regular UWC appointments in addition to your DATA appointments for projects outside the scope of your DATA project.

Interested in joining DATA?

Apply by filling out the DATA registration form below. We will send you an email confirming your application and, as soon as we are able, pair you with a consultant. First time applicants to DATA will be given preference in this process. If the program has a waiting list when you apply, we will let you know.

The application for the spring is closed (as of 2/26). Applications submitted now will be considered for the summer semester (beginning on May 27).