Attention: Faculty, Extension and Academic Staff, Post-Docs, and Graduate Students
Thursday, October 16—Friday, October 17, 2025
Embassy Suites by Hilton
Grand Rapids Downtown
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 them for this supportive writing retreat.
Bring your public/practitioner pieces, journal articles, books, curricula, theses and dissertations, grants, conference papers, or other important pieces that could use your writing attention in a supportive community of 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 yourself 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 p.m.
- Dinner: Group plans will begin around 6:00 p.m.
Friday, October 17
We’ll continue with optional workshops, consultations, and peer feedback sessions.
- Wrap-up session: 3:30 p.m.
Consultants from The Writing Center and University Outreach and Engagement will be available both days for informal conversations and more structured feedback.
Location:
This two-day writing retreat will be held at the 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.
Cost:
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 coffee maker for those who prefer to bring their own meals or snacks.
- MSU participants: $395
- Non-MSU participants: $475
- Optional Wednesday night stay: $195
- Day rate (no overnights, attendance Thursday and 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 registration form. There is no need to make separate arrangements with the hotel.
Refund Policy:
- Send a substitute: You may substitute a colleague at any time with no charge or penalty; but please notify Julie Crowgey at crowgeyj@msu.edu or 517-884-1407, so that we may make appropriate arrangements about workshop materials and meal preferences.
- Ask for a refund: You may cancel your registration and receive a full refund if you notify us by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 26, 2025. Cancellations made between September 27 and October 2, 2025, will receive a 50% refund. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer refunds for cancellations made after October 2, 2025, due to hotel and meal commitments. To request a cancellation, please email Julie Crowgey at crowgeyj@msu.edu. All requests must be submitted in writing.
- No-shows: Participants who have registered and fail to attend the writing retreat will be liable for the entire conference fee. No refunds will be issued.
Sponsored by: University Outreach and Engagement; The Writing Center; The Graduate School
