Pepperdine GSEP Hosts Dissertation Writing Retreat in Malibu
Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) welcomed doctoral students to its annual Waves of Progress Dissertation Writing Retreat, held June 11–14 at the Malibu Drescher Campus. Sponsored by GSEP Student Services and Writing Support, the retreat provided dedicated time, personalized academic support, and a collaborative environment to help students make meaningful progress toward one of the most significant milestones in their doctoral journey.
Sixteen doctoral students participated in the four-day retreat, including several returning participants who had attended previous retreats. Together, they took advantage of uninterrupted writing time, individualized consultations, and wellness programming designed to support both academic productivity and personal well-being.
Throughout the retreat, students had access to a variety of resources tailored to the dissertation process. Paula Thompson, Director of Dissertation Success, met virtually with students for dissertation coaching sessions, while Gabrielle Riter, Head Librarian at the West Los Angeles Graduate Campus, led library consultation sessions to strengthen students’ research strategies. Former GSEP Writing Support Director Gina Meister facilitated a mindfulness meditation session on Friday, encouraging students to pause, recharge, and approach their writing with renewed focus. Over the weekend, a number of students also participated in the Pomodoro Technique, a time-management writing method aimed at enhancing focus and productivity, led by Writing Support Specialist Suha Wazni. Writing was divided into timed intervals with short breaks in repeated cycles. Students also met individually with Carlos Jimenez, Assistant Director of Writing Support, along with Writing Support Specialists Suha Wazni and Kate Sachs, for personalized writing consultations throughout the weekend. Additional support was provided by Jane Tucker and Michelle Blas, who helped facilitate the retreat and ensure a welcoming and productive experience for participants.
The retreat also connected current students with GSEP alumni who shared insights from their own dissertation experiences. Alumni panelists Julia Zukin (PsyD ’24) and Megan Benton (PsyD ’23) joined virtually, while Anna Kim (PhD ’25) and Chidimma Abuka (PhD ’25) participated in person, offering encouragement and practical advice to students navigating the final stages of their doctoral programs.
Participants described the retreat as both productive and inspiring. Students highlighted the dedicated writing time, individualized consultations, and opportunity to experience Pepperdine’s Malibu campus as some of the weekend’s most valuable aspects. One participant reflected on returning to the retreat a year after beginning their dissertation and reading through the final chapters they hope to submit for their defense, calling the experience “beautiful.” Another shared appreciation for the supportive environment that allowed them to move through their writing journey with confidence while taking full advantage of the available academic resources.
Other participants emphasized the value of writing alongside peers and receiving personalized guidance throughout the weekend. One student shared that the retreat helped them stay focused and productive, noting that working in a group created a sense of accountability and provided opportunities to exchange ideas. Another participant appreciated having writing consultations to brainstorm through challenges while also getting to know the Writing Support team.