
Third Spaces Writing Collaboratives
Sociologist Ray Oldenburg used the term “third space” to refer to those places away from home and work that are neutral and non-hierarchical. Homi K. Bhabha argued that third spaces allow the marginalized to imagine liberation. The Faculty Diversity Writing Program embraces the idea of “third spaces” as a means of cultivating physical, mental, and institutional space to discuss shared challenges and aspirations, and to advance our professional and personal goals.
The Third Spaces Writing Program offers faculty of color a space to gather and interact while pursuing writing goals. Intended as supportive, participant-driven spaces, these writing sessions offer dedicated time and support for faculty to focus on scholarly writing and connect with colleagues around goals and challenges.
Third Spaces Virtual Write-on-Site Sessions: Winter Break 2020-21
Join us over the winter break for virtual writing collaboratives. The sessions begin with a small group 15-minute check-in, with each participant introducing themselves, their writing project, and specific writing goals. For the next 1.5 hours, faculty work independently, but together. In the final 15 minutes, participants will rejoin their small groups to discuss their progress, challenges, and to set writing goals for the coming week.
Winter break sessions run from Monday, November 30 through Friday, January 29.
Please sign up for as many sessions as you wish to attend:
Mondays: 9am-12pm - Register
Mondays: 3-5pm - Register
Tuesdays: 9am-12pm - Register
Tuesdays: 3-5pm - Register
Wednesdays: 9am-12pm - Register
Wednesdays: 3-5pm - Register
Thursdays: 9am-12pm - Register
Thursdays: 3-5pm - Register
Fridays: 9am-12pm - Register
Third Spaces Writing Retreats
Writing retreats are currently on hold due to temporary restrictions on in-person events.
Away from the buzz of campus, these daylong retreats will give us a chance to regroup at the end of a hectic semester and focus on our writing goals while connecting with faculty from across campus. A writing coach will also be available throughout the day for one-on-one consultations.
Please contact facultydiversity@umass.edu is you have any questions.