Third Spaces Writing Program & Schedule

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 Group Photo

Fall 2025: Third Spaces Virtual Write-on-Site Sessions

These virtual sessions create spaces for faculty of color to gather and interact while pursuing writing goals. Sessions begin with a small group 15-minute check-in, with each participant introducing themselves, their writing project, and specific writing goals. Participants will then work independently on their writing goals, reconvening in the final 15 minutes to discuss their progress, challenges, and to set writing goals.

Click here to join a virtual session during the times below:

If you have trouble logging in please contact the facilitator. For all other questions, please contact @email.

  • Monday's, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., facilitated by Sindiso MnisiWeeks
  • Tuesday's, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., facilitated by Sangeeta Kamat
  • Wednesday's, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., facilitated by Maria Galano
  • Thursday's, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Hybrid in room 1620, W.E.B. Du Bois Library, and on Zoom, facilitated by Isabel Espinal
  • Friday's, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., facilitated by Alice Nash
Cathy Luna
Dr. Cathy Luna
Third Spaces Program Writing Coach

Want to talk through a writing project or discuss your writing process more generally?

Meet with our Third Spaces program Writing Coach, Dr. Cathy Luna for an individual writing consultation. The 45-minute consultation is free and takes place via Zoom on Wednesday's from 3-3:45 p.m. throughout the semester. Please click the link below to sign-up. After you sign up, Cathy will send you a Zoom link.

Third Spaces Retreat

Third Spaces Writing Retreat

Away from the buzz of campus, this day-long retreat will give us a chance to regroup for the fall semester and focus on our writing goals while connecting with faculty from across campus.

Join us for our next Third Spaces Writing Retreat. Complimentary breakfast, lunch, coffee, tea, and snacks will be provided throughout the day.

Friday, Sept. 26, 2025
9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Hitchcock Center, East & West Room
845 West Street, Amherst, MA