The initiative was guided by the pedagogical belief that academic writing, particularly at the
graduate level, requires not only technical proficiency but also the space for uninterrupted
thought, reflection, and constructive mentorship. Participants benefited from the close guidance
of esteemed academic mentors, including Dr. Amra Raza, Dean of the School of Education, and
Dr. Shahbaz Khan, Head of the ELM Program. Their presence provided critical scholarly insight
and personalized feedback throughout the retreat.
Set amidst the tranquil natural surroundings of Abbottabad, the retreat offered a stark and
deliberate contrast to the traditional classroom setting. The change in environment served to
rejuvenate the students’ intellectual energy and facilitated deep engagement with their research
work. Over the course of the retreat, students participated in structured writing sessions led by
Dr. Shazia Humayun, who facilitated academic goal-setting, individualized writing
consultations, and reflective discussions on the writing process. These sessions were strategically
designed to promote both productivity and creativity, ensuring that students could make
measurable progress on their thesis and research writing.
By temporarily disengaging from their routine academic and social obligations, students reported
experiencing enhanced focus, clarity of thought, and a renewed sense of scholarly purpose. The
retreat not only advanced their individual writing projects but also contributed to their broader
academic development as emerging scholars.
The Writing Retreat exemplifies SE-Trainings-EDx’s commitment to fostering research
excellence, personalized mentorship, and innovative academic practices within graduate
education. It stands as a model for how immersive, mentorship-driven experiences can
significantly enhance scholarly writing and student success
