Shut Up and Write (HDR)

ANUSA HDR Program – Shut Up and Write

The Shut Up and Write program has been run by students, for students, at ANU since 2012. Over the years it has helped hundreds of HDR students make progress in their degrees.

What is Shut Up and Write?

Shut Up and Write sessions are for you to get together regularly and focus on short, intense bursts of productive writing in a supportive environment, using the Pomodoro Technique. This technique involves writing in silence for 50 minutes bursts, with regular ten-minute rests for coffee, snacks and chatting. Chatting is a good way to have a ‘brain break’, especially between intense periods of focus. Writers work on their own tasks – there are no set exercises or group work. This is a great way to share methods, successes, challenges, and opportunities as writers. Read what the Thesis Whisperer says on how to Shut Up and Write works.

ANUSA Shut Up and Write Sessions

Our sessions take place every weekly, with free lunch or dinner provided. Please find below the detailed arrangements.

Wednesday morning session | 10am-2pm
- Scheduled during Teaching Break
- Location: Marie Reay Teaching Building, Kambri

Thursday night session | 3pm-8pm
- Scheduled weekly
- Location: ANUSA Boardroom, Level 2 of Di Riddell Student Centre, Kambri

Friday morning session | 10am-2pm or 10:30am-2:30pm
- Scheduled weekly
- Teaching Period Location: McDonald Room, Level 2 of Menzies Library
- Teaching Break Location: Marie Reay Teaching Building, Kambri

If you are interested in bringing the Shut Up and Write sessions to your college or accommodation buildings, please reach out to ANUSA Shut Up and Write Coordinator for any support or enquiries.

Who can Attend ANUSA Shut Up and Write Sessions?

ANUSA Shut Up and Write sessions are open to all Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Students, including:

- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD);

- Master of Philosophy (MPhil);

- Master students producing a thesis.

We also welcome Honours students, postgraduate coursework students, and early career academics. However, please note that non-HDR attendees may not be eligible for the complimentary meal. To inquire about catering as a non-HDR student, please email ANUSA Shut Up and Write Coordinator.

Who is Eligible for the Complementary Meal?

Free lunch or dinner will be provided to the attendees meeting the following requirements:

- Be an HDR student;

- Participate in at least three out of the four writing sprints of 35-50 minutes;

- Have writing tasks to work on during the sessions (e.g., thesis, papers, or coding) rather than drafting emails or doing online courses, etc.

As the number of meal tickets is limited and in high demand for each session, we kindly ask those unsure about meeting the suggested requirements to register for a ‘no meal/BYO ticket.’

Non-HDR students (e.g., Honours students, coursework postgraduate students): if you would like to be catered, please email ANUSA Shut Up and Write Coordinator.

Cancellation

As the SUAW sessions are catered, we kindly request that if you are unable to attend a session, please notify the ANUSA Shut Up and Write Coordinator at least 3 days in advance. Persistent bookings without attendance and without prior notice may result in the suspension of your ability to attend future sessions.

How can I register to join ANUSA Shut Up and Write Sessions?

Walk-in attendance is always welcome!

To secure the complementary meals at ANUSA Shut Up and Write sessions, registration is required. Registration for complementary meals for the current week’s sessions closes on Monday around lunch time. If you miss the registration and would like to have a complementary meal, please email ANUSA Shut Up and Write Coordinator.

Our January and February sessions are scheduled as below:

The Week Starting on 27 January

29 Jan | Wednesday morning SUAW session @ Marie Reay, Rm 3.03, 10:00am-2:00pm

30 Jan | Thursday evening SUAW session @ ANUSA Boardroom, 3pm-8pm

31 Jan | Friday morning SUAW session @ Marie Reay, Rm 3.03, 10:00am-2:00pm

The Week Starting on 3 February

6 Feb | Thursday evening SUAW session @ ANUSA Boardroom, 3pm-8pm

7 Feb | Friday morning SUAW session @ Marie Reay, Rm 3.03, 10:00am-2:00pm

O-Week (The Week Starting on 10 February)

No Wednesday or Thursday sessions due to HDR Development Thesis Bootcamp

14 Feb | Friday morning SUAW session @ Marie Reay, Rm 3.03, 10:00am-2:00pm

Week 1