Make Progress on Your Writing this Summer with CARTI’s Scholarly Writing Accountability Groups (SWAG) for UMB Faculty

If your scholarly writing keeps slipping down your to‑do list, you’re not alone. This summer, the Center for Advanced Research Training & Innovation (CARTI) invites UMB faculty to join a Scholarly Writing Accountability Group (SWAG), a supportive, peer‑led program designed to help participants increase writing productivity and develop sustainable writing habits.

SWAGs are online, structured writing groups that provide protected, focused writing time and peer accountability for faculty. They do not offer formal writing instruction or manuscript critique, but instead emphasize consistency, goal setting, and the writing process to support steady progress.

Since its launch in 2015, approximately 300 faculty members have participated in the program. Survey results show indicate about 75% of participants completed and submitted one or more scholarly writing products during their involvement in SWAG.

How SWAG Works

Summer SWAG groups will meet via Zoom for one hour each week over a seven‑week period, running from June 29 through August 14. Meeting days and times will be scheduled based on participant availability, making it easier for faculty to integrate writing into their summer schedules. The first session includes a brief orientation led by Stacie Mendoza, CARTI Program Director.

Writing Focus Areas

To best support faculty goals, SWAG groups will be organized around three primary writing focus areas:

• K/CDA Grant Applications – includes Q&A opportunities with Dr. Marey Shriver, leader of CARTI’s K grant writing class **open to postdocs and faculty who are actively writing a K/CDA application
• R01 Grant Applications (or equivalent) – includes Q&A opportunities with Dr. Christy Chang, leader of CARTI’s R01 grant writing class *open to faculty only
• Manuscripts and Other Non‑Grant Writing Projects *open to faculty only

These focused groups allow participants to connect with peers working on similar projects while benefiting from CARTI’s existing grant‑writing expertise.

Who Should Join?

SWAG is ideal for faculty who want:

• Dedicated, protected writing time
• A structured weekly routine
• Peer accountability and encouragement
• Support in building long‑term writing habits

Whether you’re preparing a grant application or making progress on a manuscript, SWAG can provide the structure and motivation to help you move your work forward.

Ready to Get Started?

Faculty are encouraged to learn more and sign up by June 22. Space is limited and groups will be formed based on participants’ availability and writing focus as indicated on the sign-up form.

Turn this summer into a productive season for your scholarly writing by joining a SWAG and write with purpose, consistency, and support.

New SWAGS are formed in the spring, summer and fall each year.

**CARTI SWAGs are limited to UMB faculty; however, postdocs who are actively writing a K/CDA application may participate in the K/CDA writing group.

Postdocs and graduate students may join virtual, 8‑week writing accountability groups offered by the Office of Postdoctoral Scholars each spring, summer, and fall. Contact Dr. Renee Cockerham for details.