The Lake Shift is a thesis writing retreat for doctoral students from Ontario universities hosted by Queen’s School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (SGSPA). The retreat provides doctoral students with structured time to write, workshops on tips for effective dissertation writing, opportunities to network with other doctoral students, all in a beautiful location. The objective of the retreat is to enable doctoral students to make substantial progress in writing their thesis and to develop foundations to maintain that momentum. The fringe benefits of The Lake Shift include swimming, boating, hiking and campfire conversations and make for a balance of the cerebral with the physical and social for a well-rounded experience.
This retreat is open to doctoral students only.
When: Sunday, July 5, 2026 - Friday, July 10, 2026
Where: Queen’s University Biology Station (QUBS), Lake Opinicon
Cost: $200 by the attendee. The grad office (SGSPA) will subsidize the rest.
Number of places for Queen’s students – up to 10 only.
Steps to participation
- Complete the application form by 4:00 PM on Friday, May 29, 2026.
- Await confirmation of participation from the SGSPA (all will be advised by Friday, June 5, 2026)
- Complete the final registration form provided on confirmation, by Friday, June 12, 2026.
- Agree to abide by all the rules and regulations of the retreat, the Queen's University Biology Station (QUBS) and OCASP.
- When participation is confirmed and prior to the start of camp, pay the $200 fee by cheque or cash.