Proctor Writing and Relaxation Retreat
Spark Your Creativity at the Proctor Writing and Relaxation Retreat!
Escape the hustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in a retreat designed to inspire your writing. Join us for a transformative experience where the art of writing meets the peacefulness of relaxation.
View the Schedule: Explore the curated sessions and workshops!
Meet the Session Leaders: Learn from industry professionals, relaxation experts, and experienced academics.
Travel and Lodging: Relaxation and Renewal at the Chauncey Hotel and Conference Center in Princeton, NJ.
Overview
- Retreat Dates: Tuesday, July 22 at 6 PM - Friday, July 25 at 3:30 PM, 2025
- Location: Chauncey Hotel and Conference Center, Princeton, NJ.
- $2950 Program Fee Includes: Lodging and meals for three nights/four days, Sessions with Writing and Relaxation Coaches, Writing Resources, Access to Publishers at Princeton University Press, and more!
- There is a $500 discount for assistant professors, doctoral candidates, and faculty from Minority Serving Institutions.
What to Expect
Guided Writing Workshops – Tailored sessions including but not limited to:
Book writing
Writing for Public Consumption
Creative Writing
Editors and Publishers (hosted by Princeton University Press)
Individual Writing Time: Quiet moments for personal reflection
Diversity: Learn from a diverse team of professionals and writers
Community Engagement: Share and collaborate with other writers
Networking: Connect with other writers and publishing professionals
Access to Writing and Life Coaching: Professional coaches tailor mentorship to your needs
Relaxation: Feel serene with guided meditation exercises and access to amenities like beautiful, natural grounds, a saltwater pool, and more
Nourishment: Eat meals prepared by an award-winning chef & free-flowing beverages
Positivity: Grow your craft through a positive, nurturing, and constructive environment
Who Should Apply
Faculty of all ranks and positions
Higher education leaders who want to pursue writing and/or book projects
Nonprofit leaders who want to enhance their writing skills
Ph.D. candidates at the dissertation stage who need inspiration
Anyone interested in amplifying their writing and achieving work-life balance
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Applications Are Closed
Program will be offered again in Summer 2027. Applications will open January/February 2027.
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© 2025 Proctor Writing and Relaxation Retreat
Accordion Content
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- Marybeth Gasman
- Andrés Castro Samayoa
- Jane Joann Jones
- Matt Rohal
- Joanna Jenkins
- Christie Henry
- Brian Melito
- Alice Ginsberg
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- Yahusef Medina
- Tanya Clark
- Margaret J. Millett
- Luvon Roberson
- Lisa M. Rubin
- Lisa D. Lenoir
- Kimberly White-Glenn
- Jasmine Noelle Yarish
- Christen Hairston
- Christian A. Bracho
- Charlotte C. Teague
- Alexa Rodríguez
- Colette Pierce Burnette
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- Phyllis Worthy Dawkins
- Kijua Sanders-McMurtry
- Sakinah Rahman
- Rebecca Perdomo
- Jennifer Garcia Ramos
- Khalilah T Watson
- Bianca Neal
- Will Nevin
- Brittany Mays
- Melissa L. Salazar
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Do I need to pay the program fee upfront when applying?
No. The program fee won't be collected until candidates are selected – closer to the actual program dates. There will be a separate portal to make this payment once you confirm attendance. This payment will be non-refundable.
What is the connection between writing and relaxation?
Creative expression: It allows you to release stress and negative emotions by putting them into words.
Focus and flow: Getting lost in writing can induce a state of focused calm similar to meditation.
Sense of accomplishment: Completing a piece of writing, even small, can provide a sense of satisfaction and achievement.
Mindfulness: Focusing on the present moment of crafting sentences can bring you out of rumination and anxiety.
What will I get out of this retreat?
Dedicated time for writing: The retreat provides a focused, distraction-free environment to dive into your writing project.
Community and support: Connect with other writers at different stages and get inspired and motivated by their stories.
Skill development: Attend workshops and sessions led by experienced writers and editors to improve your writing skills.
Guidance and feedback: Receive personalized feedback on your work from mentors and peers.
Breakthroughs and insights: The retreat setting can foster creative breakthroughs and new perspectives on your writing.
Is there a discount for junior faculty or MSI faculty?
Yes! There is a $500 discount for assistant professors, doctoral candidates, and faculty from Minority Serving institutions.
If I’m not selected, will the program fee be refunded?
The program fee won't be collected until candidates are selected. There will be a separate portal to make this payment once you confirm attendance. This payment will be non-refundable.
Can I call you in two years if I have a writing idea?
Yes! The retreat organizers and speakers will likely be happy to hear from you! They can offer guidance or connect you with resources related to your writing project.
Will there be feedback and mentorship even after the program concludes?
The retreat program may offer follow-up resources or mentorship even after the program ends. Check with the organizers for specific details. Additionally, the connections you make with other writers during the retreat can provide ongoing support and feedback.
Is this only for faculty?
No, the retreat is open to a diverse range of people, including:
Faculty of all ranks and positions
Higher education leaders
Nonprofit leaders
Ph.D. candidates
Anyone interested in improving their writing and achieving balance in life!
Will I be the only non-faculty member?
It's unlikely that you will be the only non-faculty member. The retreat aims to create a diverse and inclusive community of writers, and faculty often benefit from learning alongside individuals from different backgrounds and experiences.
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Retreat Location
The Chauncey Hotel & Conference Center is surrounded by 370 acres of peaceful lakeside woodlands just minutes from historic Princeton, New Jersey. It offers a welcoming setting for meetings, weddings, special events, dining and leisure getaways. Chauncey features spacious guest rooms, a conference center, event space, indoor saltwater pool and state of the art fitness center, dining room, lobby bar and a helipad.
As our guests arrive along a winding, tree-lined drive, they discover a quiet retreat from Central New Jersey’s busy pace. Yet Chauncey is conveniently located midway between New York City and Philadelphia and a short drive to Princeton’s campus, cultural attractions and shopping. Chauncey Hotel & Conference Center is located just minutes from Princeton University and The Lawrenceville School.
Learn more about the Chauncey Hotel and Conference Center here.
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LOCATION: ONE CHAUNCEY ROAD, PRINCETON, NJ 08541
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Featured Amenities
Fitness Center: Enjoy our state-of-the-art fitness center and indoor saltwater heated pool. We also offer complimentary bikes, nature trails and more.
Indoor salt water heated pool
Complimentary electric car charging Stations
Walking/Running Trails Bikes to Borrow
Complimentary WiFi
Complimentary on-site parking
Chauncey Hotel & Conference Center is a IACC Certified Venue
The International Association of Conference Centres (IACC) is dedicated to promoting understanding and awareness of the conference center industry. Members meet a set of stringent Quality Standards and agree to a Code of Ethics. We are proud to join this network of over 400 unique venues that provide an exceptional IACC meeting experience.
Transportation
The Chauncey Hotel & Conference Center is located near Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).
Traveling from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Princeton Junction Train Station:
Getting to the train station: The Newark Liberty International Airport Station is located directly beneath the terminals. You can access the station via AirTrain.
Train services - Northeast Corridor Line: Several NJ TRANSIT trains run between Newark Liberty International Airport and Princeton Junction Station. You can check the real-time schedule and fares on the NJ TRANSIT website (https://www.njtransit.com/airport).
Travel time: The train journey takes about 1 hour, with some variations depending on the specific train you take.
Fares: You can expect to pay around $20 for a one-way ticket. You can purchase tickets at NJ TRANSIT ticket machines at the airport station, or on the NJ TRANSIT app.
Frequency: Trains from Newark Airport to Princeton run frequently, with at least six trains stopping every hour during peak hours.
Traveling from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) through 30th Street Station to Princeton Junction Train Station:
Airport Line Train: Take SEPTA R1 Airport Line train from Airport Terminal A/B/C/D to 30th Street Station in Philadelphia. Runs every 15-20 minutes, takes 20-25 minutes, costs $8 one-way.
NJ Transit Train: At 30th Street Station, transfer to an NJ Transit Northeast Corridor Line train towards Trenton Transit Center/New York Penn Station. Runs every 15-30 minutes, takes 45-50 minutes to Princeton Junction Station, costs $14.25 one-way.
Princeton Junction train station is 20 minutes from The Chauncey Hotel & Conference Center. A Lyft or Uber to the Conference center will cost $15-25 depending on time of day.
Traveling from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to The Chauncey Hotel & Conference Center
Lyft, Uber, and taxis are also available forms of transportation from Newark Liberty International Airport.
Predicted Uber/Lyft cost estimated around $80-$130
Traveling from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to The Chauncey Hotel & Conference Center
Lyft, Uber, and taxis are also available forms of transportation from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).
Predicted Uber/Lyft cost estimated around $90-$150
