Faculty Research & Writing Retreat

Institution Name: Creighton University

Program Contact Name: Colleen P. Chiacchere

Program Contact Email: colleenchiacchere@creighton.edu

Short Program Description:

The Faculty Research & Writing Retreat provides faculty at Creighton University with dedicated time, space, and Ignatian framing to support scholarly productivity and deepen research, reflection, and vocation integration. Held at the Creighton University Retreat Center, the retreat offers an environment conducive to focused work, rest, and meaningful collegial connection. Participants engage in unstructured writing time, optional Mass, communal meals, and evening reflections rooted in Ignatian spirituality.

Program Goals/Intended Outcomes:

1. Support scholarly productivity.
2. Provide an environment for reflection and clarity.
3. Foster cross-college mission-centered community.
4. Integrate Ignatian practices.
5. Encourage holistic well-being.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will:
• Advance a writing project
• Identify mission connections
• Use reflective Ignatian frameworks
• Build cross-campus relationships
• Discern next research steps

How long does it take to complete the program?: Multiple days

Total Program Length: 2.5 days

Key University/Other Partners: Academic Deans and Faculty Development Personnel

Funding Source(s): Creighton University

Stipends Paid or Other Participant Benefits: Release Time, Other

Other Stipends: 3-day, 2-night retreat

Program Material 1: 2025 Faculty Research & Writing Retreat Handouts & Reflections

Program Material 2: 2025 Faculty Research & Writing Retreat Schedule

Program Material 3: Anonymous Faculty Research & Writing Retreat Evaluation

Program Material 4: 2025 Faculty Research & Writing Retreat Evaluation Summary

Lessons Learned:

1. The retreat would benefit from an additional full day. Many participants expressed that just as they were settling into a productive writing rhythm, the retreat was ending.
2. The balance of structure and freedom is essential. The generous unstructured writing blocks paired with gentle Ignatian framing is highly effective.
3. Optional Mass earlier in the morning would reduce conflict with writing time.
4. Cross-college community-building is a significant value-added component and should be intentionally supported.
5. Ignatian elements deepen the experience and distinguish the retreat from typical writing time.
6. Participants would benefit from guidance about writing spaces available at the retreat center.
7. Timing matters; scheduling after peak workload moments could increase restfulness and productivity.
8. There is strong demand for future offerings, with interest in making the retreat a recurring opportunity.

Assessment Data:

Assessment Data (Fall 2025):

• 8 exceeded expectations; 1 met expectations
• All affirmed the value of Ignatian elements
• Themes: supportive environment, collegiality, spiritual depth, desire for an additional day