Research Writing Retreats

Escape to a beautiful home in Upstate New York with other scholars of policing and related fields, broadly defined. Enjoy the morning and afternoon to write and the evening to explore the grounds and commune with your housemates. Meals and coffee are prepared for you. Quiet writing time is unstructured to allow participants to set and achieve a range of writing goals during their stay.

While UNY-PRC organizers are from across New York State, our Writing Retreats offer a chance to connect with a global network of scholars and expand the boundaries of what is possible in our respective fields.

The vibe of our retreats reflects the collaborative nature of UNY-PRC in general. We are friendly and open with plenty of respect for quiet work time. We like to eat well and enjoy the surroundings–whether it be a mountain hike, a soothing hot tub soak, or a chat around the fire. We work hard to minimize costs and offer varied price points so that the retreat is as broadly accessible as possible.

A little bit about us, your hosts:

We are Laura Warren Hill, Andy Pragacz, and Mallory Szymanski. Our goal is to provide a space for us to relax, write, and connect with other scholars.

We are organizers and scholars who enjoy one another’s company and have experienced considerable success with the UNY-PRC writing retreat model. Together at retreats, we have germinated multiple collaborations, conference panels, and publications; we’ve advanced our writing projects and teaching prep; we’ve discussed our work over wine in the hot tub; and we’ve supported one another through whatever arose during the week.

We now expand to invite new people (you!) to come, write, eat, and be merry with us. You should know that we are not professional retreat planners offering a five-star spa retreat; rather, we are scholars who cook, plan gatherings, spread joy, and commune with like-minded folks–and we love doing it. We hope you’ll join us.

Upcoming UNY-PRC Writing Retreats

August 10-15, 2025 – Windham, NY

August 10-15
Windham, NY
Catskills

A gorgeous home in Windham, NY offers a stunning environment for focused work, relaxation, and connection. Enjoy private pickleball and bocce courts, hot tub, well-equipped kitchen, outdoor fire pit, ample indoor and outdoor dining/work spaces, and impressive views. It is close to the town of Windham, NY, known as the “Gem of the Catskills” and partly located within the Catskill State Park. Single and double occupancy options available. En suite and shared bathroom options available.

Your hosts will provide three meals a day (except one dinner) and abundant coffee. We will eat nutritious food that tastes good while limiting food waste and keeping costs low. We’ll happily offer bounty from our gardens and local food producers. Please email us your dietary needs at least three weeks before the retreat. Fridge space will be limited so please keep that in mind when packing additional items.

In the evenings, join us for a friendly game of pickleball or a soak in the hot tub. We look forward to getting to know you!

Important to know: the owners of the home prohibit smoking, pets, and children under 17. A car is required for accessing the property, however please contact the retreat organizers to see if pick-up from bus or train station is available for a fee.

Nearby Windham attractions include:

Get focused in beautiful shared working spaces in this idyllic Upstate NY home.

UNY-PRC Windham Retreat **Itinerary*:**

Sunday, August 10 Arrival

Guests may arrive any time after 5pm. Dinner will be ready by 7pm.

Monday, August 11-Thursday 14

7:15 am	Continental Breakfast
8-8:30	Group Goal Setting
8:30-11:30	Writing Session
11:30-12pm	Debrief
12-1pm	Lunch
1-1:30	Walk the grounds
1:30-5pm	Writing Session Tuesday: Group Hike in Catskill Park (optional)
5-6:30	Outdoor Group Activity Monday: Pickleball Wednesday: Bocce Ball
6:30ish	Dinner Thursday: Group Dinner at Windham Public House (not included)

*Itinerary is subject to change based on the needs of the group.

Friday, August 15 – Departure

After breakfast, guests may stay no later than 10am. Please remove all belongings and trash from your room and common areas before heading out.

Choose your Room

There are five bedrooms still available. Each room can accommodate one or two people and can be booked for the full duration of the retreat. Price includes room and board and varies based on bedroom, bed size, bathroom access.

UNY-PRC Windham Retreat: Available Rooms and Prices

Room Configuration	Price for One Guest	Price for Two Guests (total)
1 King Bed with en suite bathroom	$1800	$1950
2 Twin beds with shared bathroom	$1350	$1500 (This is a great room to share, just $750 per person)
1 Queen Bed with shared bathroom	$1400	$1550
1 Queen Bed with shared bathroom	$1400	$1550
1 Double pull-out sofa with shared bathroom	$1050	$1300