WIS sponsors an annual, multi-day writing instruction workshops event near the beginning of each academic year for faculty who teach with writing. This opportunity offers faculty a chance to gain ideas and new practices on teaching and assessing writing, as well as a chance to work on their own course materials in the company of their colleagues from across campus.

This three-day retreat is usually held at Western's Shannon Point Marine Center nestles in the woods and near the water in Anacortes. All expenses for travel, lodging, food, and materials are covered.

An additional stipend is available to retreat participants who choose to complete a mini-study and brief write-up identifying specific ideas/practices they gained from the retreat followed by a brief write-up within the current academic year.