The Writing Center is not only a place to grow as a writer, but also a place to learn about writing education. We are a community of over 40 undergraduate and graduate tutors who believe writing matters and who are always pushing ourselves to learn more about writing and writing education. As a center for writing on campus, we seek to advance our understanding of social theories of writing, writing processes, linguistic and cultural differences that inform the practice of writing, and more. If you’d like to join us, we hope that you will apply for a position.
WRITING TUTOR INTERN (Undergraduate)
Undergraduate students who work as writing tutors must complete a two-semester course sequence on writing pedagogy: English 329H, Tutoring Writing: Theory & Practice, in the fall and English 298H, Practicum: Tutoring in the Writing Center, in the spring. These courses are a rigorous introduction to social theories of writing and research on writing processes, disciplinary writing norms, and diverse cultural literacies. In the second half of the fall semester, the tutor interns work two hours per week in the university’s Writing Center, and the spring practicum involves four hours of tutoring per week. Writing tutors are responsible for working with writers in 45-minute tutorial sessions, engaging in ongoing learning about writing and writing education, and assisting with campus outreach. Those who complete both courses with a grade of B or higher are then invited to continue on as paid writing tutors.
Enrollment in these courses is highly competitive. All majors are invited to apply to be tutors. To apply for a seat in English 329H, please send the following application materials to writingcenter@acad.umass.edu:
- A letter of interest that discusses your interest in tutoring and your relevant experience;
- A resume;
- A writing sample showcases your facility with academic essays; and
- The name and email address of a college instructor familiar with your academic writing and peer review abilities.
Select applicants will be invited to an interview with the Director and Assistant Director of the Writing Center. We will make our final selection of 2009-2010 tutor interns by the end of the spring semester.
Application Deadline: Applications submitted by April 17 will be considered first; however, we will continue to take applications as long as there are still seats available.
