Learning Commons

Apply to Work as a Writing Tutor

Writing Tutor Positions (Undergraduate and Graduate)

Peer writing tutors play a vital role in academics across the disciplines and in the mission of the CWU Learning Commons. They enjoy reading, writing, and working with people; are active listeners and learners; and demonstrate successful, honest learning habits. Knowledge of the standards of written English is an advantage, but since writing happens in every discipline, students in all majors/fields are encouraged to apply. Successful applicants will be CWU students in good academic standing, will have completed English 101 and 102 (or approved equivalents) by the end of the current term, and will undergo, if hired, ongoing training in writing center theory and practice.

Our Writing tutors typically review applications for undergraduate and graduate peer writing tutors near the start of the academic year. But we always want to hear from those interested in joining our team! If you meet the qualifications, please fill out the form linked below. Interviews are held as needed until positions are filled. Although interviews may be held via phone or video, this is normally an Ellensburg campus position requiring local residence. For more information, contact Hannah Barta at 509-963-1367 or by email, or stop by the Writing Center, which is housed in the CWU Learning Commons, on the ground floor of the Brooks Library.

Responsibilities

• Provide feedback, one to one and in groups, to writers in all subjects, at all points in their writing processes
• Assist writers of various experience levels and backgrounds
• Collaborate in staff training and workshops to develop writing and feedback strategies
• Participate in class visits, promotions, events, and production of training materials and study aids
• Contribute to a positive environment that is conducive to academic inquiry and creativity
• Communicate with all students, faculty, and the general public in a friendly, professional manner
• Study general and discipline-specific grammar and style conventions
• Promote the Writing Center’s mission informally among CWU students and faculty
• Perform other duties as needed.

Benefits of this Work

• Develop knowledge of various disciplines, genres, and audiences
• Learn new ways to think about your own writing and writing process
• Collaborate with people from various cultures and perspectives
• Work in an academic environment with a relaxing atmosphere
• Gain valuable academic experience and professional preparation
• Associate with students and faculty across campus
• Benefit from the resources and camaraderie of a community of writers
• Walk to work, just across the way from your classes and your residence
• Arrange shifts around your class schedule
• Feel wonderful about how you earn money for school

Graduate Assistantship: Graduate Writing Tutor / Staff Assistant

The CWU Learning Commons, the Writing Center, and the School of Graduate Studies and Research offer a Writing Center graduate staff assistantship every one or two years. Students in all disciplines are encouraged to apply. If you meet the qualifications, please send along two recent writing samples to Hannah Barta, University Writing Center coordinator. Thereafter, interviews will be held as needed until the position is filled. Although interviews may be held via phone or video, this is an Ellensburg campus position requiring local residence.

Peer writing tutors play a vital role in academics across the disciplines. They enjoy reading, writing, and working with people; are active listeners and learners; and demonstrate successful, honest learning habits. Knowledge of the standards of written English is an advantage. At a minimum, the successful applicant will be a CWU graduate student in good academic standing, holding a BA or BS degree by the time of hire. Preferred qualifications include previous tutoring experience (ideally in a writing center), ability to consult on research and writing skills needed at the graduate level, experience working with diverse student populations, and a working knowledge of MS Office programs and student database management systems. Once hired, the GA will be oriented in writing center theory and practice as well as Center procedures and technologies.

Responsibilities

The Graduate Writing Tutor / Staff Assistant’s main role is to provide writing consultation for graduate students in all disciplines. When not engaged in writing consulting, the GA may be asked to assist in other duties as outlined below. Working under general direction, the GA will independently plan and organize work assignments. Projects and specific tasks may be assigned by the supervisor either verbally or in writing. Work is reviewed periodically to ensure goals are being met.

• Provide feedback, one to one and in groups, to graduate writers in all subjects
• Assist writers of various experience levels and backgrounds at all points in their writing processes
• Study general and discipline-specific grammar and style conventions
• Develop and provide graduate workshops in consultation with the GSA
• Develop materials to use in tutorials and tutor training
• Assist as needed in mentoring other tutors, including helping them develop skills, activities, and materials to use in tutorials
• Support the Learning Commons staff in outreach, marketing, and program development
• Communicate regularly with students, faculty, and staff about services provided.
• Assist in record keeping as it relates to graduate students.
• Develop and provide reports to track quality, participation and results of graduate courses
• Engage in research and evidence-based assessment
• Value and encourage a positive environment, diverse perspectives, academic inquiry, creativity, and teamwork
• Perform other duties as needed.

Benefits of this Work

Compensation for this assistantship comes in the form of a stipend provided by Graduate Studies. This is a full stipend with tuition waiver. For the most current information, please see the financial aid section of the Graduate Studies and Research FAQ for more information. Beyond monetary benefits, you may enjoy the following:

• Develop knowledge of various disciplines, genres, and audiences
• Learn new ways to think about your own writing and writing process
• Collaborate with people from various cultures and perspectives
• Work in an academic environment with a relaxing atmosphere
• Gain valuable academic experience and professional preparation
• Associate with students and faculty across campus
• Benefit from the resources and camaraderie of a community of writers
• Walk to work, just across the way from your classes and your residence
• Arrange shifts around your class schedule
• Feel wonderful about how you earn money for school.