University Writing CenterThe University Writing Center recruits tutors from all disciplines. Every tutor applicant must demonstrate good writing ability, have a basic knowledge of the conventions of formal writing, and be a successful student. During the recruitment process, each applicant is asked to respond to a sample of student writing and describe how he or she would work with that student. There is no one right way to respond--the important thing is to have some insight into how to interact with a struggling writer. In addition, there is a multiple choice "proofreading" test.
Writing Center tutors are peer tutors, not experts. While some are graduate students, many are juniors or seniors. New tutors attend training workshops and are assigned an experienced tutor as a "buddy" for the first quarter. All tutors attend training sessions and are asked to read selected journal articles and other materials relevant to tutoring (usually one article per week). Their experience and skill increases quickly on the job.
Interaction between the tutors is an important dimension of a successful writing center. Tutors share techniques, strategies, and tutoring experiences, and their inter-disciplinary knowledge is an important resource for everyone.
To inquire about becoming a tutor, please come into the University Writing Center or contact us by phone at (909) 869-5343.
