Do I need to be a grammar expert to be a tutor?
Tutors aren't proofreaders. No one will expect you to read students' papers and correct their mechanics to produce error-free drafts. Tutors aren't critics either. You won't be asked to make value judgments or be accountable for someone else's grade.
What would I do as a Writing Center Tutor?
Writing Center tutors sit with students in our conferencing areas and discuss papers on a one-to-one basis. A tutoring session lasts about 40 minutes. Tutors and students read papers aloud, discussing organization, style, and grammar. Tutors don't "fix" students' work,
nor do they write on students' papers. Tutors see papers from all subjects, so reading students' syllabi or assignment sheets may be helpful. Tutors help writers in many different stages of writing: prewriting, brainstorming, free-writing, outlining, organizing, revising and drafting. Tutors assist
students with difficulties as small as helping use a reference book or as large as reworking a term paper.
What else will I be expected to do besides tutor?
There is a lot to be done at the Writing Center. There is some clerical work
answering phones, filing forms, and making signs. But what job doesn't have some clerical work?
Spending your time doing these tasks can actually be beneficial; most of our work is done on computers, so tutors are constantly learning computer technology which they may apply to their own assignments or personal projects. Tutors have an excellent opportunity to try new software and to experiment with existing programs.
Just how much computer technology do I need to know?
Don't let the computers scare you. The computer experts are in Straight Hall. We are writing advisors first. If you know enough MS Word to print your own assignments, you could easily begin work at the Writing Center. You will learn the rest quickly through some formal workshop instruction, staff meetings, and informal conversations with co-workers.
What are these computer workshops?
After you become well acquainted with the computers here at the Writing Center, you will be asked to give brief 30-45 minute presentations, and whole class instruction, to student groups brought to the Writing Center by their professors. All
tutors conduct a few workshops during each semester. Workshop presentations are practiced and follow a standard outline. Special workshops in E-mail and Internet are also offered,
in addition to the more popular workshops that deal with the various aspects of
the writing process.
What other Computer related duties will I have?
When you aren't tutoring or giving a workshop, you will "troubleshoot" the area for computer problems. Most students have questions about word processing functions, although the Writing Center also provides desktop publishing, Internet and E-mail access.
Tutors have the added benefit of learning these computer functions and using them for personal applications.
What is it like to work at the Writing Center?
There is a strong sense of community among staff members at the Writing Center. The Writing Center provides
tutors with both academic and social interaction. Both graduate and undergraduate students work at the Writing Center, so there is plenty of information exchanged about different academic areas.
How can this work experience add to my studies?
There are many chances for publication offered to tutors. Tutors have had articles published in local and national newsletters and journals for peer tutoring. They have also participated in the National Conference on Peer Tutoring in Writing. Some graduate students who have worked in the Writing Center have gone on to become Writing Center directors at other colleges and universities.
What's in it for me?
Working at the Writing Center is rewarding on many levels. There is obviously the benefit of the paycheck and the ability to do personal work in the lab. But beyond that, working at the Writing Center is an excellent asset to your résumé. It provides the opportunity to learn new technology and to build better communication skills. And most of all, you develop that warm,
fuzzy feeling from helping others.
Who directs the Writing Center?
Dr. Tina Perdue is the director of the Writing Center. Her office is in 217
Eicher Hall. Dr. Perdue is a member of the English Department faculty, where she
teaches writing, public speaking, and Humanities Literature.
Last Updated: August 7, 2006
