Interested in being a Writing Fellow? Writing Fellows are recruited and hired toward the end of fall semester. Training of new Writing Fellows takes place during spring semester for the following academic year. Training is paid.
What are the requirements?
To be a writing fellow, you should:
- Be a strong writer
- Enjoy working with people
- Be responsible and reliable
- Be able to work 10 hours a week
- Be committed to helping others
Do I have to be an English major?
No. We encourage students from any major to become writing fellows.
Do I need previous tutoring experience?
No. If we hire you, we will train you.
How do I apply?
The application process has three steps:
First:
- Choose a sample of your best academic, analytic writing. Please do not submit creative writing or a personal essay.
- Make sure that the paper is error-free and remove any headers containing your name.
- Print out a clean copy.
- Write a brief (about one-paragraph) description of the assignment for which you wrote the paper, or attach your original assignment sheet.
- Include two cover sheets: one that includes your name and one that does not.
- Staple your writing sample packet and drop it off at the Writing Center or Jean Preston’s office in the Hedberg Library.
- Writing samples must be submitted no later than the Monday following Thanksgiving Break.
Your writing sample will be assessed by the Writing Center director and (anonymously) by three experienced Writing Fellows. This assessment is based on the Carthage College Writing Rubric.
Next:
If your writing sample meets our criteria (3.5/5 or higher on the Carthage College Writing Assessment Rubric), you will be invited to complete an application form, submit a personal statement addressing your interest in writing and working in the Writing Center, participate in a personal interview with the Writing Center Director, and conduct a short observed mock-tutoring session in which you will act as the tutor and an experienced Writing Fellow will act as your client.
Finally:
Two letters of recommendation, including at least one from a current Carthage faculty member, are required.
What happens if I am hired?
Once you have been officially hired, you begin training. This requires attendance at an all-day workshop in February and 2-3 training hours per week for the balance of the spring semester. Training includes reading, observing, and conducting tutoring sessions, keeping a journal of your observations, and meeting with the Writing Center director. It is, in effect, structured much like a class. You will be paid for the time you spend training.
