Become a Writing Tutor
Applications are open for the 2023 cohort!
This application is for admission to the GS300 Peer Tutoring Theory (Half-Block 2024) and the 395 Practicum (Spring 2024 extended adjunct). You must complete both courses (see descriptions below) to be hired into a consultant position at the Writing Center for Fall 2024. Please see the FAQ below for more on how the courses will be offered this year. Applications due November 3, 2023
To apply, submit the online application form, which requires that you:
- Visit the Writing Center for an appointment with one of our peer consultants (so you can see what we do firsthand)
- Complete the online application form
- Upload an updated resume
- Upload a cover letter** that addresses why you want to work for the Writing Center, your qualifications, and your ability to complete all training and job duties
- Submit professor/academic recommendations (link provided after completing the online application)
**If you are unfamiliar with the writing conventions of a resume and cover letter, please consider visiting Career Services or making an appointment with the Writing Center to go over your materials.
We look for students who can:
- Communicate well and listen actively
- Demonstrate familiarity with writing across the curriculum
- Explain the basic rules of standard written English
- Be helpful and friendly to all writers
As a peer consultant at the Ruth Barton Writing Center, you commit to:
- Working one-to-one with individual students on their writing processes
- Using effective and ethical strategies for helping students find the strengths and weaknesses of a piece of writing
- Promoting writerly confidence and self-efficacy
- Referring students to additional online or on-campus resources (e.g., citation guides, library staff, wellness staff)
- Keeping accurate records of all writing center appointments
- Participating in professional development, including the theory and practicum courses and twice-blockly lunches after completion of initial training
Potential additional opportunities through the Writing Center:
- FYE Writing Fellows: dedicated position linked to FYE courses that provide academic support and mentoring, one-to-one tutorials, and workshops
- Regional and national conferences: research and present on topics in writing center work that are interesting and meaningful to you
- Resource development: workshops, handouts, and other resources to assist student writers
- Mentoring: one-to-one meetings with professional staff to address your personal, academic, and professional goals.
Not sure? Hear from our former consultants!
"The Writing Center is a unique place that I am lucky to have considered one of my 'homes' on campus. It is a supportive and energizing community that I hope even more students become a part of in future years. I will miss having the chance to sit down with peers and dissect writing assignments, learning small things about themselves and their writing in the process. I will particularly miss the sessions when students left the writing center with newfound confidence in their ability to tackle a paper and step into their own as writers; it is unbeatable." - India Hilty '20
"This job (community?) is one of my favorite parts of my CC experience. Between the things I've learned from clients, the time I've spent goofing around on the 2nd floor (only after 10pm shifts of course!), and the friends I've made in these environments, the WC has shaped the last two years of my college trajectory more than I could have expected when I applied." - Wayan Buschman '20
"My time with the Writing Center has been incredible. Ever since my first year at CC, I have always wanted to be a Writing Center consultant; they help students maintain their voice in writing while guiding them with tools for growth in their learning. I also really appreciate the supportive and kind environment at the Writing Center, and I will miss you all!" - Asha Rudrabhatla '20
"I loved working as a tutor in the writing center! I have had many different jobs during my time at CC and this is by far one of my favorites. I have learned so much about random topics because of the diversity of papers that we see and grew a lot as a writer myself. I also learned a lot about myself in the way I approach people and build rapport. Prior to this job, I was fairly shy and not too outspoken. This job really helped me gain more confidence in myself and my abilities. I'm also grateful to have had the opportunity to work with all the other amazing consultants, Kat, Chris, Roy Jo, and Anna." - Durga Balasubramaniyan '20
"I feel so grateful for my time at the Writing Center. I learned so much about what it means to connect with others, write, and listen. I learned something new during each session and had fun getting to know clients as writers and people." - Evan Doherty '20
Peer Tutoring in Writing Courses
GS300: Theory and Practice of Peer Tutoring
This course has two purposes: (1) to delve into the complex processes involved in writing and talking about writing; and (2) to prepare students to work as writing consultants in the Colorado College Writing Center. Key course themes include the theory and practice of writing, the theory and practice of tutoring, critical thinking, self-awareness, and team-building. Students will have the opportunity to discuss and apply theories to specific tutoring situations, role play, solve problems in groups, and practice tutoring. Interested students must apply during second block for participation in the class. The course is held annually during half block. ½ unit; Pass/Fail only; COI required.
GS395: Peer Tutoring Practicum
Building on GS 300: Theory and Practice of Peer Tutoring, the practicum serves as a structured apprenticeship through which tutors can apply their theoretical knowledge to practical situations. The course includes collaboration with experienced tutors, practice tutoring, and conversations with experienced consultants and campus partners. This course requires 30 hours of observations, reflections, and a consultant portfolio, as well as course meetings on the first three Wednesdays of blocks 5-8 from 3:30-5:00. Successful completion is mandatory for students who wish to become Writing Center consultants. ½ unit; Pass/Fail only; GS 300 (prerequisite). *** While this practicum is unpaid, it nets you an open block at CC, monetarily valued at $7201.00***
Contact Chris Schacht for more information.
FAQs
No. You must choose one or the other.
New consultants are eligible to start working once they have completed all course requirements for the GS300 and the GS395 and have had an exit interview.
No. We look for writers in all disciplines and are particularly interested in strengthening our natural and social science writing support.
Because of the extended nature of the training, we prioritize first and second-year students, but take on 1-2 juniors in high-need areas each year, on average.
For the courses, half-block has the standard time commitment of a typical CC class, while the adjunct requires 90 minutes once a week in class, plus two hours of observation a week for blocks 5-8.
As a consultant, you set your own schedule; most consultants work between 4-8 hours/week.
show all / hide all