We are very proud of our Writing Tutors here at Sewanee -- they are some of the brightest students in the College and are chosen both for their academic successes and for their ability to work with students who come to the Writing Center for help. Tutors are friendly, patient, and eager to make visits to the Center helpful and pleasant.

 

How are writing tutors chosen?

  1. The process by which we select Writing Tutors begins with faculty recommendations. Several times throughout the semester, faculty are asked if they have a student they would like to recommend as a tutor, based on what they have seen of the student's work and how they work with others. 
  2. Students who have been recommended are then asked to apply. Application invitations are sent in May of each year. The application consists of the following:
    • A brief application form with basic information like class standing, major, etc.
    • A statement of intent in which the student describes why they are interested in being a Writing Tutor, what they think their approach as a tutor would be, and what they think they could bring to the program.
    • A writing sample of at least 5 pages that represents the student's best academic writing and argument.
    • An unofficial transcript
  3. Application materials are then reviewed, and tutors are notified in early August of the hiring decision. 

 

How are Writing Tutors trained?

All of our tutors are invited to take a specially-designed course (EDUC 220) to learn how to be effective in their work in the Writing Center. The course is offered each Advent semester, and in it tutors learn about writing pedagogies, practice writing skills, and discuss strategies and approaches for working with students who make appointments with them.  Once students have completed EDUC 220, they are also eligible to serve as a Writing Fellow for a course in the College. 

Writing Tutors also have the opportunity to take special workshops throughout the year that address things like common assignments, writing across the disciplines, and specific styles of writing that go into things like fellowship applications or personal statements.