We're Hiring!

What is a writing tutor?

Writing tutors work one-on-one with fellow students to help them learn the fundamentals of academic writing in a supportive, student-centred environment. Students come to Writing Services for both in-person and online appointments to share their drafts and get constructive feedback from experienced, successful student writers. The key to tutoring academic writing is to help students become better writers, not to write or edit the paper for them. 

Who is eligible?

• undergraduate students who are at the end of their first, second, or third year
• graduate students
• students from all campuses and locations (e.g., Brantford and Waterloo)
• students from all disciplines (e.g., Science, Business)

All applicants must excel academically, be strong writers with a keen interest in language, and have a desire to assist others in becoming successful academic writers.

Characteristics of an effective writing tutor:

• Friendly, outgoing, and a good communicator
• Genuinely interested in academic work and in helping others learn
• Respects the values of academic work carried out by professors and students
• A discerning reader with superior critical thinking skills
• Writes A-level papers that show understanding of the nature of research
• Responsible, punctual, hardworking, and well-organized

What are the hours and the rate of pay?

New undergraduate student tutors are paid $17.00 per hour to begin. New graduate student tutors are paid $27.54 per hour. In their first term at Writing Services, tutors are not asked to work more than six hours per week, but once they get used to tutoring academic writing, they may work up to 10 hours per week. These hours may be distributed both during the day and in the evenings for 50-minute appointments, 25-minute appointments, and drop-in hours.

Are there any special requirements?

All new tutors must attend four to five days of initial training in August (usually the week before Orientation Week) and be available for ongoing training sessions on Friday afternoons during the fall and winter terms. All training is paid.  

What are the benefits of being a writing tutor?

The qualifications for this position are high, but the rewards are many. Writing tutors gain valuable experience and skills that benefit them in their academic careers and beyond. Tutoring enhances awareness of all aspects of academic writing, improves awareness of language, develops oral and written communication skills, and cultivates leadership skills in supporting students who are having difficulty adjusting to the demands of academic writing. These experiences help student tutors continue their careers in academic or non-academic professions. Strong written and spoken communication skills are important attributes in any application and an asset anywhere in the working world.

How do students apply?

Students interested in applying to Writing Services for a tutoring job should submit the following application package by Friday, April 7^th.

• A cover letter addressed to Dr. Christin Wright-Taylor, Writing Consultant, Writing Services
• A résumé
• An unofficial (from LORIS) or official transcript
• One graded sample paper (e.g., essay, case report, lab report) with the professor’s comments and the mark
• A recommendation from a professor who knows the applicant well (e.g., a letter from a professor or a professor’s contact information for us to contact).

Your application can be emailed to Mackenzie Wauters, Writing Coordinator, at mwauters@wlu.ca.