Becoming a Writing Assistant
The Center for Writing Excellence's Writing Intern Assistants are UWEC undergraduates who are trained to work one-on-one with their peers' writing. You do not need to be an English major or a perfect writer—what's more important is a commitment to learning more about writing, an ability to work well with writers, and a curiosity about writing and tutoring.
When you work as a Writing Assistant, you will gain valuable training and experience helping others with their writing while improving your own writing and communication skills. The teaching and interpersonal skills you acquire are highly valued by employers, graduate schools, and other organizations.
An intern’s primary responsibilities include supporting writers across all disciplines and skill levels. Additionally, interns support wider campus outreach in the service of fostering writing and creative communication across campus.
Internship duties
- Weekly tutoring hours (a minimum of 4)
- Wider campus outreach including but not limited to orientations, resource fairs, and the annual National Day on Writing event
- Active participation in classroom support (e.g. workshops on topics such as peer review, the writing process, or drafting personal statements)
- Commitment to scholarship and creative works—with the opportunity to present research and writing at regional and national conferences
- Upholding day-to-day operations of CWE locations
Qualifications
The CWE seeks compassionate, supportive, and detail-oriented interns who have successfully completed the UWEC first-year writing requirement. Previous background with tutoring or mentoring is highly regarded, though not necessary for employment. In order to ensure ample time to grow within the internship, we prioritize applicants who will have at least two semesters remaining at UW-Eau Claire after completing ENGL 397.
Pre-Requisite course
In order to become paid interns, all selected applicants must successfully complete ENGL 397: Writing Center Theory and Practice—a 3-credit, semester-long course offered every fall semester. As part of this course, students receive service-learning credit by completing a three-hour/week (unpaid) practicum in the center during the fall semester.
Required application materials
Submit to Dr. Jonathan Rylander at rylandjj@uwec.edu. Please submit a PDF version of the documents below:
- A resume with the name of a faculty reference (at the bottom) we contact by phone
- A brief cover letter (2-3 paragraphs) detailing your interest in a CWE Internship
- A writing sample (at least 3 pages, double-spaced) from any class—this can be critical or creative work
