Information about the Presbyterian College Writing Center
for Tutor Applicants (Spring 2014)
The Writing Center is a place for students to work one-on-one with a writing tutor to improve as
writers. Tutors use active listening and questioning, suggest strategies to use in the writing
process, and model the use of books, handouts, and other resources. Tutors help students with all
phases of the writing process: invention, organization, development, grammar, mechanics, style,
documentation, and proofreading strategies. Following the priorities learned during training, you
will respond to a student’s writing and help that student improve in the most needed areas.
Tutoring will help you become mindful of your own writing practices, stimulate your mind as
you learn about and read papers from all disciplines, and give you an opportunity to learn skills
that will be useful in your future profession.
Position Description: Tutors work with students one-on-one to help them improve as writers,
keep accurate records of each writing conference, complete continuing education activities, and
perform other tasks related to Writing Center work.
Training and Work: Before beginning work, tutors enroll in the one-credit-hour ENGL 220
Writing Tutor Practicum to learn the theory and practice of effective tutoring. The class meets
once a week for an hour (time scheduled based on participants’ schedules), then towards the end
of the semester tutors work 2 hours a week. The coordinator schedules each tutor’s hours based
on his or her availablity. In subsequent semesters, students work approximately 3 hours a week.
Tutors are paid a work-study wage (currently $7.25 an hour). Tutors may enroll in ENGL 326:
Practicum in the Writing Center in subsequent semesters. Tutors also are required to attend staff
meetings for continuing education.
Requirements to apply for position:
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Receive an A or A- in freshman English or place out of the requirement
Hold a 3.5 GPA or higher
Desired characteristics of Writing Center tutors:
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Excellent writing ability. Should have a good grasp of grammar and mechanics as well
as critical thinking skills.
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Maturity and responsibility. Should be self-directed, able to meet deadlines, and
capable of working in the evenings without supervision if necessary. Tutors should be
able to manage time well and never miss scheduled appointments without prior
notification.
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Friendliness and likabilty. Whether introverted or extroverted, good tutors should relate
to others quickly, put them at ease, and convey feedback in a positive way.
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Adaptablity. Tutors must be able to tailor their feedback for different disciplines and
adapt their approaches based on the needs of different students.