The OWRC is looking for a few good writing consultants!

The Odegaard Writing and Research Center (OWRC) is now hiring writing tutors for the summer and 2008-09 academic year.  OWRC supports UW students with their writing and research projects and is open Sunday-Thursday from 12:00-9:00 p.m..  More information about the center and its mission are available at http://depts.washington.edu/owrc

 
We are seeking:

1) Qualified writing tutors who can join our weekly schedule starting Early Fall Start or Fall 2008

2) Substitute writing tutors who work irregularly and have the ability to pick up shifts during busy periods and/or step in when one of our regularly scheduled tutors needs an afternoon or evening off. 
 
A detailed job description is posted below.  This position is open until filled (though you're encouraged to apply asap for a better chance at securing a position).  Please contact Tish Lopez at owrc@u.washington.edu with questions. 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Job Description:

 

The OWRC helps students through all stages of the writing process on any piece of writing.  We primarily assist students in three ways.  First, we help students understand fully what any given assignment is asking them to do; second, we help students plan clearly how to complete assignments successfully; and third, we help students execute that plan from the initial writing of research notes through the submission of a successful draft.
 
The job requires patience and good listening skills as well as the ability to identify strengths and possibilities in other students' writing.  When applicable, tutors will also work with Odegaard reference librarians to help students with their information research needs. While quarterly training sessions (paid) will be provided to better equip you to assist the center's varied student population, applicants with a strong grasp of basic writing conventions, flexible thinking skills, and an ability to communicate clearly to others will be given preference.  
 
This is a great opportunity for students to work in a relaxed, fun learning environment while also gaining valuable experience.  The skills you acquire through this work will serve you throughout your academic and professional careers.

Requirements:
- Ability to work afternoons and/or evenings
- Excellent writing and oral communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with other tutors, the writing center director, faculty members, and reference librarians
- Ability to attend quarterly paid training sessions (often held on Fridays or Saturdays at the beginning of each quarter) and a willingness to be assessed by senior staff once a quarter for the first year
 
Desired Qualities:
- Experience as a tutor, mentor, teacher, facilitator, or coach
- Ability to work the full academic year
- Ability to clearly articulate and model basic writing conventions
- Able to use a variety of approaches to diagnose and problem-solve
- Experience working with ESL students is a plus
- Interest is pursuing leadership opportunities at the center such as developing and delivering workshops, assisting with the training of new staff, attending regional writing center conferences, facilitating monthly meetings, as well as marketing and representing the center at various center events 
 
Wage:
- Starting wage for undergraduates, alumni, and pre-MA graduate students is $10.00+ an hour
- Starting wage for post-MA graduate tutors is $15.00+ an hour
- Work study students are qualified to earn higher wages; see the OWRC director for details.
 
This position is open until filled.  Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.  We will notify applicants of decisions approximately one week after being called in for an interview. 
 
To Apply:
Please submit the following to owrc@u.washington.edu:

- a cover letter describing your qualifications and why you want to be a tutor
- a current resume or cv and
- a writing sample (a course paper is preferred)

Again, e-mail submissions to owrc@u.washington.edu are preferred.  Applications may also be submitted in person to our center which is located in Room 326, Odegaard Undergraduate Library.  If you do not receive a response within 72 hours of applying, you are encouraged to resend your application or inquire after your application via phone, e-mail, or in person.  

Frequently Asked Questions::

1) How many hours are tutors expected to work?

As an OWRC tutor, you can choose when you want to work and how often!  If you are a regularly scheduled tutor, you will submit your availability every quarter.  On the form, you will state the number of hours/days/times you prefer to work.  In almost every instance, we are able to accommodate your request.  For some, this means working one day a week for 3-4 hours and for others it means working 4-5 days a week for 20 hours.  It is entirely up to you!

2) How many tutors do you need to hire?

As the largest writing center on campus, we are always looking for talented individuals to join our team!  While we don't yet know how many tutors we need for summer term, we plan to hire at least ten tutors for the 2008-09 academic year.  **Update**: nine applicants have been hired.

3) Do I have to take a class if I work for your center?  Do you provide training for your tutors?

Tutors who work at the OWRC are NOT required to register for English 474.  Instead, we provide 10-15 hours of paid training throughout the academic year.   Most training occurs the first week of each quarter on a Friday or Saturday afternoon.  In addition to paid training sessions, you will receive anonymous student feedback on a regular basis, meet with senior staff members at least once a quarter to discuss your progress as a tutor, and attend monthly sofa chats where you and various other tutors sit around the sofa and discuss a wide range of writing-center-related issues.  In short, while we don't require you to take a specific class, you will get plenty of support as the year progresses!    

4) I don't have any tutoring experience.  Should I even apply?

Of course!  Previous experience does not matter as much as you might think.  More often than not, we look for individuals who are friendly, have a strong understanding of basic writing conventions (e.g. what is a thesis?)  and are able to effectively communicate with others. 

5) I applied for an OWRC tutoring position in the past and was turned down.  Can I re-apply?

Yes.  In fact, we love repeat applicants!

6) Why are post-MA graduate students paid a different salary?

A large number of graduate students use our center every quarter.  Many of these students require the assistance of a post-MA graduate tutor to help them with their MA thesis, dissertation, articles for publications, and/or conference proposals.  Since post-MA graduate students have completed a higher level of education and are familiar with all or most of the writing genres listed above, they are placed on a different pay scale. 

7) What is a substitute tutor? Can a regularly-scheduled tutor work as a substitute tutor as well?

Substitute writing tutors are individuals who work irregularly and have the ability to pick up shifts during busy periods and/or step in when one of our regularly scheduled tutors needs an afternoon or evening off.  Since we have over 25 tutors on staff, sub requests are often sent out on a weekly basis.  The nice thing about being a sub is that you are not tied down to a weekly schedule and have the option of picking up as many (or as few) shifts as you like.  Regularly-scheduled tutors can also act as subs and have the ability of picking up extra shifts if they like as well.   

8) I'm graduating soon but I plan to stay in the Seattle area.  Can I still apply?

Of course!  As long as you plan to stay in the area for six months or more, you are encouraged to apply.

9) What do I have to do to apply again?

Simply submit (1) a cover letter describing your qualifications and why you want to be a tutor, (2) a current resume or cv and (3) a writing sample (a course paper is preferred) to owrc@u.washington.edu!  This position is open until filled.  Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. 

10) I applied for a tutoring position but I never heard back from you.  What gives?!

Sorry! We likely didn't receive your application.  Please e-mail us if you do not hear back from us within 72 hours of submitting your application.

11) Why should I work at the OWRC?

Because we're a great place to work!  Our staff has a reputation for being bright, funny, and easy to work with.  In addition, unlike a typical retail or administrative position, OWRC tutors have an opportunity to make a difference in someone's life.  Where else can you get paid to instill confidence in others, help students become a proficient self-editor, and engage in conversation on a variety of topics? 

Last but not least, we pride ourselves in making sure that you leave our center more prepared for whatever academic or professional endeavor you're pursuing.  If you're applying to grad school -- we'll help you write your personal statement and secure a TA or RAship.  If you're planning to enter the job market immediately after graduation, we'll help you revamp your resume and give you an opportunity to sit in on interviews and learn how to effectively communicate with potential employers.  If you plan to teach one day, we'll give you an opportunity to lead writing workshops and present workshops at regional writing center conferences.  In short, we'll do our best to ensure that you leave the center better prepared for whatever professional endeavor you seek.

 
Misc. Notes: 
This job classification is governed by a negotiated labor contract and is subject to union shop provisions. For more information about union shop provisions, visit: http://www.washington.edu/admin/hr/jobs/apl/union-info.html

The University of Washington is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206.543.6450 / 206.543.6452 (tty) or dso@u.washington.edu.