Work at the WC!

Help others write!

The heart of our operation - undergraduate consultants collaborate with student writers to help them with their writing. You'll work 1-on-1 with other student as they work on their writing assignments in every class, every major, and at every stage of the writing process. 

Why would I want to be a consultant? Consulting at the writing center includes significant professional development opportunities. As a writing consultant, you'll develop skills in writing strategies, communication, adaptability, problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, teamwork, and teaching. You may also pursue research and leadership opportunities the center offers. 

Who can be a consultant? We recruit consultants from all majors and backgrounds. We encourage students in STEM, business, education, humanities, health and human sciences, media arts, and all other disciplines to apply. Writing center experience can prepare you for future careers in all educational contexts, professional writing and communication, professional consulting, and for critical thinking, audience awareness, and problem solving in any field.

Training:

All consultants undergo training and continuous professional development to be ready to assist all students. Training may include:

• ENGL489: A semester-long course on consulting student writing applying theories of learning, teaching, and consulting. Drawing from knowledge in writing studies, education, and professional consulting, we explore best practices for writing consulting, including building rapport with students, structuring productive conversations, responding to writing, and developing reflective mindsets for learning and teaching. Course activities include experiential learning through assignments in the SIU Writing Center. 
• Paid pre-work training: ~8 week training seminar on writing theories and writing consulting practice, taken in lieu of ENGL489 when the course is not offered.
• Regular training meetings: Throughout each semester, writing center staff convening in hour-long professional development session on a variety of topics related to the writing center. 

To apply, follow these steps:

• Complete ENGL489, offered in most spring semesters. For questions about enrolling in this course, please contact director Enrique Paz (enrique.paz@siu.edu). Ask your advisors about how ENGL489 might fulfill requirements for your academic program.
• Email director Enrique Paz expressing interest and attach resume, a 1-page cover letter describing your interest and experience, and an academic writing sample of at least 3 pages.

For any questions about this position, please email write@siu.edu.

Help others write!

The heart of our operation - writing consultants collaborate with student writers to help them with their writing. You'll work 1-on-1 with other student as they work on their writing assignments in every class, every major, and at every stage of the writing process. 

Why would I want to be a consultant? Consulting at the writing center offers extensive experience for future academic careers. In addition to developing your writing skills, graduate consultants also have opportunities for developing teaching, research, and administration skills.

Who can be a consultant? We recruit consultants from all majors and backgrounds. We encourage students in STEM, business, education, humanities, health and human sciences, media arts, and all other disciplines to apply. Writing center experience can prepare you for future careers in all educational contexts, professional writing and communication, professional consulting, and for critical thinking, audience awareness, and problem solving in any field. In recent years, graduate writing consultants are primarily from the English department.

Training:

All consultants undergo training and continuous professional development to be ready to assist all students. Training may include:

• ENGL489: A semester-long course on consulting student writing applying theories of learning, teaching, and consulting. Drawing from knowledge in writing studies, education, and professional consulting, we explore best practices for writing consulting, including building rapport with students, structuring productive conversations, responding to writing, and developing reflective mindsets for learning and teaching. Course activities include experiential learning through assignments in the SIU Writing Center. 
• Pre-work training seminar: Recognizing their coursework constraints, eligible grad students may skip ENGL489 and attend a set of training seminars for new grad consultants.
• Regular training meetings: Throughout each semester, writing center staff convening in hour-long professional development session on a variety of topics related to the writing center. 

To apply, follow these steps:

• Email director Enrique Paz expressing interest and attach a 1-page statement of interest describing your reason for applying and experience and a resume or CV.

For any questions about this position, please email write@siu.edu

Lead and learn in the WC!

Our advanced and administrative support! Graduate assistants function to support the director and consultants in facilitating the daily work of the writing center. They also provided consulting strength for supporting advanced writing projects, such as theses and dissertations. 

Why would I want to be a grad assistant? Graduate assistants have opportunities to shape their work in the writing center. While all GAs perform some tutoring, their responsibilities also often include administrative tasks that help the center to grow and run smoothly. Previous administrative projects have included workshop design and facilitation, undergraduate consultant hiring and training, website management, marketing and outreach strategy, and campus collaborations. These experiences may prepare graduate students for administrative and pedagogical roles within and outside of academia.

Who can be a consultant? Current graduate students from any program or school are invited to apply. Positions include 25% or 50% assistantships. At this time, incoming students will not be considered for an assistantship.

When do you hire? Applications for assistantships open in the spring for the following academic year.

Training:

All consultants undergo training and continuous professional development to be ready to assist all students. Training will include

• Pre-work training seminar: Grad students will attend a set of training seminars for new grad consultants.
• Regular training meetings: Throughout each semester, writing center staff convening in hour-long professional development session on a variety of topics related to the writing center. 

To apply, follow these steps:

• Email director Enrique Paz with: a resume or CV, a letter expressing your interest and relevant experience, and a sample of your academic writing.

For any questions about this position, please email write@siu.edu

Our Welcome Wagon!

The first point-of-contact for students. Our welcome staff provides support to students interested in the writing center via phone, email, and in-office service. They coordinate with students, consultants, and the director to make appointments, maintain operations, and manage the writing center space.

Why would I want to be a welcome staffer? Welcome staff provides the opportunity to develop essential skills in communication, collaboration, and client relations. Working daily to problem-solve for student clientele, you'll develop your ability to talk with clients to meet their needs and communicate about the writing center's services. You'll also join a wonderful and welcoming campus community where you can learn about writing.

Who can be a welcome staffer? Any student eligible for federal work-study may apply to work on our welcome staff. We recruit from all majors and academic backgrounds.

Training:

All welcome staff undergo training and continuous professional development to be ready to assist all students. Training may include:

• Pre-work training seminar: Prior to beginning responsibilities, this brief 3-4 session seminar provides training on client support and the writing center services.
• Regular training meetings: Throughout each semester, welcome staff may convene in  professional development sessions on a variety of topics related to the writing center. 

To apply, follow these steps:

• Email director Enrique Paz expressing interest and attach a 1-page statement of interest describing your reason for applying and experience and a resume or CV.

For any questions about this position, please email write@siu.edu

Our Mavens of Marketing!

Marketing strategist and executor. Our marketing coordinators are in charge of the writing center's campus outreach and online visibility through platforms such as Instagram and Tiktok. As a member of the marketing team, marketing coordinators collaborate with each other and with consultants and administrators to design a content strategy for online platforms, develop that content, and circulate it to promote our presence in digital spaces. They also facilitate promotional events and activities such as our yearly writing contests.

Why would I want to be a marketing coordinator? As our marketing coordinator, you'll not only gain experience in digital marketing but also be a key decision-maker and leader. Our outreach strategy is ever developing, and you'll have the opportunity to help define and develop how we approach our marketing. This position also provides the opportunity to grow and shape your responsibilities according to your strengths and interests. You'll also join a wonderful and welcoming campus community where you can learn about writing.

Who can be a marketing coordinator? We are seeking candidates with interest, experience and expertise in social media and marketing. We especially encourage students with marketing majors to apply, but any student is welcome to apply.

Training: New marketing coordinators will receive mentorship and training from the outgoing social media coordinator to transition the position. 

To apply, follow these steps:

• Apply through SIU's Handshake application system, submitting a resume and 1-page statement of interest describing your reason for applying and relevant experience. 
• Optionally, you may also include examples of any other social media management or content development you have done in the past.

For any questions about this position, please email write@siu.edu