Writing Associate Process

1. A professor from any discipline applies to have a Writing Associate assigned to his or her class.

2. The program director meets with the professor to discuss the course, the assignments and how the Writing Associates could best help the students and the professor with their writing goals.

3. Writing Associates are assigned to the class. No WA will be assigned more than 15-20 students.

4. WAs attend the initial classes to introduce themselves and the program, make introductory remarks and set the consultation schedule.

5. Students write and submit drafts to the professor two to three weeks before the final draft is due.

6. WAs collect the drafts from the professor and take one week to read each draft thoroughly, comment on it and write a response letter pointing out strengths and areas for revision.

7. Students revise their drafts after considering the WA’s comments, and then come to an individual consultation to discuss strategies for further revision, teaching skills and strategies that can be used on future writing assignments.

8. WAs complete online consultation forms.

9. Students revise again and submit the paper to be graded.

10. Once the professor grades the papers, WAs meet with the professor to review the first WAing.

11. Steps 5-8 are repeated for other writing assignments.

12. Faculty, students and WAs write end-of-the-year evaluations.

Writing Associate Duties

1. Attend the spring WA training workshop.

2. At the end of the workshop, meet the professor to whom each WA will be assigned.

3. Register for and successfully complete the credit/no credit 3-hour directed study training class scheduled in the fall.

4. Attend initial classes (of the course you are WAing) to introduce yourself and the program, make introductory remarks and set your consultation schedule.

5. Read student drafts.

6. Work one-on-one with 15–20 students to teach writing skills that will not only improve individual papers but also the students’ future writing.

7. Write marginal comments and a one-page response letter for each.

8. Hold individual consultations with each student on each paper, lasting approximately 30 minutes each.

9. Complete online consultation forms.

10. Meet with the professor of your assigned class at least twice, once before reading the first assignment and once after the professor has graded the first assignment.

11. Understand the professor’s expectations for the assignment and criteria for grading.

12. Keep all scheduled conference appointments punctually.

13. Complete time sheets by deadline.

14. Meet with the program director during the semester to discuss goals and progress.

15. Meet with other WAs during monthly staff meetings.

16. Inform the director of any difficulties or problems as they arise.

17. Agree to be evaluated each semester by self, faculty, students, and the program director.

Application Tips

1. Preparation: Know the WA program objectives.  Know the duties of a WA. Know your own schedule and abilities.

2. Writing Sample: Submit a writing sample on a topic related to your major. The paper should present a cogent argument for your particular thesis.

3. Recommendations: Inform the professors in your major that the Writing Associates Program is interested in knowing about your writing skills, your ability to work with others and your work ethic. You will two letters of recommendation from professors in your major.

How to Become a Writing Associate

1. Fill out the online application, including a paper written from your major, two letters of recommendation, and your current resume.

2. After initial review, selected students will interview for the position.

3. And after final review, selected students will attend the spring workshop and enroll in the directed study for the fall, a required 3-hour training course for all new WAs.

Basic Requirements: full-time student status, 3.5 major GPA or 3.3 overall GPA, junior hours by fall employment

Training Requirements: spring workshop, 3-hour directed study in the fall, monthly staff meetings, meet with the WA program director as needed.