To become a peer tutor of writing, you must be an undergraduate student who is able to take a writing course that trains tutors.  Employment begins the semester after completing the course.  

The process starts with the submission of this application and a letter of recommendation from an instructor who knows you as a writer. Interested students are interviewed and, if accepted, are trained in the three-credit, semester-long course called English 250:  Peer Tutoring in Writing.  The course counts toward the rhetoric emphasis in the English major.  Prerequisites for English 250 are English 15 or 30 (English 202 is preferred but not required). In English 250, tutors-in-training learn about the different types of writing that are commonly assigned at Penn State, as well as the rhetorical theories and techniques of tutoring.  They also learn about the Center's policies, write papers on tutoring issues, and observe current tutors at work so they can better learn how to conduct a tutoring session. Finally, students complete a practicum of unpaid, supervised work before they may officially join the Undergraduate Writing Center staff.

If you are interested in becoming a peer tutor, contact Jon Olson, the Undergraduate Writing Center Director, in 206 Boucke for further information about becoming a peer tutor, or call him at (814) 865-6383. You may also complete the application below. Thanks for your interest!

 

First Name:
Last Name:
Address:
Student ID                                   (example: 9XXXXXXXX):
Email Address:
Phone Number:
Semester Standing:
Major:
GPA:

1. Please list the writing courses you have taken as well as their respective instructors and the grades you earned.

2. What types of writing have you done? How has this writing experience prepared you to be a peer tutor of writing?

3. What other experiences and personal qualities will help you to be a successful peer tutor of writing?

4. What aspect of peer tutoring in writing do you expect to be the most challenging for you?

5. How do you hope to benefit from being a peer tutor of writing?

6. If you have any questions or comments, please list them below, and Jon Olson, Undergraduate Writing Center director, will reply to you soon.