The process of becoming a peer tutor begins 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 a three-credit, semester-long course called English 250. 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 theories and techniques of tutoring. They also learn about the Writing 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, tutors-in-training 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:
Access ID (example:  abc123):
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.