
Application deadline: Wednesday, March 1, 11:59 pm
The Center for Writing's Student Writing Support (SWS) program invites undergraduate students to apply to be writing consultants during the 2023–24 academic year. Writing consultants consult one-to-one with undergraduate and graduate writers from across the university to support them in developing confidence and effective writing strategies.
The Center looks for candidates who are curious learners and attentive listeners. Strong collaboration skills and attention to detail are also important. Candidates from underrepresented or marginalized communities and identities are encouraged to apply. We welcome applications from students from all majors and all language backgrounds—especially students who are going to be sophomores or juniors during the 2023-24 school year.
Please note: At this time, the University’s employment site is limited in how it collects applicant demographic information. Applicants are encouraged to provide the name and/or pronouns that they use within their attached application materials.
Position starts Fall 2023; ideal candidates will be able to work for the full academic year or for multiple years. The starting rate of pay for this position is $16.00 per hour. On average, consultants work 8–10 hours per week. For new consultants, all work is on campus in face-to-face settings.
Consult with undergraduate and graduate student writers from across the university on their writing projects to help them develop confidence and effective writing habits. Enroll in WRIT 3751W: The Theory and Practice of Writing Consultancy in Fall 2023. Participate in training, mentoring, and other professional development activities. Help to maintain accurate student records. Assist with publicity (such as visiting classes to introduce SWS) and other work as needed. Greet students, schedule appointments, and provide basic tech support to students.
REQUIRED: Must be an undergraduate student in a degree-granting program for duration of employment. Must have fulfilled the first-year writing requirement by the start of fall semester 2023 (i.e., enrollment in a first-year writing course in spring 2023 is acceptable). Interest in supporting student learning. Effective communication, listening, and collaboration skills. Strong attention to detail.
PREFERRED: We especially welcome applications from candidates who are going to be sophomores or juniors during the 2023–24 school year and who meet one or more of the following qualifications:
have experience with working in a detail-oriented environment
are multilingual
have experience as language learners
have experience supporting language learners
are committed to or interested in working in an inclusive and diverse community
are interested in developing methods for giving feedback to writers on their work in progress
have experience writing in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) fields
have experience in a writing center (as writing consultant, as client, or both) or collaborating with writers in other settings
We welcome candidates from historically underrepresented or marginalized communities and identities. Given our ongoing partnership with TRIO, we especially invite individuals who are TRIO students, TRIO program alumni, and/or have shared life experiences with TRIO-like populations, including growing up low-income, first-generation, or overcoming significant obstacles in pursuit of higher education. Further, given our connections with ISSS, we strongly encourage international students to apply.
Student Writing Support (SWS) offers collaborative one-to-one writing consultations to help student writers develop confidence and effective writing strategies. Writing consultants will listen to writers’ goals and concerns, read and respond to their written work, pose questions that help writers clarify and articulate their ideas, and affirm the experiences and abilities that people bring to their writing. SWS values writers’ life experiences and languages, seeking to provide a supportive space for writers to share and develop their voices.
Applications must be submitted online through the Office of Human Resources website. Click on "student jobs" and enter Job ID #354032.
The application requires four items (below). Save all items as PDFs and name each PDF with your last name, followed by “_[document type]”. For example, if your last name is Tang and you are naming your resume, it would be named Tang_resume.
The application system involves 6 steps. Here is what you can expect:
In Step 1, review the Terms and Conditions.
In Step 2, add your resume + cover letter
If the application system requires you to complete step 3, please know that ALL of the elements you enter in this step should also be included in your resume.
Complete step 4 as applicable.
In step 5, please add your unofficial transcript(s) + writing sample.
In step 6, you can officially submit your application.
Finally, we strongly recommend reviewing all the attachments you have submitted, making sure that the correct documents were attached to the application. To do so, go to hr.myu.umn.edu and then click “My Job Applications” to review your “attached files”.
Please know that the transcript and writing samples will attach to all applications you submit in the UMN employment system.
Applications are due on Wednesday, March 1, 11:59 pm. Interviews will be conducted on campus and will begin in mid March.
Questions about navigating the online application system should be directed to the Office of Human Resources (OHR) at ohr@umn.edu, 612-624-8647, or 800-756-2363. Applicants may otherwise find the student jobs webpage useful.
Questions about the position itself can be directed to Dr. Jasmine Tang, Co-Director, Center for Writing, at jkt@umn.edu.