Frequently Asked Questions

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  • How do I become a writing consultant?

    You should apply to take English 383 "Introduction to Composition Theory and Pedagogy," a thorough training course offered each semester. You may need to submit a writing sample, but you will need a letter of recommendation from a faculty member. Contact us if you are interested in applying to take the class.

  • What is the difference in the consulting jobs?

    If you work at the Writing Center, in many cases may not see a draft of a writer’s work in advance. Your schedule will be fixed each week, though you are also “on call” for writers. You may say “no” when you get busy.

    If you are assigned to a class, you are more autonomous, working directly for the professor to whom you get assigned. You will be responsible for setting up a schedule to meet writers, and you should expect all drafts to arrive in advance.

  • What is the process for getting hired after completing Eng. 383?

    As the semester ends, Dr. Essid assigns consultants for the following term. If possible, we will work with your preferences and try to accomadate requests to work with specific faculty members.

  • When and how do I complete employment paperwork?

    When Dr. Essid confirms your position, Ms. Ball will complete an EPAF in BannerWeb to begin the official hiring process.

    If you have never worked on campus before, you will also need to complete pre-employment paperwork, which is submitted in person at the Office of Human Resources. Please bring original, unexpired I-9 documents in order to complete the paperwork. This step is urgent; without completing the paperwork, you cannot be hired and begin working for the Center.

  • How am I paid?

    You will submit an online timesheet in BannerWeb every other week. See the Student Web Time Entry guide for instructions; other payroll information and schedules can be found here.

    All new hires will need to complete job paperwork for taxation and immigration purposes. Please see this page to prepare the documents needed to verify your eligibility to work.

  • What’s the workload?

    Beyond hours worked during shifts at the Center, those consultants assigned to classes should expect to consult with 12-16 students at least twice per semester. Consultants are paid for all time worked, including time spent reading and commenting on papers and writing summary reports.

  • If I’m studying abroad, teaching, or doing an internship, will I lose my job?

    Not at all. To stay on the roster, fill out your preference form online, and let the program administrators know when you will again be available to work.

  • I’m getting requests for writing help from friends and dorm residents. What do I do?

    Help them! Just be sure to file a Writing Center Summary for each appointment. Then we can pay you for the time you spend. If you think you will have a lot of time to help those in your dorm, consider working a regular shift in the dorm as a writing consultant. Dr. Essid and consultants who have tried this can provide advice about how to make dorm consultations work well.

  • My professor wants me to proofread or correct content. I was told not to do that in Eng. 383. What should I do?

    Do as your professor asks. They are the arbiters of what occurs in the classroom. If the professor wants you to use a red pen and mark every error, do so. Tell Joe Essid if this bothers you. He’ll do his best at some “faculty development” with your professor.

  • When I write a report using the online form, how soon should I complete it?

    Ideally, send in a form within twenty-four hours of the meeting. Faculty often ask for missing reports!