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Writing Mentors are writing consultants that work with students in specific writing intensive courses. Mentors act as facilitators for good writing, both inside and outside the classroom, by offering suggestions for revision and discussing strategies that will enable students to communicate their thoughts and ideas for course assignments effectively.
What kinds of things might a Writing Mentor do in my class?
While each instructor and Writing Mentor will determine the precise nature and structure of the work that the Writing Mentor will do, some activities that Writing Mentors might engage in include
• Meeting with students in face-to-face or virtual environments at any stage of their writing (prewriting, drafting/writing, revising, editing, etc.).
• Meeting with students in small groups, either during in-class sessions (ex. peer review) or out-of-class tutoring sessions in the Writing Center.
• Leading short workshops on writing topics or issues such as introductions, thesis statements, clarity/concision, plagiarism, proper citation (APA, MLA, CSE, Chicago, etc.), conclusions, etc.
• Providing written comments on drafts of student work.
It is also important to keep in mind that a Writing Mentor is not
• A guarantee that every student in the course will succeed or improve as a writer.
• A proofreader or editor for students in the class.
• A teaching assistant capable of taking the place of the instructor in the classroom.
How do I apply for a Writing Mentor?
Faculty wishing to work with a Writing Mentor must complete an application process in which they will be asked to provide information about the size, duration, and delivery method of the course, as well as details about the major writing assignments and the instructor’s initial ideas for how she or he might productively use the Mentor over the course of the semester. Applications will be solicited and regularly reviewed by administrators of the University Writing Program and the Quality Enhancement Plan, with Writing Mentors assigned as appropriate and possible.