Writing Center

The WSUTC Writing Center is a drop-in resource, so no need to make an appointment!

Your 30-minute consultation will begin by addressing larger-scale difficulties (such as understanding the assignment, overall organization or research challenges) before moving on to more specific, paragraph level challenges (such as thesis, sentence structure, transitions or citations).  Proofreading and revision strategies will be discussed as time allows.

You may drop-in at your convenience, however, to have the greatest benefit, come in early during an assignment as there could be a wait time, especially around midterms and finals weeks.  We also request a break between each of your consultations to allow another student access to a consultant.

Just a quick question about your writing?  Please drop-in for a quick appointment!  We also encourage you to work and draft in the Writing Center at any time.

All peer writing consultants are students at WSU, so they are uniquely prepared to help you navigate writing in an academic setting or other writing concerns, including the following:

• Understanding your assignment
• Pre-writing & Invention
• Drafting & Organizing
• Conducting & Utilizing research
• Understanding Revision & Editing practices
• Following documentation guidelines
• Recognizing layout & design concepts
• Improving basic computer skills

As a drop-in Writing Center, our consultants are available to answer quick questions or conduct consultations of up to 30 minutes each.  You are welcome to visit to work on assignments, ask questions, use our resources, or pick up handouts.

Please note consultants are noteditors or proofreaders.  The Writing Center values education over editing, and as such will help all students navigate the demands of academic writing, but does not provide an editing or proofreading service.

Bring any documents that will help you and your consultant to better understand the assignment and the needs of your professor.  This could include your syllabus, the assignment, grading rubrics, and/or any drafts (including brainstorming or outlines) you have completed.

Specific questions and a positive attitude are also recommended!

*In light of COVID-19, all Writing Center resources are moving virtual.

The Writing Center is located on the 2nd floor of the Max E. Benitz Library. Consultations will begin the third week of classes through Dead Week of every fall and spring semester. Last day for writing consultations for the semester will be May 6.

Consultations are not available on class holidays (including Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Break, MLK Day, Presidents Day, Spring Break) or when campus is closed (including for inclement weather).

Type of Majors Seeking:    All majors are encouraged to apply

WSU Tri-Cities Department/Unit:  Academic Affairs-Student Services

Supervisor:    Robin Ebert Mays, Writing Center Coordinator

Job Location:   Writing Center, Max E. Benitz Library, CIC Building 2^nd floor

Position Title and Type:     Preceptor I; part-time, temporary, hourly position

Length of Position:     Academic Year.  Hires are typically for the academic year.

Start Date:  First week of classes in August (Note:  start and end dates may change)

End Date:   Friday of finals week each semester

Compensation:    $13.50/hr

Work-Study:  Only 1-2 positions are designated as work-study. To qualify, you must be pre-approved by the Financial Aid office.  If you are unsure, please contact the Financial Aid office before applying for a work-study position.  Please indicate you are applying for a work-study position in your cover letter.

Summary of Position:
Writing Center consultants will assist students in all majors as they navigate writing in academic settings.  Consultants will also become familiar with the Writing Center website, virtual Writing Center and have a good understanding of the services offered to students.

Position Duties:

Writing Center Consultants must listen and respond to the writing needs of the client; demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills; have working knowledge of how to successfully write papers in an academic setting; share best practices for writing and critical thinking; greet clients upon arrival; track client visits; read and understand best practices of writing consultation with peers. Work hours are between M-F 10am-5pm, with some after-hours availability.  Light maintenance of the Writing Center space may be required.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Strong customer service and verbal communication skills
• 5 GPA minimum
• Sophomore, Junior or Senior standing
• Degree seeking student
• Knowledge and clear understanding of revision and editing processes, layout and design concepts, conducting and utilizing research, following documentation guidelines
• Basic computer skills using Microsoft Word
• Must be available to work during operational hours Monday-Friday, 10am to 5pm

Preferred Candidates: 

• will have taken classes at WSU Tri-Cities for at least one semester
• will have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• will have knowledge of a language other than English

To Apply: 

Complete the Writing Center Application, where you will be asked to upload a cover letter and resume, at:

Writing Center Consultant Application Form

Please indicate on cover letter if applying for one of the Work Study positions. Candidates are highly encouraged to view the Writing Center website and become familiar with the services offered to students:   https://tricities.wsu.edu/academic-resources/writing-center/

Please direct questions to:  Robin Ebert Mays, Writing Center Coordinator, robin.mays@wsu.edu

Successful candidates will:

• complete paperwork for a Background Check, to be renewed annual
• complete training required including FERPA, Ethics and Sexual Harassment Prevention Training
• attend a required orientation training session
• attend regular trainings and meetings throughout the semester
• become familiar with Writing Center services offered to students
• agree to maintain a 2.5 GPA and adhere to Writing Center Workplace Expectations

Closing Date:  Open Until Filled