W397/597: Writing Center Theory and Practice Practicum

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

• You are eligible if you have completed W131 or W140 or its equivalent.
• You do not have to be an English major to apply – the UWC welcomes students from all disciplines – variation strengthens the UWC’s ability to work with writers.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

• Becoming a writing consultant offers you opportunities to learn and work in a supportive, pre-professional environment.
• You will learn more about your own writing as you talk one-on-one with UWC clients about their writing projects.
• You will learn “real world” communications skills – valuable preparation for professions that require face-to-face interactions with students, clients, patients, or employees.
• You will learn professional skills before venturing into the job market or grad school.
• Becoming a student consultant offers you a “place” on campus where you can develop relationships with other motivated students and faculty.

WHAT DOES THE W496 CONSULTANT TRAINING SEMINAR INVOLVE?

• Students enrolled in W397/597: Writing Center Theory and Practice Practicum will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:30-2:45 pm. The seminar is a practicum offering “hands-on” learning opportunities – but conveniently located on campus.
• W397/597 students learn about consulting ethics and strategies for working with other writers. When they’re ready, they apply what they’ve learn by working 5 hours a week in the UWC, with the support of veteran student and faculty consultants

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER TRAINING?

• Students who successfully complete the W397 practicum may choose to join the UWC staff as paid consultants earning $12.00/hr.

HOW DO I SIGN UP?

Contact the instructor Lynn Jettpace at ljettpac@iu.edu to schedule an informal conversation about what the course requires.
Following this conversation, interested students will be authorized to enroll in W397/597

DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CLASS?

• Visit the UWC in UL 2125 and talk with consultants who will be happy to share their experiences with you.
• Contact Lynn Jettpace, who will be equally happy to talk with you about W397/597 and life in the UWC

One benefit of the course itself was that I learned more about my own writing process and strategies for facilitating my growth as a writing. A benefit of both the course and the work I do in the center is that I’m gaining experience with multiple languages and literacy practices that inform my pedagogical approaches as a student in the writing discipline. Another advantage of working here for students not in the writing discipline is that I learn methods of improving my writing everyday working with a diverse group of people who have their own strategies and processes of writing effectively.  –Kelsey Hawkins

Becoming a consultant at the University Writing Center has been one of the most fulfilling work experiences I’ve ever had. I am constantly energized by all the different types of students and papers that I get to work with on a daily basis. I never tire of talking with writers about their writing and seeing them develop their ideas through the texts they compose. – Nate Marcisz

Working at the Writing Center has made me a better writer and student. It provided me with a robust writing-focused community and helped me see writing as something inherently collaborative and social rather than solely an individual pursuit. It taught me to use writing as a mode of thinking and learning rather than just a means to an end. Perhaps most importantly, the opportunity to work one-on-one with writers from many disciplines and walks of life has given me problem-solving skills that will benefit me in every part of my life and career after I graduate. – Nathan Marquam