Academic Background, Academic Writing, Analysis Skills, Best Practices, College Level Faculty, Communication Skills, Computer Software, Consulting, Customer Support/Service, English Language, Microsoft Office, Persuasion Skills, Time Management, Training Program, Writing Skills
Work Study Job Description
Job Title: Writing Consultant
Date: 7/30/25
Department: Writing Program
Supervisor/Manager: Dr. Elizabeth Trueblood, Director of the Writing Program & Writing Center, Assistant Professor
Purpose or role of the position: The Writing Center employs student Writing Consultants to provide peer-to-peer, one-on-one support services to patrons of the Writing Center, including University of Olivet students and Olivet community members. Consultants will hold drop-in office hours in the Writing Center, now housed in Mott 208, 1:1 appointments consistently week to week, and participate in in-class consulting services in the Writing Program. A Consultant's job is not to "fix" papers brought in by clients; rather, it's to help the writer understand how to improve their written communication, and provide clients with "take home" skills to improve said written communication. Consultants from different majors/areas of study (not only English and Writing) are encouraged to apply.
Please note that as a representative of UO's Writing Center, Writing Consultants are expected to display professional conduct and respect for others at all times when on the job.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Support Writing Center services and programs
- Uphold Writing Center best practices in in-center consulting, 1:1 appointments, and classroom consulting sessions
- Share principles of good writing with students and provide them the knowledge and resources to carry out those principles in their own work
- Engage in appropriate consulting practices, according to the training program implemented in the Writing Center
- Participate in a training program at the beginning of each semester (details of the training will be communicated to those who are hired)
- Attend monthly staff meetings and as-needed 1:1 meetings with the Writing Center Director
Additional Duties:
- Maintain accurate timesheets for each pay period by clocking in/out as scheduled during each shift
- Complete all assigned tasks, projects, initiatives, etc., as directed in a timely manner
- Contribute to a strong Writing Center staff team
- Perform all other duties as assigned
Required Credentials:
Those wishing to apply as Writing Consultants must:
- Show engagement and interest in writing
- Satisfactorily complete the composition sequence (WRT111 and WRT112) or an equivalent agreed upon by UO's Writing Program Director
- Work independently with minimal supervision
- Follow instructions and practice effective time-management
- Communicate effectively and appropriately and exhibit effective listening skills
- Provide notification of scheduling issues as far in advance as possible
- Possess basic computer usage and software skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office programs
- Abide by the guidelines and policies in the 2025-2026 UO Student Handbook
- Maintain current and active enrollment during the term of employment
Desired Qualifications
Additionally, candidates will benefit from:
- Having discipline-specific academic writing experience (not only in English and Writing classes)
- Having familiarity with common academic paper formats
- Displaying reliability, dependability, punctuality, and professionalism
- Exemplifying The University of Olivet Compact-guided behavior to serve the campus community
- Enjoying working with and supporting diverse populations
- Exhibiting maturity, self-motivation, and initiative
Application Requirements
When submitting your application, please include the following:
- Cover Letter, 1 page maximum, including:
- Your name, phone number, and UO email
- Your academic and professional background, especially any experience in writing centers or other instructional positions
- Your interest in writing
- Your perceived strengths and weaknesses in writing
- Your definition of professionalism in a university environment
- How you might contribute to the work we do
- Names, phone numbers, and email addresses of at least two instructors willing to serve as references. (You should let these instructors know you're listing them as your references-they do not need to be University of Olivet instructors)
- Writing Sample, 2 pages minimum. The writing sample may be any type of academic paper (such as a literature analysis, research paper, persuasive essay, etc.) or creative work (short story, poetry collection, etc.)