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Writing Centre

Be a Writing Centre Peer Tutor

We continually seek tutors throughout the year in most programs. Feel free to submit a Writing Centre Tutor application package at any time.

 

Paid tutoring positions are available in most programs available on campus. Tutors work flexible hours, according to their availability and the student’s timetable. Tutors can also work towards two tutoring credentials through the College Reading and Learning Association. Tutoring is a great experience and looks good on a resume!  

Writing Centre Peer Tutor Job Description

Position Title

Writing Centre Peer Tutor

Department

Library and Academic Success

Campus

Barrie

Pay

$14/hour

Hours

Up to 24 Hours

Position Overview

Writing Centre Peer Tutors are current Georgian College students & University Partnership students who work collaboratively with the Writing Centre Technologist who provide functional guidance, mentorship, leadership and support. Writing Centre Tutors help students become more confident and skilled writers by engaging them in supportive conversations about their writing. Using an approach that fosters independence, writing tutors normalize how difficult academic writing can be. Working 1:1 or in small groups tutors support the development of their peers by showing them tips and strategies to build their skills as writers.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Provide writing assistance using a coaching or non-directive approach
  • Actively listen to student concerns and set SMART (Specific, Measurable Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound) goals for each writing session
  • Model and break down tips and strategies to support the writing process
  • Provide excellent customer service to students who drop-in for support and triage student need
  • Track student usage
  • Maintain confidentiality
  • Refer students to appropriate campus services for additional support
  • Set and maintain professional boundaries and working relationships
  • Participate in class visits/college-wide events (ex: Orientation) to promote Writing Centre services
  • Participate in additional training workshops as required
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

  • Previous educational experience (either completed a semester of program of study, or have completed a diploma or degree)
  • Possess strong grammatical and academic writing skills and have a good working knowledge of APA formatting
  • Ability to explain writing concepts to students with a variety of different learning styles
  • Preference given to students with 80% or higher average
  • Great study habits, proven time management and organization skills
  • Strong customer service and interpersonal skills
  • Previous tutoring experience an asset

Application

Resume, Cover letter, two faculty references and one copy of an academic writing sample.   Send resume to academicsuccess@georgiancollege.ca

Writing Centre Policies

Welcome to the Writing Centre. As part of the Academic Success Centre our goal is to empower students to learn more effectively and efficiently, to earn higher grades, become more independent learners and persist throughout their studies and beyond. The Writing Centre is not an editing service, but rather works to help students become stronger and more confident writers.

 

When you arrive in the Writing Centre:

  1. Please sign-in using your first name, Georgian College student number, and the current time (according to the Writing Centre clock)
  2. Find a space to work inside the Writing Centre. You may log onto a computer or sit at a table. Please open up your work and be prepared for your appointment.
  3. You will be seen on a first come first served basis. Each appointment is approximately 30 minutes.
  4. When it is your turn your name will be called and a tutor will come over to support you. Students who do not respond to their name being called from the sign-in sheet will be removed from the list and can add their name back at the end of the list upon return.

 

Plan ahead and book an appointment (Barrie and Orillia) to avoid wait times

  • You may pre-book a maximum of 2 appointments per week
  • Pre-booked appointments are not with any specific Writing Centre staff, allowing you the opportunity to work with different staff throughout the semester.
  • If you are less than 10 minutes late for your appointment you will be supported for the length of time that remains. If you are more than ten minutes late you will be seen on a drop-in basis.
  • Make the most of your appointment, please arrive 5-10 minutes early to get settled
  • To book an appointment, please visit Writing Centre Home Page

 

How should I prepare for a visit to the Writing Centre?

  • Reread the assignment instructions to ensure you have addressed all of the criteria.
  • Run spelling and grammar check.
  • Read your work aloud to catch errors.
  • Format your paper according to the faculty’s instructions or preferred style guide (APA, MLA, or Chicago). If you are unsure of this, the Writing Centre can help!
  • Print your paper and/or save it on a jump drive for quick retrieval.

 

Did you know?

  • You may receive help twice in one day. For a second appointment please sign in again following your first appointment. You will then be seen when it is your turn again.
  • There is a maximum of two appointments per day for each student.
  • Each centre is staffed by a Writing Centre Technologist and student-staff. Any comments, concerns or suggestions can be directed to the Writing Centre: Bert Slessor, Writing Centre Technologist on the Barrie Campus; Howard Ditkofsky, Accessibility and Peer Services Advisor on the Owen Sound Campus; or Kairi Kallai, Writing Centre Technologist on the Orillia Campus
  • At busier times in the semester, timers might be used to help staff with time-keeping. We will make sure each student gets their full appointment and limit the wait of our new guests.
  • The more prepared you are the more useful the assistance will be. Please arrive with your paper typed and printed and/or open your work on one of our computers.

 

How will the Writing Centre help me?

  • The staff in the Writing Centre advise on techniques to improve writing at all stages of the process, model editing and revision techniques and advise on topic development, flow, style and technique.
  • We are happy to show you how to proofread, but we cannot proofread your work for you.
  • Writing Centre staff are very comfortable with APA format and have access to standard APA resource material. However, we cannot be expected to know every nuance of the APA system, nor are we experts in its usage in every application. We can support you in learning where to find the information and guide you through the process of applying the rules to your own writing.

 

Intellectual Property

  • All students are responsible for doing their own work.
  • Ownership of written work rests with the student. Writing Centre staff will not write directly on student work and will not make any editorial changes on the behalf of the student.
  • Writing Centre staff will not support or encourage plagiarism, cheating, or fabrication of information. Staff may advise students on infractions, but students are at liberty to decide whether or not to modify their work. As a result, students may be subject to academic discipline if their work is not in accordance with the Academic Policy.

 

I’d like to request a virtual appointment, how do I do that?

  • We have physical writing centres located in the library on the Barrie, Orillia and Owen Sound campuses. If you are from the South Georgian Bay, Orangeville, Midland or Muskoka campuses we encourage you to request a virtual appointment.
  • To request a virtual appointment please email Bert.Slessor@georgiancollege.ca. In your email please include your availability, your program, student number and your preferred communication method. Appointments are offered using Skype, Googlehangouts or telephone.
  • Please request appointments at least 24-48 hours in advance of when you’d like to meet. You will be emailed an appointment time within 1 business day.
  • Virtual appointments are 30 minutes in length. Similar to a face-to-face appointment you will set a small goal for the time you have together and will work to improve your writing skills in relation to the goal you set at the start of the appointment.