Why become a tutor?

We welcome qualified students from all majors to apply for work in the Writing Center. Tutors typically say that it is one of the best academic, professional, and personal experiences they have had. Not only do they enjoy becoming part of the Writing Center community and working with fellow writers, tutoring is enormously helpful in understanding and improving their own writing.

Thinking of applying to be a tutor? These videos are a must-see.

When can I apply?

While you can apply at any time, we typically make final hiring decisions well before the start of fall semester. This timing assures that newly hired tutors are available to attend the required training course and that payroll paperwork can be processed on time.

Initial Required Training Days: August 29-30, 2024 (10 AM-4 PM)

What are the requirements and process?

If you are a currently enrolled UWM junior, senior or graduate student (including TAs and post-bacs) who would like to become a tutor:

  1. If you haven’t already, make an appointment at our (or another university’s) writing center so you understand tutoring from a writer’s perspective firsthand.
  2. To pick up an application, either come by the Writing Center in Curtin Hall 127 during open hours or email Margaret Mika, Writing Center Director, mmika@uwm.edu.
  3. Read carefully the instructions on the cover sheet (both sides) to be sure you submit all required materials in hard copy only. The required materials are:
    • Recommendation from a recent professor who can speak to both your writing and interpersonal skills.
    • Copy (unofficial is acceptable) of your college course transcript(s)
    • Verification of a very strong GPA
    • At least one (1) recent academic (non-fiction) writing sample. (Reminder–hard copies only)
  4. After files are reviewed, applicants may be invited to interview and to take a quiz designed especially for prospective tutors.
  5. Applicants who successfully complete steps 1-4 are invited to attend the first two days of required training (for pay or 1-cr U/G [Eng 442]). Please see application for further details and our training dates above.
  6. Once hired, tutors contractually commit to reliably working 4-10 permanent hours per week of their choice and attending four (4) professional staff meetings.

Staff meeting dates

Fall 2024 Staff Meeting Dates: Fridays, 1:15-2:45 PM

  • September 13
  • October 11
  • November 8
  • December 6

Make a recommendation

If you are a professor who would like to recommend a junior, senior, or graduate student who you believe possesses superior writing and interpersonal skills:

  • Advise students to review this web page, and if further interested, email Margaret Mika for an application.
  • Send a letter (email) of recommendation directly to Margaret Mika, Writing Center Director, mmika@uwm.edu.

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