Writing Center
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ACTIVITY COMPLETED |
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Expert Certification--$1 per hour raise (initiated at Week Eight for the balance of the semester or at the end of one semester for the next ) You must complete this level of certification by the end of your second semester of tutoring to be eligible for continued employment. |
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to be determined by the director |
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(25 half-page typed and double-spaced entries minimum) |
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6. Observe One Tutoring Session/Complete Journal Entry. |
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7. Tape a Tutoring Session on One of Your Own Papers & Complete a Reflection |
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8. Complete Allyn-Bacon Bacon Guide to Tutoring Summary and Response Reading Log (three chapters of your choice). |
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9. Complete Professional Articles Summary and Response Reading Log (three articles of your choice). |
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10. Complete Training Workshop Exam or Retake Activity. |
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11. Be On Time. Do NOT Miss More than ONE Shift without Director and Center Contact. Do NOT Log More than Three Uncovered Absences with Contact for the Previous and Current Semester(s). |
to be determined by the director |
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12. Complete FOUR Professional Development Activities. (Indicate immediately below which activity has been completed and the number of points associated with the activity. For example: a. “Tipsheet preparation—1 point”) |
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Master Certification—50 cents per hour raise (initiated at Week Eight for the balance of the semester or at the end of one semester for the next ) |
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1. Complete Advanced Grammar Activity. |
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2. Attend Training Workshop/Certification Orientation and at least 5 Additional Tutor Training Meetings or Activities |
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3. Fully Follow Writing Center Policies and Guidelines, including GPA standards. |
to be determined by the director |
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4. Be On Time. Do NOT Log ANY Absences without Contact. Do NOT Log More than Two Uncovered Absences with Contact for the Previous and Current Semester(s). |
to be determined by the director |
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5. Complete FOUR Professional Development Activities above Expert Certification. (Indicate which activity has been completed and the number of points associated with the activity.
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Post-Certification Merit Raises—50 cents an hour, repeatable for two semesters |
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1. Fully Follow Writing Center Policies and Guidelines, including GPA standards |
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2. Be On Time. Do NOT Log Any Absences without Contact. Do NOT Log More than Two Uncovered Absences with Contact for the Previous and Current Semester(s). |
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3. Complete Four MAJOR (worth 2 points or more) Professional Development Activities above Expert Certification. (Indicate which activity has been completed and the number of points associated with the activity |
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Detailed Peer Tutoring Checklist
Writing Center tutors may work toward two levels of professional certification through the College Reading and Learning Association. You should collect all of your certification materials in a folder that will be provided for you in the top drawer of the Writing Center filing cabinet. Here is what to do to obtain certification—and a raise.
Expert Tutor Certification
Below you will find detailed descriptions of each certification requirement for Expert Tutor certification. Once the projects have been completed, you become eligible $1 per hour raise after Week Eight of the current semester or at the end of one semester for the next.
1. Attend Training Workshop AND separate Certification Orientation.
The orientation is meant to help you and prepare you for your certification. The orientation lasts about a half an hour, and the date will be announced. Also, attend 5 additional training meetings or workshops
2. Complete 25 Hours of Tutoring.
These hours should be hours actually spent with a client, not just hours spent in the Writing Center. Sessions should be documented in your Reflection Journal with a ½ page typed and double-spaced discussion about what happened in the session and what you thought about it. Hours spent tutoring in the Basic Writing program count for this requirement.
3. Fully Follow Writing Center Policies and Guidelines.
4. Complete Reflection Journal. (See #2 above)
5. Conduct Composition Class Orientation.
Conduct one Writing Center orientation for an English 1010 or 2010 class using overhead or computer PowerPoint. Send Julie an e-mail that tells when and where you completed this requirement and put a copy of the note in your certification file.
6. Observe One Tutoring Session
Observe at least one session during the semester and fill out an “Observation Comment Sheet” (first-year tutors) or “Peer Evaluation Comment Sheet” (advanced tutors). These forms will be in the top drawer of the Writing Center cabinet. Be SURE to ask the client’s permission and have her/him read and sign the “Permission for Observation” form. Do not press the client if s/he seems at all reluctant to be observed.
7. Tape Record a Session on One of Your Own Papers & Write a Reflection.
Record a tutoring session focused on your own paper and listen to the exchange occurring during that session. Write a ½- to 1-page reflection identifying and explaining any insights you may have gained from the tutorial. File the tape, commentary, and a “Permission to Record Form” signed by you and your peer tutor in your certification file.
8. Complete Allyn-Bacon Guide to Tutoring Reading Log
Read three chapters of the Allyn-Bacon Guide to Tutoring. You may use any of the chapters assigned for Center meetings or choose ones that interest you. Keep a reading log summarizing each chapter and responding to the material (at least one ½ page typed and doubled-spaced per chapter). You must complete all of the reading by midterm in order to be eligible for certification that semester. File reading logs in your certification folder.
9. Complete Professional Articles Reading Log.
Read three professional articles dealing with writing center practice from the Writing Center bookshelf in the Writing Center office. Keep a reading log (as described for other tasks noted above) corresponding to the material. You must complete all of the reading by midterm to be eligible for certification that semester. File reading logs in your certification folder.
10. Complete Training Workshop Exam with a score of 90 percent or Retake Activity.
11. Do NOT Miss More than ONE Shift without Director and Center Contact. Do NOT Log More than Three Uncovered Absences with Contact for the Previous and Current Semester(s).
12. Complete FOUR Professional Development Activities: Complete three professional
development activities as listed below.
Master Tutor Certification
To become a “master tutor” and thus become eligible for a $1 per hour raise, complete the first three requirements as listed above and four of the following professional development activities beyond the three you finished for your Expert Tutor certification. Once the projects have been completed, you become eligible for the raise after Week Eight of the current semester or at the end of one semester for the next.
Please note that you may repeat some activities up to the specified limit and that some projects count for more than one activity.
Professional Development Activities
“Discussion Leader.” [Points Available: 1/2. Limit Number of Times: 2.]
Lead a discussion based on a writing center scholarly publication (assigned by you or Julie) at one of our regular meetings or on our listserv. If you are choosing the reading, you should distribute copies of it to all tutors (at least two days in advance), direct a lively and productive professional conversation, and, within a week after the discussion, send the listserv a summary of the points raised. Document your activity by placing all materials in your certification folder.
“Writing Center Research.” [Points Available: Varied. Limit Number of Times: 2.]
Work with Julie on a writing center research project, such as the Basic Writing Survey. The research points will be negotiated with Julie, who will announce several possibilities during the certification orientation in September.
“WLN Submission.” [Points Available: If submitted but not printed-1; If submitted and published-2. Limit Number of Times: 2.]
Submit a “Tutor’s Corner” article to the Writing Lab Newsletter. To document, place a copy of the article and your submission letter in your certification file. Add any responses you may receive to your file.
“Professional Writing Conference.” [Points Available: Attend On-Campus Conference-1/2; Present at regional conference-2; Present at National Conference-2. Limit Number of Times: None.]
Attend an academic conference or present a paper or panel discussion. Document by placing in your file your name tag (if you simply attend) or a copy of a program with your name on it AND a copy of your presentation.
“Writing Center Workshop.” [Points Available: Creator-2; Organizer-1; Facilitator-1/2 Limit Number of Times: 1.]
Assist in creating, organizing, or facilitating a PowerPoint workshop sponsored by the Writing Center.
- If creating, evaluate the workshops already available and distinguish what new topics should be covered. Create a PowerPoint presentation, incorporating a pre-test, post-test, and a hands-on exercise or activity that asks participants to apply workshop knowledge to their own work, or at least create novel examples of the “right” way to do things. Clear all workshop ideas with Julie. Have your workshop ideas peer critiqued. Make copies of all worksheets and slides for your tutor certification file.
- If organizing, select a day for the workshop and publicize. Find workshop facilitators among the Writing Center staff and let them know the part they will facilitate and the information they need to know. Conduct the workshop, and be sure to have the participants fill out a Workshop Evaluation forms that you will create. Finally, e-mail Julie a list of all center facilitators and a description of their contribution. Attach your PP presentation, if you use one, or an electronic copy of whatever materials you used or passed out. Include paper copies in your certification file.
- If facilitating, assist the workshop organizer. Prepare for, attend, and facilitate the workshop. Assist in completing the Writing Center Workshop Summary and file in your certification folder.
“Host & Publicize Event.” [Points Available: 2 for event chair; 1-2 for other roles. Limit Number of Times: 2.]
Host and publicize a Writing Center event, like the fall or spring readings. Document by placing in your certification file any letters or flyers associated with the event.
“New Tip Sheet.” [Points Available: 1. Limit Number of Times: 1.]
Develop a new tipsheet, circulate it for a peer critique, and revise it. Include the director's remarks in the final revision. Make copies, create a new folder, and add to tip sheet display. Send Julie an electronic copy to be posted on the web. Document in your certification file by including all drafts of the tip sheet plus an MLA-style bibliography of the sources you used.
“Guest Speaker.” [Points Available: 1. Limit Number of Times: 2.]
Organize a guest workshop or speaker for a Writing Center meeting. Distribute a summary of the points raised by the speaker to the listserv. Document by placing in your certification file any letters, flyers, or other documents associated with the event, as well as a one-page summary.
“BLOG” Participation: Once our new BLOG is up and running, make eight substantial comments [Points Available: 1. Limit Number of Times: 2.]
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“Scriblerian Contest.” [Points Available: Chair-2; Assistant-1. Limit Number of Times: 2.]
Participate in either organizing or assisting in the annual writing contest sponsored by the Writing Center, known as the Scriblerian contest. Based on help available, the Scriblerian committee will decide whether to hold the contest once or twice a year. This contest is open to all students who have written papers for a class offered within the English department.
a. If organizing, you are most likely the Scriblerian essay contest committee Chair or Co-Chair. As such, set a deadline for the contest and e-mail faculty about the contest to see if anyone is interested in participating. Approach Prof. Morrow (composition director) personally about the contest to get ideas, suggestions, and feedback. Publicize the contest by putting fliers in faculty boxes. Send e-mail reminders about the contest to faculty to announce in their classes. Distribute a permission form that includes the following:
Student’s full name;
E-mail address;
Permanent address and phone number;
Current address and phone number; and
Permission to use writing.
Form a committee of Writing Center tutors (and at least one professor) to adjudicate the papers. Select winners. Organize a reception for the winners and include refreshments, locate a guest reader, and/or allow student winners to read. For certification, include a copy of the flier and program from the reception, as well as a letter addressed to Julie explaining the work you accomplished during the semester.
b. If assisting, you are most likely a member of the Scriblerian essay contest committee. Complete all activities as directed by the Chair or Co-Chair. For certification, include a copy of the flier and program from the reception, as well as a letter addressed to the director explaining the work you accomplished during the semester.
“Alternative Project.” [Points Available: Up to 3. Limit Number of Times: Dependent on project.]
Propose an alternative project to Julie and work out alternative documentation for your certification file.
Post-Certification Merit Raises
Once you obtain Master Level Certification, you may wish to continue your professional development. For this reason, the Writing Center offers post-certification merit raises. This is essentially another level of certification for experienced tutors. For every four professional development projects you complete above Master Level Certification, you become eligible for a 50 cent per hour raise. Of course, you must fulfill the standard attendance and policy requirements as indicated in the table
Other Information You Should Know…
- Of course, no one will receive certification who doesn’t act professionally on the job. For the record, “acting professionally” is defined by the following characteristics:
- Be concerned and friendly as you work with other tutors and clients, taking care to follow the tutoring guidelines in the Writing Center policies.
- Be careful to keep records and ask for evaluations from your clients. Be on time for your tutoring shifts.
- Never miss a tutoring session unless you let both Julie and the tutor with whom you usually work know in advance about your impending absence. Cover your shifts if possible.
- Turn off the ringer of your cell phone and answer only high priority calls.
- Avoid the temptation to conduct extended personal conversations or to concentrate on your own work rather than the Center’s. Stay in the Writing Center or the adjacent tutoring area during your shift.
- Bathroom breaks are (of course!) okay, but don’t run errands or go for lunch during your shift unless you schedule a regular break with Julie.
- You may be paid up to 15-30 professional development hours (an average of 1-2 per week) per semester for activities that require you to put in time beyond your regularly scheduled hours. You must, however, clear these hours by e-mailing the director. Print out your e-mail and the director’s reply.
- You may complete the certification activities in one semester or extend your certification process throughout your first year..
- Upon completion of the expert level of certification, you will receive a raise of $1 per hour; upon completion of the master level of certification, you’ll receive a raise of another $1 per hour. Each time you complete a post-certification merit raise, you will receive a raise of 50 cents per hour.
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| English Department | College of Humanities & Social Sciences |