Writing Center
Services Available: for Writing Assistants
GPA Policies
Because we advertise our tutors as representing our best majors, we need you to maintain a 3.5 GPA in your English classes and 3.0 cumulative for the most recent semester to maintain your position with us. At the beginning of each semester, you need to give the director a copy of your most recent unofficial transcript. If your GPA has fallen below the minimum standards, your weekly working hours may be limited during the semester (to give you more study time). If you’re not able to raise your GPA after one semester on probation, you will be released from your Writing Center job.
Grammar Standards
To ensure that the Writing Center retains its reputation as a place staffed by highly skilled writers, you will be asked to assess your strengths and weaknesses as a grammarian by the end of the second week of the first semester. In your reflection log summarize what you believe are three of your greatest strengths and weaknesses as a grammarian. You will use these results to help yourself decide how to fulfill your grammar certification requirements.
Records
- Be careful to keep accurate records of your tutoring sessions by both documenting them in the logbook and turning in a white consultation form for each one. A “session” is defined as a half hour consultation. If your session extends beyond a half hour, check the "double session" box on the white consultation form.
- Ask for an evaluation from each client when the center is conducting one of its evaluation periods.
Shifts
- Be on time for your shift. Display or wear the center's identification. If you are sitting at a computer, display one of the “writing assistant” signs.
- Never miss a tutoring session unless you let both the director (via-mail) and the tutor(s) with whom you usually work know in advance about your impending absence. If you do have to miss a shift, ask the director if you should find another tutor who would be willing to cover for you.
- Even if you contact your shift partners and the director, if you miss more than three shifts during a semester without finding someone to cover for you, the director may limit you to “third tutor” spots on the schedule.
- If you are coughing, sneezing, or exhibiting any other flu symptoms, you may not take your shift. Wash your hands frequently or use the sanitizing lotion available in the center.
- Stay in the Writing Center or the adjacent tutoring office during your shift.
- Of course, bathroom breaks are okay, but do not run errands or go for lunch during your shift unless you are working more than three hours at a stretch. In such a case, schedule a regular break with the director.
- When a receptionist is not on duty, one tutor MUST be at the receptionist desk at all time; this duty should be rotated.
- Never discuss who is going to work with a client in that client’s hearing. If your shift partner took the last tutorial, the assumption is that you’ll take the next one. The reception should serve as indicated on schedule, and he/she stays at the front desk and continues to check people in.
Behavior
- Be concerned and friendly as you work with other tutors and clients. If you are the receptionist look up and stand up to greet people who walk in the door. Even if that person doesn't ask for help, offer assistance to people at the appointment board.
- If the red light is on the phone, check our voicemail and respond to it as needed.
- Turn off the ringer of your cell phone while tutoring; don’t check messages unless you need to keep in touch with your children or to deal with an emergency situation. Do not text while you are on duty.
- Do NOT download or play music, games, and/or watch videos from while working in the Writing Center. Do no spend more than a few minutes on a social networking site or a non-academic blog while you are on duty.
- Avoid the temptation to conduct loud and/or extended personal conversations or to concentrate on your own work rather than the Writing Center’s. Generally speaking, you should not work on your own studies and papers in the Writing Center unless. Be proactive in identifying tasks that need to be completed. If you have nothing to do, ask the director first and then Joi for some work to do. You may pursue your certification work on Writing Center time if nothing else needs attention.
- Do not allow your friends and family members to spend more than a few minutes visiting with you on the job.
- Casual dress is fine, but maintain a neat appearance
Tardies
While the Writing Center recognizes that as students, you often have a busy schedule, we expect you to be as close to on time as possible. Showing up at five minutes or more past the hour more than three times will result in a consultation with the director. On that note, please be aware that although you will be paid hourly, you are allowed to leave up to ten minutes early should you have a class you need to be at by the top of the hour.
No-Shows With Contact
Like most people, your life is probably unpredictable at times! If you can’t make it into the Center for one or more of your shifts, consult the contact sheet immediately. Try first to have another consultant cover your shift. If you are unable to do that, call the director (865-8245) to let her know of your absence. Also call the Writing Center, so that the consultant on shift at your time can indicate your impending absence on the white board. If you miss more than three shifts during a semester without arranging for another tutor to take your place, the director may limit your hours.
No-Shows With No Contact
This situation can prove to be the most frustrating, not only for director and the other tutors, but also for the students who come into the Writing Center. For this reason, the Writing Center has no choice but to allow each tutor one no-show with no contact; after another one, you will be dismissed as an employee. While this may seem strict, keep in mind the reason the Writing Center (and your job) exist: to serve the students. When you are not in the Center to meet clients, confusion results. The director hopes this policy never needs to be enforced, but it will be if necessary.
Pay cuts
The director will reprimand you in writing if you violate these policies The first written reprimand will result in a pay cut of 50 cents per hour for the balance of the school year and ineligibility to apply for any level of certification. A second written reprimand will result in a second pay cut--$1 per hour and either permanent ineligibility for certification or loss of certification. A third written reprimand will result in dismissal.
| English Department | College of Humanities & Social Sciences |