Employment

There are a number of employment opportunities available at the Writing Center. You need not be an English major; we encourage a variety of majors to apply. The WC currently employs students with teaching, science, linguistics, professional writing and editing, English, foreign language, and creative writing backgrounds.

Student working at writing center

Positions are open to YSU undergraduate and graduate students, and faculty and staff members have the opportunity to volunteer at the Center as well. Positions include: office assistants, consultants, graduate assistants, interns, writing fellows, Composition Placement Test readers, English Placement Test readers and professional tutors. Descriptions of major positions are listed below. Instructors are encouraged to recommend students for positions.

  • Student Office Assistant,
  • Student Consultant,
  • Graduate Assistant,
  • Application Process

Job Descriptions:

Student Office Assistant

A Student Office Assistant at the YSU Writing Center reports to the WC Coordinator, receives Wage Level 1 salary and performs the following duties:

  • Greets students and schedules appointments.
  • Aids with preparation and administration of the Composition Placement Test (CPT).
  • Provides general clerical assistance to English instructors.
  • Assists students with general questions about computers; i.e., word processing, Internet, etc.
  • Represents the YSU Writing Center at Resource Fairs.
  • Compiles demographic data and attendance data and writes weekly reports.
  • Produces and proofreads typed copy; i.e., charts, tables, etc.
  • Answers telephone, takes and delivers messages, and makes requested phone calls.
  • Collects, sorts, distributes and delivers mail.
  • Runs errands on campus; i.e., ComDoc, DeBartolo Hall, etc.
  • Assists with student record keeping and mailings.
  • Accesses and distributes e-mail to Writing Center staff.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Substitutes as a tutor.
  • Attends monthly staff meetings.
  • Attends at least one conference while employed at the Writing Center.

Minimum Requirements: Same as Student Consultant, plus the following:

  • Enjoys helping other students.
  • Possesses skills and attitudes appropriate to working in a customer service-oriented environment.
  • Possesses good communication skills.
  • Possesses clerical skills including, but not limited to, use of basic office equipment.
  • Possesses knowledge of computer word processing, spreadsheets and desktop publishing software.
  • Possesses knowledge of, or ability to learn, basic information related to departmental responsibilities, Writing Center policies and procedures and other University services.
  • Maintains a professional appearance, demeanor and work ethic.
  • Available to work 10-20 hours per week and occasional evenings and weekends.

Student Consultant

A Student Consultant at the YSU Writing Center reports to the Coordinator, receives Wage Level 1 salary, may be asked to perform all of the same duties of the Student Office Assistant and carries out the following additional tasks:

  • Provides tutorial assistance for undergraduate and graduate students in individual tutoring sessions at one or all of the WC locations: Stambaugh Stadium, Maag Library, Veterans Resource Center, and possibly the Center for Disability Services.
  • Provides online assistance for distance learning students when necessary.
  • Prepares for tutoring session by assessing writing samples and utilizing resource materials.
  • Generates and files accurate, timely records about tutoring sessions and transcribes information for students and instructors (i.e. weekly reports and records of visits).
  • Attends to students’ responses and adjusts strategies to meet needs of students, which may include additional appointments, referrals and communicating with instructors.
  • Provides in-class tutorial assistance, including workshops, for classes when assigned.
  • Assists in all phases of daily operations of Writing Center, including maintenance of computer lab.
  • Creates new handouts and seeks new resource material including designing workshops or initiates other projects.
  • Sets a positive example and mentors new tutors after seniority is achieved.
  • Reviews email correspondence, including information from the WC Coordinator and other staff.
  • Attends at least one conference while employed at the Writing Center.

Minimum Requirements: Same as Student Office Assistant, plus the following:

  • Possesses excellent communication skills.
  • Is familiar with APA and MLA documentation styles.
  • Is familiar with MS Word ™ and MS PowerPoint ™.
  • Demonstrates strong overall academic performance, including minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
  • Has earned grades of A or B in English 1550 and 1551 (or equivalent grade in upper division writing course).
  • Possesses strong writing skills and ability to explain concepts of writing.
  • Has availability to participate in pre-semester training and attend monthly professional development meetings.
  • Has availability to work at least 6 hours per week with occasional evenings and possibly Sundays.

Graduate Assistant, General Assignment

A Graduate Assistant (GA) at the YSU Writing Center reports to the WC Coordinator and the Graduate Program Director, receives a stipend established by the Graduate School and performs the following duties:

  • Provides tutorial assistance in writing for undergraduate and graduate students in individual tutoring sessions at the Center for Disability Services, Stambaugh Stadium, Veterans Resource Center and/or Maag Library.
  • Provides online assistance for distance learning students.
  • Prepares for scheduled tutoring sessions by assessing writing samples and examining resource materials.
  • Maintains contact with clients’ instructors.
  • Presents workshops.
  • Creates new handouts and finds new resource materials.
  • Serves as a positive role model for student tutors.

Additional Duties: Writes a 250-word proposal for a project that would improve or expand the Writing Center’s services. A successful proposal meets three criteria: (1) complements a GA’s interests and experience, (2) fulfills a need on this campus, and (3) can realistically be completed in 1-2 semesters.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Enjoys helping students.
  • Possesses skills and attitudes appropriate to working in a customer service oriented environment.
  • Possesses excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Has knowledge of basic information related to departmental responsibilities, Writing Center policies and procedures, and other University services.
  • Maintains a professional appearance and demeanor.
  • Has availability to participate in training and attend regular staff meetings.
  • Has availability to work 20 hours per week for 16 weeks per semester, including some evenings. A teaching assignment may be included to satisfy some of these hours.

Preferred Requirements:

  • Earns a grade of A in ENGL 6907: Teaching of Writing.
  • Has a minimum of 100 hours of writing center experience OR completion of a writing center-related project for ENGL 6907: Teaching of Writing or ENGL 6901: Methods of Composition Research.

Application Process:

To apply for employment at the Writing Center, you must include the following:

  • Completed application or resume
  • Three pieces of writing, at least one of which includes documentation
  • Contact information for three references, at least one of which is a professor/instructor

Send your completed application packet to:

Youngstown State University
ATTN: The Writing Center
One University Plaza
Youngstown, OH 44555

You also have the options of personally delivering the packet to the WC (Maag 171) or e-mailing files that do not require a signature to Angela Messenger, WC coordinator, atajbarwick@ysu.edu. If you have additional questions, please call the Writing Center at 330-941-3055.