University of Guelph Library
Graduate Student Writing Advisors
Graduate Student Writing Advisors (GWAs) work at Writing Central helping students improve their academic writing skills during 20-minute drop-in appointments in the afternoons (1:00pm – 5:00pm) and Tuesday evenings (6:00pm – 8:00pm). During off-peak periods, GWAs also conduct writing workshops and produce instructional documents for students. In addition, GWAs are required to attend a weekly, one-hour meeting.
Graduate students interested in these positions should have a strong background and interest in academic writing and should enjoy interacting with students. Writing Services will hire graduate students from any discipline. Each GWA contract is granted for one term (14 weeks), during which GWAs are paid for 116 hours of work (approximately 8 hours per week). The rate of pay is similar to that of a 116 hour Teaching Assistantship.
Interested applicants can apply through the CUPE Web site. For further information on the positions or on the role of GWAs in student learning, please contact:
Kim Garwood
Manager, Writing Services
Writing Peers
What are "Writing Peers," and what do they do?
Writing Peers are University of Guelph students who are trained to provide writing assistance to first-year students, through individual consultations and workshops.
Writing Peer Helper Mission:
To facilitate collaborative learning opportunities for all first-year students through the provision of writing consultations and workshops designed to foster self-confidence and the achievement of personal success.
What happens during a session with a Writing Peer?
Peers meet with students individually, usually by appointment. Sessions are generally 45 minutes in length. The Writing Peer will ask you to fill in a brief information form before asking you about your concerns and what stage of the writing process you are at. If you have the assignment page with you, the peer may find it helpful to look at it, to get a sense of what you're being asked to do.
If you have a draft of your paper, the peer may suggest that you read it aloud or he or she may read it aloud for you. This is often a helpful way to identify a lot of errors that you might not have noticed on the page. During this part of the session, the peer will be trying to understand the overall structure of your paper and how the pieces fit together. Sometimes, a session may focus on making the organization or main argument of a paper more clear.
At the same time, the peer will keep an eye out for smaller errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar. But please remember that peers are not editors; they are trained to help you improve your own writing. So, rather than mark up your entire paper, the peer may simply point out one example of a recurring problem and talk about how you can diagnose and fix it elsewhere.
At the end of the session, the peer may encourage you to return for another visit, or they may recommend you visit a Writing Central TA or Writing Services staff member.
How do I book an appointment with a Writing Peer?
Appointments can be booked online. Once you have registered and logged in, select "Book an Appointment with a Writing Peer" from the drop-down menu.
How many appointments can I have with a Writing Peer?
There is no limit on appointments with peers; however we do ask that students book only one appointment per week.
What qualifications do Writing Peers have?
Students selected to become Writing Peers demonstrate above-average writing skills, strong interpersonal skills, and a critical eye. Writing Peers are required to maintain an overall average of 78 per cent or more. In addition, all peers receive extensive training before beginning to provide consultations.
How do I apply to become a Writing Peer?
Students of all levels are welcome to apply. The position requires a 3-semester commitment to volunteer 5 hours per week during the semester. Recruitment is conducted through the Peer Helper Program, usually during the fall semester only (around Week 5 or 6). Visit the Peer Helper Web site for the forms and application information, or contact the Writing Peer Supervisor, Kim Garwood at .
What training will I receive?
During their semester-long training, Writing Peers learn about writing practice and theory and develop their consultation and presentation skills — fantastic training for anyone who is interested in pursuing a career that involves writing, teaching or communications.
Is this a paid position?
No. Peers receive an honorarium each semester and their participation is noted on their academic transcripts.
How can I find out more?
For more information about how to apply, visit the Peer Helper Program Web site or contact:
Kim Garwood
Manager, Writing Services
Contact
First Floor
McLaughlin Library
University of Guelph
Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1