The Writing Fellows Program links undergraduate peer writing tutors with writing-intensive courses across the curriculum — from physics to journalism, religious studies to computer science.
Like their colleagues in the Writing Center, Writing Fellows are peer tutors specially trained to act as sympathetic readers and advisors, providing informed, constructive criticism to fellow writers. Writing Fellows work with the same set of writers from a particular course for an entire quarter, responding to two of their papers through written comments on drafts and real-time dialogue.
About Fellows
Could your students use a little help with their writing?
[column size=”1-2″] [box title=”Working with Writing Fellows meant my students’ papers had ideas. Having to talk out loud about their papers pushed them to spell out their ideas and put them in their paper.” color=”#8491A8″] – Lucy Rinehart, Associate Professor and Chair, Dept. of English[/box][/column] [column size=”1-2″ last=”1″][box title=”I was very impressed with the quality and quantity of the Fellows’ feedback on my student papers.” color=”#8491A8″] – Joe Blosser, Visiting Assistant Professor, Dept. of Religious Studies[/box] [/column]As you plan your courses for Fall 2012, please consider working with [highlight bg=”#ebad39 ” color=”#000″]Writing Fellows[/highlight] —a group of highly talented, carefully selected, and extensively trained undergraduates who serve as peer writing tutors in classes all across DePaul University.
You are eligible to apply to work with a Writing Fellow if you:
- plan to include at least two writing assignments spread out during the quarter in your course;
- are willing to adjust your syllabus to allow time for revision and to require that all enrolled students work with the assigned Fellow(s);
- are willing to meet with the assigned Fellow(s) to discuss assignments.
Fellows will make thoughtful and extensive comments on draft papers and confer one-on-one with students for a substantial amount of time in an effort to help them make significant revisions to their work.
The Fellows are equipped to tutor writing across DePaul’s departments and colleges. Fellows have worked with students in courses in physics, theater, chemistry, religious studies, Honors, computers and digital media, anthropology, political science, English, journalism, and sophomore seminar. Fellows have received resounding praise from faculty and students alike.
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Faculty and Fellows
Fellows are not experts in every discipline, but are accomplished writers and intelligent, attentive readers.
The Writing Fellows Program is based on the following core principles:
- All writers can improve their writing by sharing work-in-progress and making revisions based on constructive criticism.
- Collaboration among student peers is an especially effective mode of learning.
- Writing is an integral part of the thinking process.
- The production of quality written work requires revision and feedback from readers.
Students and Fellows
Your Fellow will write comments on these two drafts and offer suggestions and strategies for revision. Your Fellow will also meet with you one-on-one, allowing time for you to ask questions, work through difficult sections of your drafts, and discuss your writing process in detail. These meetings are important to the revision process (and usually part of your grade)!
Unfortunately, your Fellow can’t edit or rewrite your paper for you. If you think you need help beyond what your Fellow can provide you with (sentence structure, grammar, etc.), consider making an appointment with the awesome staff of the Writing Center. Fellows are also not able to give extensions, and they don’t assign grades.
Tips for Fellows
[button link=”#” color=”#cccccc” size=”4″ dark=”1″ square=”1″] Request Writing Fellows [/button] [button link=”#” color=”#cccccc” size=”4″ dark=”1″ square=”1″] Apply to be a Writing Fellow [/button]
