Job Summary

Under general supervision, a part-time writing consultant will be expected to help undergraduate and graduate students (from all disciplines) become better writers and communicators through 1-on-1 appointments which will take place in-person, asynchronously, and via Zoom during the academic year; to carefully read, discuss, and make suggestions on a wide variety of student drafts, group projects, multimodal assignments, personal statements, and speeches; to monitor the official writing center email address; to partake in a series of mentoring programs, professional development, staff meetings, and trainings; to contribute to department initiatives and outreach; to facilitate informational class visits and writing workshops requested by faculty and staff; to provide feedback about logistical operations and student services; and to promote the mission behind the writing center which is to foster a culture of critically conscientious writers on campus.

Job Duties

• Read and act in accordance with the policies and procedures outlined by University Writing Services

• Participate in fall orientation prior to the start of the academic year (or first-month training sessions in the spring)

• Attend staff meetings scheduled throughout the academic year

• Research and practice interdisciplinary formatting and citation styles

• Learn about representational and situational topics (e.g. anti-racist consulting, neurodiverse writers, how to write a philosophy paper) by completing an independent, asynchronous training

• Work with students from diverse backgrounds

• Help students navigate the various writing center locations and services offered across campus

• Hold one-on-one appointments with students in-person, asynchronously, and via Zoom

• Model professional standards of behavior (e.g. show up on time, strive for excellence by setting goals, and display a willingness to improve)

• Equip students with handouts and online resources

• Make referrals to campus partners

• Keep accurate and thorough consultation records (e.g. consistently mark student attendance)

• Ask students to complete a survey and use feedback to influence consulting strategies

• Monitor the official University Writing Services email account

• Communicate and compose emails before and after appointments to faculty, staff, and students

• Participate in the Synchronous and Online Mentoring Programs

• After a minimum of 1 but ideally 2 semesters working at University Writing Services, mentor and observe new employees at designated times each semester

• Act as an unofficial mentor to other consultants

• Contribute to the English 3859 Practicum and Mentoring Program offered only during the spring semester

• Participate in outreach to Saint Louis University colleges, departments, programs, and schools

• Promote University Writing Services to undergraduate and graduate students

• Lead informational visits requested by faculty and staff

• Create, update, and present writing workshops requested by faculty and staff

• Write a Consultant Philosophy Statement (or complete an alternative project) to engage with writing center literature, stay informed about current practices, and continue professional development

• Contribute to department initiatives

• May be asked to facilitate a first-month training session or staff meeting

• May be asked to work at a satellite location (i.e. Chaifetz Arena, School of Nursing, Pius XII Memorial Library)

• May be asked to develop or revise student and consultant resources (e.g. handouts, workshop materials, asynchronous training modules, videos)

• May be offered hours to work during winter and summer sessions depending on student demand

• Participate in a formal evaluation and discuss results with supervisor at the end of every academic year

• Give feedback on the effectiveness of University Writing Services programs and initiatives

• Think critically about ways to improve services for students

• May be asked to assist in the planning and preparation for the following academic year

• Perform other relevant duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced communication skills (experience with providing verbal and written feedback)

• Customer service skills (active listening and problem-solving)

• Planning and organizational skills

• Presentation and facilitation skills

• Strong interpersonal and human relations skills

Minimum Qualifications

Masters degree

Applicants must include: 1) a cover letter; 2) a resume/curriculum vitae. You can upload these items on the third page "My experience" of the application.

In-person/Work Schedule Expectations

This position is primarily in-person and will require the individual to work in the office.

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About Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University(SLU) is a private, co-educational Jesuit university located in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. Founded in 1818 by the Most Reverend Louis Guillaume Valentin Dubourg SLU is the oldest university west of the Mississippi River. The University has campuses in St. Louis, Mo. and Madrid, Spain. SLU values academic excellence, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service. For nearly 200 years, the University has gone beyond teaching facts and figures, encouraging students to form ideas and identities. Today, SLU students are nearly 14,000 strong. The University has invested vast resources to advance academic programs and enhance the student experience. SLU also is a major research institution where premier researchers tackle local and global challenges. And the University's commitment to community service has earned it national acclaim and bolstered its status as a character-building college.

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