Writing Center at Waynesburg University

The Waynesburg University Writing Center is a place for all levels of writers to talk about writing. A comfortable place to discuss words, the Writing Center’s primary goal is to help writers engage in the writing process, build a toolbox of techniques and resources, and produce a strong final product.

The Writing Center isn't a drop-off, fix-it shop; instead, we engage in personalized, one-on-one conversations about writing. At the Writing Center, we are listeners; we are writing friends; we are a community of writers.

• Everyone who puts words on a page is a writer.
• Writing is a core skill necessary in all fields.
• While we are often taught that there is ONE writing process, individuals have varied ways of moving from idea to written text.
• Allowing time for all of the steps in a writer’s individual process creates stronger writing.
• Respect for writers who visit our space is essential.
• Conversations between writers is a strong learning tool.
• All writers, no matter how strong, benefit from sharing drafts.

• Getting past the blinking cursor on the empty page
• Growing ideas
• Understanding writing assignments and prompts
• Reading and analyzing text
• Navigating discipline-specific genres
• Creating a writing plan
• Composing effective introductions and conclusions
• Expanding ideas
• Building support
• Thinking critically
• Refining presentations
• Structuring multimedia/multigenre projects
• Navigating the research process
• Synthesizing sources effectively
• Learning APA, MLA, and Chicago Style format
• Polishing writing through sentence revision
• Skill-building resources

The Writing Center is looking for strong writers who are inspired to work with others.

We recruit new staff during the spring semester. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a  Writing Center tutor, contact Jill Moyer Sunday at jsunday@waynesburg.edu or drop in to see her in Buhl 310. You’ll need to have a strong GPA and submit two writing samples (one academic and one of your choice), as well as two recommendations from faculty or staff who know your writing and can comment on how you’d fit into our team. An interview completes the process.

Job Description: Writing Center tutors support students by using a non-directive, conversational approach. We want to hire student writers who have strong writing skills in their chosen academic fields, but equally important to this position is the ability to engage in reflection, metacognition, and empathetic listening. Tutoring is a skilled position that requires high levels of initiative, responsibility, and critical thinking. Training takes place via a summer online program and professional development meetings during the academic year. Individual work hours are customized to fit busy tutors’ schedules.

Contact Jill Moyer Sunday, Director of the Writing Center, at jsunday@waynesburg.edu.

Learn more about Jill Moyer Sunday