WLC Course Attached Tutor (W-CAT) (S99806)
Summary, Scope, and Responsibilities
W-CATs (Writing Course-Attached Tutors) are empathetic listeners, self-reflective learners, and collaborative communicators dedicated to supporting their peers’ writing and communication goals across the disciplines at Bates College. Tutors help students interpret assignment guidelines, brainstorm ideas, and revise and edit drafts with curiosity and care. Both roles involve practicing equity-minded and anti-oppressive tutoring while respecting linguistic diversity and supporting neurodiverse learners.
Writing Tutors provide 4 to 6 hours of tutoring per week for any Bates student working on writing or speaking assignments for any course, audience, or purpose.
The Basics
Department:Writing and Language Center
Supervisor:
Bridget Fullerton
Office Location:
Coram 221
Email:
bfullert@bates.edu
Hours:
4-6
Workers:
50
Qualifications, Requirements, and Responsibilities
Responsibilities
Complete a Basic-level Writing Theory and Peer Tutor Education curriculum (~50 hours) in the winter semester (must be on campus), either for course credit or compensation.
Attend a 6-hour paid orientation session on campus before the semester starts.
Attend 1-hour staff meetings and professional development workshops every other week.
Establish and carry themselves across campus as ambassadors of SWL’s core values and as model writers, collaborators, and speakers.
Communicate efficiently with SWLC professional staff and fellow tutors.
Submit timely session reports, timesheets, and other administrative tasks.
Establish and maintain respectful, reciprocal, and collaborative relationships with their FYS partner-professors.
Prepare and conduct an initial class visit presentation to introduce themselves and our tutoring services to students in the FYS.
Offer 1 hour/week of drop-in support, and 4 to 6 hours/week of appointment-based tutoring for the students in the FYS during SWLC’s hours of operation.
Under the mentorship of SWLC professional staff, design and deliver writing-related workshops to support FYS students and the partner-professor.
Requirements
Be a sophomore, junior, or senior in the 25-26 SY.
Show a genuine interest in teaching, tutoring, and collaborating with peers.
Be effective communicators, open to self-reflection, feedback, and lifelong learning.
Demonstrate curiosity about equity-minded and linguistically-just tutoring practices.
Have completed an FYS/W1 course with a B or higher. (A W2 course with a B or higher is preferred for Writing Tutors but not required.)
Reporting
Tutors work under the guidance of the Student Writing & Language Center professional staff, who provide ongoing feedback and support. They are part of a collaborative team with other SWLC Writing Tutors, W-CATs, Language Tutors, and SASC peer tutors at Bates College.
Working Conditions
Tutors work in the Peer Learning Commons, on the ground floor of Ladd Library. There are no travel or physical requirements. All tutors receive necessary education training prior to commencing work.