RWS Writing Mentors

Rhetoric and Writing Studies Writing Mentors

The mission of SDSU’s RWS Writing Mentors Program is to empower students to become critical and reflective writers through an enriched collaborative learning experience. The program embeds successful undergraduate and graduate writers into rhetoric courses where they develop effective pedagogical practices through the mentorship of their assigned instructors. This gives students additional support inside and outside the classroom, which in turn helps them gain confidence in their own academic skills. The collective efforts of instructors, Writing Mentors, and students help build effective lifelong learning practices.

Why Choose the Writing Mentors Program?

  • Work on campus with a semi-flexible schedule
  • Experience leading students with course work
  • Experience supporting faculty inside the classroom
  • Personal and professional networking opportunity

Working as a Writing Mentor is the first step into the classroom. Besides giving program participants a great inside look into the university composition classroom, the RWS Writing Mentors Program also gives each Mentor a chance to work with students one-on-one and develop teaching skills. Many graduate student Writing Mentors go on to teach their own section of an RWS or LING class as a Teaching Associate.

Master's Degree Students in Rhetoric

  • Further your own mastery of rhetoric
  • Practice explaining complex tasks in manageable steps
  • Discover what the teaching track entails

Master's Degree Students in English and Fine Arts

  • Hands on experience working with multilingual students
  • Exposure to classroom practices and potential TA positions

Undergraduate Students

  • Develop leadership skills
  • Explore teaching as a potential career
  • Share positive student practices with your peers

Working as a Writing Mentor can be beneficial for all majors because it builds communication skills with various audiences. As a Writing Mentor, you will have the chance to observe professors in a pedagogical situation. You are afforded the opportunity to work both one-on-one and in a group setting with students in which you facilitate the learning. This experience could be advantageous for teaching credential programs and graduate school applications.

Who Can Apply?

Students with strong academic reading and writing practices, as well as those who possess excellent leadership qualities may apply.  Previous tutoring experience is not required.

  1. 3.0 GPA
  2. Must be a matriculated SDSU student
  3. Taken and completed college level writing classes in English
  4. Enrolled in a minimum of 6 units. (Please note: units taken through Open University do not count as units enrolled.) Graduate students enrolled in Thesis or Thesis Extension are exempt from the 6 unit requirement.
  5. Be eligible to work in the U.S.
  6. Have an activated SDSU email address.
  7. Availability needs to match RWS/LING courses' schedule: Applicants must be available at the same times MWF, TTH, MW (late afternoons), or for night courses.

How Do You Apply?

To apply, please fill out the application form.

Writing Mentors Program applications are accepted on a continuous basis until all positions are filled. The earlier applications are received, the better. Applications received by the following dates will be given priority:

  • April 20th for all Fall positions
  • November 20th for all Spring positions

Contact

Lea Baker and Sydney Sullivan
Writing Mentors Program Coordinators
Email: [email protected]