Lincoln University Writing Fellows

What is the Writing Fellows Program?

The Writing Fellows Program is a specialized, curriculum-based peer tutoring program, sponsored by Lincoln’s Writing Across the Curriculum/Writing in the Disciplines Program. The program trains selected undergraduates as Writing Fellows, who once trained, will act as peer-tutors and experienced writers on campus.

This initiative is intended to place undergraduates in positions of intellectual leadership, emphasizes the significance of writing skills, and applies the concept of peer mentoring to the process of writing papers. It also creates new opportunities for intellectual exchange between and among students and faculty by integrating the practice of writing into courses throughout the university.

Ultimately, we hope to assign fellows them to specific courses in the college's general curriculum and in a wide variety of disciplines. Writing Fellows will read first drafts of student papers and respond to writers with written comments, identifying strengths and weaknesses in their papers and suggesting areas for revision.  In addition to commenting on writing, Writing Fellows will also assist students and faculty with developing the digital portfolio.  Writing Fellows will be engaged in developing  literacy/writing outreach programs, as well. Since we are interested in building a holistic writing community, tutors will keep journals, attend author events, writing workshops, and conferences.

Each Writing Fellow will take a semester-long tutor training course before they are eligible to serve as a Writing Fellow. After successful completion of Writing and Peer Tutoring 131, a two-credit experiential course in peer tutoring, writing and writing theory, students may work as Writing Intensive tutors for the Writer’s Studio.

How Do You Become a Writing Tutor?

Writing Fellows can come from any major, and can be nominated by faculty members. During the application process, Undergraduates provide a writing sample and written application and are interviewed. Before assignment to work in a writing intensive course, Writing Fellows must work as a peer tutor for at least two semesters and earn CRLA certification. On going training is required, and will be less formal, but intensive.

If you are interested in the Writing Fellows Program, please email Jason Esters or Bill Donohue.

To nominate a student for the Writing Fellows Program click here.