Writing Center Writing Fellow – Call for Applications (Rising 2Ls & 3Ls)
REMINDER: Applications are due February 10.
The Writing Center is now seeking applications from rising second-year and rising third-year students for Writing Fellow positions. The positions are for the 2020-2021 academic year, with the possibility of renewal for 2021-2022. The position description and application procedures follow.
The Writing Center is a resource center open exclusively to students enrolled in Legal Methods. The primary responsibility of a Writing Fellow is to hold writing conferences with first-year students who are working on research and writing assignments for Legal Methods. During a writing conference, a Writing Fellow will listen to the writer’s questions; critically read the writer’s text or examine the writer’s drafting plans; discuss the effectiveness of the text’s structure and language; instruct the writer on correct citation form; identify errors in the text’s grammar, punctuation, and mechanics; help the writer create a revision strategy; and address any remaining concerns the writer may convey. Additional responsibilities of a Writing Fellow include attending Writing Center training, writing a sample closed memorandum, participating in the preparation and presentation of writing workshops, maintaining Writing Center records, and completing Writing Center projects.
The successful candidate will be a strong writer, will have succeeded in Legal Methods and demonstrate strong academic performance, will possess a solid understanding of English grammar and punctuation, will know how to correctly create citations for legal memoranda and legal briefs, will be able to critically read text and identify areas needing revision, will express himself or herself confidently, and will be able to encourage and support student writers with kindly delivered recommendations. Each applicant should submit the following materials by email to Dr. Dunham Smith (mdsmith2@memphis.edu) and Dean Wilson (jlwlson2@memphis.edu) on or before February 10: (i) a cover letter expressing interest in the position and indicating whether the applicant would be interested in serving as a Writing Fellow for two years; (ii) a résumé; (iii) a transcript (unofficial is sufficient); and (iv) a writing sample.
The Writing Fellow will be expected to work a total of 280 hours over the fall and spring semesters. Preliminary training may occur during the summer of 2020. The Writing Fellow will receive compensation of $5,000.
