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Harbert Writing Center Peer Consultant Application Process

We hire strong writers to work collaboratively in one-on-one sessions with students in all content areas. If you have earned a grade of A in English 101, 102, and 231/2, you may apply to work as a Harbert Writing Center (HWC) consultant. Consultants typically work between five and ten hours per week and commit to working at the HWC for a minimum of one academic year.

In addition to regular job duties, consultants must attend monthly staff meetings and participate in training sessions at the beginning of each semester. To prepare for working in the HWC, all applicants are strongly encouraged to take at least one professional writing course: ENG 454, 455, 456, or 457, with ENG 455 or 456 being preferred. Students who are selected to work in the HWC may take a professional writing course concurrent with their first semester as an HWC consultant.

If you wish to apply for a position as a peer consultant in the HWC, send the following to HWC Director Cynthia Mwenja at writingcenter@montevallo.edu, with “Application for HWC” in the subject line:

• a short piece of academic writing (two-three pages, or an excerpt from a longer piece)
• an unofficial transcript
• a letter of application in which you do the following—explain your approach to helping others improve their writing, state why you want this position, describe any relevant experience, and outline the types of writing and disciplinary style guides you are familiar with.

Applications will be collected each spring term until the registration period opens, then applications will be vetted, and potential consultants will be contacted for interviews. Final hiring decisions are made with a goal of assembling a diverse group of consultants who collectively possess a wide range of writing skills. Job offers for the next academic year will be made during the final week of classes each spring.

If you have questions about working in the HWC, please contact Dr. Mwenja at the email above.