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Writing Specialist - Part-Time

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Aurora University- An inclusive community
dedicated to the transformative power of learning.

Writing Specialist - Part-Time
Center for Teaching and Learning

Aurora University is an independent, comprehensive institution founded in 1893 offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Our two campuses are located in Aurora, Illinois and on the shores of Geneva Lake in Wisconsin. We seek people passionately involved in the educational process who will help us realize our vision.

POSITION SUMMARY: A writing specialist provides professional tutoring and academic support to students at all levels of the University. Specialists are primarily engaged in assisting students with academic writing across all disciplines, but they may assist students with comprehension and research as well. Specialists may have other duties in support of the office's commitment to students with disabilities and student retention. A specialist should possess a graduate degree in the humanities or social sciences; some experience working at the college level is preferred. Twenty-Five hours per week.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Represents Aurora University in the most positive manner with prospective, former and current students, clients, suppliers and the community we serve. Interacts effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students and other customers of our service. Learns and uses operating practices of the department and Aurora University.
2. Upholds the mission statement of the University: Aurora University an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning. Upholds the department mission statement for the Center for Teaching and Learning: The Center staff seeks to enable students to develop their abilities, meet academic requirements, access campus resources, and develop new approaches to their academic success. The Center serves all students on campus, but will take particular interest in the progress of students with disabilities.
3. Handles confidential information with tact and discretion.
4. Provides patient, responsive tutoring in all elements of the writing process across all academic disciplines; tutoring may take place in small group settings, but generally sessions are one-on-one.
5. Instructs students in documentation styles, citations, and integration of research into essays; possess particular knowledge of MLA style and APA style.
6. Communicates effectively with faculty about course expectations and assignments; responds to faculty concerns and suggestions; coordinates with other Center staff members.
7. Offers workshops tutoring for designated "writing intensive" courses, as assigned by the director; coordinates with the faculty member teaching a course and provides feedback to students and the faculty member on the writing progress of the students.
8. Assists the director in fulfilling the everyday tasks of the Center, including proctoring tests and helping students utilize computer and library resources.
9. Provides academic support for students with learning disabilities or physical disabilities, respecting any accommodations granted to those students by the University.

• May offer seminars or workshops on writing, revision or documentation.
• May facilitate group studies within areas of competence for students in introductory courses or in preparation for the ISBE's Basic Skills Test.
• May proctor tests, either facilitating or serving as a reader and/or scribe.
• May tutor students in other areas of expertise at the discretion of the director.
• May be asked to attend University meetings and seminars.

1. Required to have a master's degree in the humanities or social sciences.
2. Some background studying or teaching the social sciences preferred.
3. Able to utilize excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to (a) listen with empathy and respect, (b) communicate clearly, and (c) convey courtesy, patience, sincerity and a desire to help.
4. Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and faculty, characterized by cooperation, attention to detail, flexibility, reliability, efficiency, and personal responsibility.
5. Able to engage in basic campus computing, including use of the library's online search resources, the internet, Moodle, and email.
6. Able to interact with diverse personalities and populations with respect and sensitivity.
7. Able to maintain confidentiality with tact and discretion in regard to student records, the nature of student's Center appointments, and a student's disabilities.
8. Able to handle testing materials and administer tests with integrity and strict adherence to instructions.

Aurora University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to becoming a model university of the twenty-first century.  Toward this effort we are determined to have a faculty, staff, and student body reflecting the cultural demographics of the greater Chicago area.