The Fred Meijer Center for Writing and Michigan Authors is looking for Grand Valley State University students to be writing consultants for the next academic year.

Applications are due at 5 p.m. on March 16, and any students can apply. The 55 current writing center consultants have a variety of majors such as accounting, chemistry or international relations, in addition to English and creative writing majors.

“We typically hire around 25 new consultants each year,” said Ellen Schendel, writing center director and associate professor of writing at GVSU.

GVSU student Hannah Moeggenborg has worked at the writing center for four years, and moved up from desk worker to writing consultant after two years.

“I feel like writing is a very collaborative effort and that it’s really important for people to have someone to talk to about their writing and where to go with it,” Moeggenborg said. She said working at the writing center is very rewarding because the consultants work to make better writers, not just better papers.

Consultant Lindsay Stoyka said she initially applied because of her passion for writing and helping others write, but she has since realized how meaningful the experience is for her.

“Working at the writing center helps development as a professional,” she said. “My job has taught me to be a better writer, communicator, and collaborator.”

Schendel said ideal writing consultants are good listeners who want to talk about writing and help others improve.

“Consultants work in WRT 098, WRT 150, and other classrooms, too, so they often form strong working and mentoring relationships with faculty,” Schendel added. She said the center will know in March how many openings there will be for new consultants.

“Every aspect of this job teaches me something new, and I get to work with people from all different backgrounds,” said consultant Hollie McDonald, who is in her first year as a lead consultant.

The pay starts at $8.60 per hour for undergraduate students and $10.50 per hour for graduate students. Consultants must work at least eight hours each week.

The application process also requires a faculty recommendation and two writing samples. To learn more about the Writing Center, visit www.gvsu.edu/wc.

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