APPLY TO THE WARC

WRITING AND ACADEMIC RESOURCE CENTER TUTOR:

The WARC stipend is available to AUCA undergraduate students interested in acquiring and developing pedagogical skills and actively contributing to facilitating other students' success in academic courses across the curriculum in their role as peer tutors.  The WARC accepts applications throughout the year, but the selection of WARC tutors generally takes place in late August and early September, with some select opportunities available in December and January. The deadline to apply for a Fall 2023 tutoring position is July 31, 2023.

 

In order to apply, candidates must present the following:

1. A completed Application Form. 
2. A copy of their academic transcript
3. Two letters of recommendation from AUCA faculty (discipline-specific recommendations preferred)
4. A written statement of interest (not exceeding 600 words)

The above can be submitted by e-mail at warc@auca.kg

 

Shortlisted applicants will be required to undergo a personal interview with the WARC Director and the WARC Coordinator.

 

*As a prerequisite, applicants specializing in writing must complete the course "Writing to Teach You: Theory and Practice of Composition Pedagogy" before being considered for the WARC stipend.

The class is only offered in the spring.

 

 

*TESTIMONIALS from Composition Theory and Tutoring Pedagogy

Asal Ulmasova

I always knew that writing was a necessity for well-educated people. When I was a freshman my first goal was to learn how to write well, and I decided to take all the writing courses in AUCA. From the beginning of the Orientation Week, I spoke with sophomores and juniors, to find the most qualified professors. Then, I had a list of the professors, and my schedule was based on the timing of the FYS classes that I took. At the second semester of my first year, I decided to take Composition Theory and Tutoring Pedagogy. The majority of my friends were surprised because they thought that it was an additional FYS class, but I was expecting something new. I was not mistaken because this course and the texts were very different from the FYS classes. Mostly, the texts were about the tutorial process and writing strategies.

I was a little bit nervous, but one of my professors supported me in my decision to take CTTP, telling me that it is a very productive way of learning. It was important for me because I like to pour my thoughts and emotions on the paper. This experience was very beneficial, because I learned a lot. Now I can proudly say that I have one of the most important basic skills to be a true professional. I know how to explain my thoughts on paper.

During this course, we read many interesting texts. I remember many of them but the first one is the most memorable was about experienced writers and professionals who were afraid of writing.  After reading this text, I realized that even native speakers and professional writers have trouble with writing. These readings helped me to see the small nuances of a tutorial session from an angle that I did not realize before. For instance, topics like how to behave during a tutorial session and how to explain different assignments.

The atmosphere in the class was very friendly. All of my group mates tried to support each other. I remember our first class when professor Irina Larionova asked us to write our expectations from this course; all the answers were quite the same because each of us wanted to overcome the fear of writing. It was a good time to communicate and collaborate with each other. I think that all of the students who were brave enough to take this course were very good writers and thinkers.

However, in the first week of practicum all my group mates were very nervous, because each of us understood that we were responsible for all the things that we would tell to the tutees. I still remember one of my practical sessions when my tutee was my group mate from the FYS class and I felt uncomfortable for the first few minutes of the session. Still, I tried to stay professional and not show my real emotions. Even so, I was one of the first who completed practicum and for me it was a big “hurrah!” With the support of the last year’s tutors, I became braver and their wisdom helped me a lot during my practicum.

I want to thank all of the professors who  helped me to learn how to write properly. They are Michelle Hoffman, Mike Thicke, Mariya Antonova and Irina Larionova. These wonderful professors changed my life because they gave me the wings to fly. They showed me the way to the beautiful world of writing.

 

Arseniy Pisarev

Frankly, I never seriously thought I would volunteer at the WARC, and so I never considered the opportunity of taking the Composition Theory and Tutoring Pedagogy course, which is obligatory prior to joining the center as a writing tutor. However, my views changed after a friend of became a writing tutor in the center, and his suggestions were that I make an effort, too. At the time I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do it or not, so I figured I’d take the course and see what comes out of it. Luckily enough, things ended up well for me.

I very much enjoyed the time I spent in the class. There’s nothing about the class that makes it much different from other classes at the university – there’s normally one or two readings for every class, classes are conducted doing writing exercises and discussing the homework, mainly in a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Everyone’s given an opportunity to express themselves – be it ideas, or conclusions from the readings. Another great thing about the class is that a part of it is tutoring practicum where students from the class volunteer to substitute for current WARC tutors. It gives everyone a great understanding of the art of tutoring and provides great experience, so everyone enters the WARC prepared. I suppose the most important thing I learned from the class is to keep the communication open. A tutor is never superior to the tutee – we’re all friends at the WARC and everyone’s willing to help you.

One thing I must say to those interested in the Composition Theory and Tutoring Pedagogy course is that it’s very important to pay attention to everything said in the class. It’s also important to do the homework because the articles provided in the course contain a lot of good tutoring hints, which are further discussed in class. You’ve got to keep your ears open! If you think this class could be right for you, I wish the best of luck to you.