Since 1986, the Sweetland Writing Center has trained and supervised a select group of upper-level undergraduates to serve as writing tutors for their peers. Because students often feel more comfortable talking about their writing with peers, many prefer visiting tutors rather than faculty.  Peer tutors come from all disciplines and are trained to help fellow undergraduates with all parts of the writing process.

Program Requirements
The Peer Tutor Program requires that accepted students enroll in a sequence of two courses. SWC 300: Seminar in Peer Tutoring, is a full-semester training course designed to acclimate new tutors to the  challenges of face-to-face tutoring. Through written exercises and observations of peer tutoring sessions, SWC 300 students gain valuable communication skills and knowledge of writing in several disciplines of study. Once a tutor successfully completes SWC 300, he or she enrolls in SWC 301: Directed Peer Tutoring. In this course, students tutor up to four hours per week and meet as a group with a Sweetland faculty member for an hour per week. During this hour, tutors and instructor exchange tutoring experiences and discuss the application of concepts learned in SWC 300. Enrollment in the Peer Tutor Program is by invitation and application only. Outstanding tutors who have completed SWC 300 and SWC 301 may be selected to tutor for pay during future terms.

Selection Process
Candidates for the Peer Tutor Program must be nominated or recommended by a faculty member or graduate student instructor. To earn a nomination, students must demonstrate a strong command of the English language through their writing and verbal communication skills. In addition to a nomination, candidates must also complete an application, including an academic writing sample from a University of Michigan course.

You can download an electronic version of the Winter 2009 application form here. Beginning October 1, 2008, paper copies of the application form will be available in the Sweetland Writing Center in 1139 Angell Hall and all Peer Tutoring locations.

Applications for the Winter 2009 term are due by 5pm on Friday, November 14, 2008.

For More Information
Read Frequently Asked Questions about Sweetland's Peer Tutoring Program or email the Peer Tutor Program Coordinator, Carrie Luke, at clluke@umich.edu.