University Writing

A Brief Guide to Working With Writing Fellows

1. Prepare syllabus and assignments with Writing Fellows in mind.

• Plan at least two substantive writing assignments to be Fellowed.
• Write detailed assignment and grading criteria for students and Fellows (see guide).
• Plan for each paper to have a good draft submitted for Fellowing two weeks before the final draft is due.

2. Meet with Writing Fellows. Attend our introductory meeting and schedule a time to meet with your Writing Fellows. Give them syllabi, written assignments descriptions and, if possible, a sample quality paper. Explain your goals for writing in the course, the kinds of criteria you use in grading, etc.

3. Introduce Writing Fellows to your class early in the semester. Divide class among the Fellows. They will explain the program and pass out letters of introduction.

4. Facilitate the first Fellowing. Collect first submissions. The Senior Writing Fellow will pick them up and disperse them to the other Fellows. One week later, the Fellows will return the papers with detailed comments and set up appointments for individual consultations.

5. Meet again with your Writing Fellows after you have graded the first se of papers. The Senior Fellow should contact you to set this up. Give feedback on what worked and what didn't. You might want to ask them for feedback on the assignment and their perceptions of how well the students understood your expectations.

6. Facilitate the second Fellowing.

7. Evaluate the program. The Fellows will bring evaluation forms for you and your students. Please respond candidly so we can continue to improve the program. (Click here to see the evaluations.)