Become a Writing Fellow
Applications will open in February!
Writing Fellows are trained Barnard undergraduates who work with their peers to strengthen student writing in all disciplines. First-years and sophomores in all majors are encouraged to apply. We are of course looking for strong readers and writers, but equally crucial to being a Writing Fellow is an ability to connect with other people.
We staff the Barnard Writing Center and work as an attached fellows for courses across the curriculum such as: Anthropology, Architecture, Art History, Asian and Middle Eastern Cultures, French, Biology, Dance, Economics, Education, English, Environmental Science, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Religion, Sociology, Theatre, and Women’s Studies.
If you have any questions about the application process or about the program in general, please contact Professor Cobrin (Director) at pcobrin@barnard.edu, or DaMonique Ballou (Coordinator) at dballou@barnard.edu or Vyoma Sahani (Science Fello attend one of the information sessions listed below:
Frequently Asked Questions
All current Barnard first-years and sophomores are encouraged to apply to the Writing Fellows Program. Applications become available in Spring semester of each year.
Those accepted to the Writing Fellows Program are required to take a one-semester course called "The Writer's Process," in the Fall semester following their acceptance. After completing the course, Fellows are required to work for three semesters (the first of which must immediately follow the semester in which they took "The Writer's Process"). As a Writing Fellow, you will be required to work in the Writing Center for one hour per week and you will work with, at least, one "attached" class per semester. You must also attend monthly writing fellow meetings.
Before becoming full-fledged Writing Fellows, students must take "The Writer's Process." This class is a 4-point course offered in the Fall semester for Writing Fellows in Training (WFITs). Only those accepted to the Writing Fellows Program may enroll. A formal description of the course is as follows:
The Writer's Process: A Seminar in the Teaching of Writing
An exploration of theory and practice in the teaching of writing, designed for students who plan to become Writing Fellows at Barnard. Students will read current theory and consider current research in the writing process, and engage in practical applications in the classroom or in tutoring (Instructor: Pam Cobrin).
Continuing training takes place in monthly Writing Fellows meetings.
Writing Fellows are entitled to a $1050 stipend per semester. There are also other opportunities to earn extra money by being attached to a student, by working extra hours in the Writing Center, or by participating in various programs featuring Writing Fellows. Most Writing Fellows, however, cite the non-material benefits as being the most rewarding parts of working with the program. Many Writing Fellows say that through their fellowing work, they have learned to become better writers, better communicators, and better students.