The Ott Memorial Writing Center is staffed by undergraduate and graduate students who go through a competitive selection process each fall, followed by extensive for-credit training each spring. Our tutors are not only strong writers; they are also empathetic listeners and creative problem solvers.

Interested in joining the Ott? Learn more below, and submit a nomination or self-nomination here.

Know someone who would make a great tutor? Use the same form to nominate a prospective tutor. We welcome nominations from peers as well as faculty, staff, and alumni.

Both undergraduates and graduate students work at the Ott. We currently employ undergraduates majoring in Biological Sciences, Education, Engineering, English, French, History, International Relations, Political Science, Sociology, Supply Chain, and Spanish. Many graduate tutors joined the Ott as undergrads, and they continued tutoring while completing ADPs in English, History, and Communication as well as degrees in dentistry, law, physical therapy, and physician assistant studies. The Ott also employs graduate students who, with support from their departments, work in the Ott 10-20 hours per week. These students serve as both tutors and assistant directors, gaining valuable professional experience in program administration, mentorship, and leadership.

Ott-er-tunities: Tutors typically work 2-5 hours per week, leading one-to-one tutoring sessions with Marquette writers. Tutors also attend weekly staff meetings, which are “on the clock” or paid work time. Tutors also can add hours by working the Ott’s reception desk, giving informational presentations and workshops, or serving in Ott leadership roles. The latter include Public Relations Intern, Recruitment Coordinator, Lead Reception, Undergraduate Assistant Director, and Research Assistant Director. (Hear what tutors love about tutoring in their own words here.)

Eligibility: The Ott recruits new tutors—from first-year undergrads through graduate students—each fall. To be eligible, students must be in good academic standing; available to take an in-person 4-credit course on MWF from 11-11:50am in the spring of the year they apply; and available to tutor for one or more semesters in the following academic year.

Hiring: The Ott collect nominations and self-nominations in the early fall, generally through midterms and Fall Break. We also host information sessions during that time, so prospective students can learn more from current tutors. We then conduct 20-minute interviews in late October and early November. Our selection process concludes in time for Spring registration so that everyone who is selected can enroll in English 4230: Writing Center Theory, Research, and Practice. Successful completion of this 4-unit course is a prerequisite for undergraduate tutors and fulfills the ESSV 2 requirement. 

The very best way to learn about the Ott is to book an appointment and talk with a current tutor about your writing. For more information, email us at writingcenter@marquette.edu. To complete the nomination or self-nomination form, follow this link.