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English and Writing graduate students at Portland State University have a variety of possibilities for employment
and professional development. Listed below are some of our employment opportunities.
 Graduate Assistantships: We have a limited number of teaching
assistantships available in which you teach in a variety of contexts: teaching composition courses at all levels, tutoring in the
writing center, and assisting faculty in English courses. Depending on what your primary focus is, you may also teach courses in
creative writing, technical writing, nonfiction writing, or gain administrative experience by serving as assistant director of
writing.
As a graduate assistant (GA) you receive both tuition remission and a stipend for three terms throughout the school year, along with
tuition remission for summer term. In recent years we have also been able to offer some employment in the summer though this is not
guaranteed. Graduate assistantships are two-year appointments, with your contract renewed at the end of the first year provided
your performance is satisfactory. Hence, you should only apply for a graduate assistantship at the time you apply to the graduate
program.
Writing Intensive Course (WIC) Assistant: In these positions you assist
faculty across the curriculum in teaching the writing of a course mainly in departments other than English. Responsibilities may include
such activities as reading drafts, leading writing workshops, or doing presentations on writing. To qualify for a WIC position you should
take either English 413/513 Teaching and Tutoring Writing or English 414/514 Introduction to Composition Theory. WIC assistants receive
a stipend but not tuition remission. Download a WIC application or contact Susan Kirtley for more information.
Writing Center Tutor: In this position you tutor students in one-to-one
sessions in the writing center. To qualify for a writing center tutorial position, you should take English 413/513 Teaching and
Tutoring Writing. Tutors do not receive tuition remission but do either tutor for a stipend or for credit. Contact
Dan DeWeese for more information.
English Assistant: In this position you assist faculty in teaching the
content of their courses. Responsibilities may include such activities as reading drafts, leading discussions, and lecturing. To qualify for
an English assistantship, you should be in your second year of graduate study so that you have already experienced several graduate
courses. English assistants do not receive tuition remission but may receive graduate credit.
University Studies Graduate Mentor: Graduate Mentors are hired as
Graduate Teaching Assistants to assist in Sophomore Inquiry classes. They work closely with their faculty partners and are creative
team players in implementing course objectives. Mentors work 10-20 hours per week and receive graduate tuition and a monthly stipend.
See Becoming a Mentor for more information.
Work-Study Positions: If you qualify for the Federal Work-Study program, you may
apply for a variety of jobs posted by the English department. To determine your eligibility,
see PSU's Financial Aid website.
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