Writing Center Receptionist

Job no: 509190
Position type: UW Student Jobs
Location: Not Remote
Division/Equivalent: College of Letters & Science
School/Unit: English
Categories: Interpersonal Communication, Leadership, Critical Thinking/Problem Solving, Teamwork/Collaboration, Professionalism/Work Ethic, Customer Service

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Department Overview:

 Here at the Writing Center, our goal is to teach writers in all disciplines and at all levels to become more confident and more effective writers. Our main way of achieving this goal is through one-to-one meetings, in which our experienced instructors help students develop and organize ideas for course papers, applications, personal statements, resumes, cover letters, theses, dissertations, and more. In the process, our instructors provide a helpful audience for students by offering feedback for revisions. We also offer a series of non-credit workshops, weekly writing groups, writing mentorships, and an online Writer’s Handbook.

As a receptionist, you play a crucial role in the teaching mission of the Writing Center. You educate students on how the Writing Center works, help students make appointments with instructors, and support the daily functioning of the Center. Without you, we couldn’t help the thousands of students we see each year. Many of our receptionists join us in their first year and stay with us until they graduate. If you're looking to be part of a friendly, inclusive, close-knit program that serves students from across all parts of the university, please apply!

Anticipated Start Date:

 September 2, 2025

Anticipated End Date (If Applicable):

 December 18, 2025, option to continue through Spring 2026.

Remote Work Eligibility Detail:

Not Remote

 

Anticipated Hours Per Week:

 Minimum: 3.5 Maximum: 10

Schedule:

 We work around student schedules and create set schedules for the whole semester so you have regularity and certainty in your weeks. During fall and spring semesters, our standard Main Center hours are Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. During Fall 2025, receptionists will staff the Main Center Monday through Thursday from 9:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday from 9:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Receptionist shifts are typically 2-6 hours in length, and occasional evening and weekend hours may be available for those who are interested.

Salary/Wage Range/Lump Sum:

 Minimum: $13.50 Maximum: 

Number of Positions:

 4

Qualifications:

 We seek students from across all areas of the university, and we aim to prioritize candidates early in their programs who may be interested in renewing their Writing Center employment for future semesters. (Our past receptionists have majored in biology, business, English, journalism, communication disorders, kinesiology, philosophy, and political science, to name just a few.)

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

No knowledge of the Writing Center is necessary prior to starting! We are looking for friendly students from all backgrounds who enjoy helping others, and we need good listeners who are able to communicate clearly in person, over the phone, and via email. Comfort with multitasking in a busy setting is important. Ample training is provided in the form of shadowing and having a staff person nearby to answer questions and support you as you learn more about the Writing Center’s programs and services.

We are looking for applicants who are eager to:
- create a welcoming environment through presence, empathy, and active listening
- help students connect with writing instructors, services, and resources
- be committed colleagues and enthusiastic representatives of the Writing Center

Position Summary/Job Duties:

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
As a receptionist, you play a crucial role in the teaching mission of the Writing Center. You educate students on how the Writing Center works, help students make appointments with instructors, and support the daily functioning of the Center. Without you, we couldn’t help the thousands of students we see each year. Whether in person, on the phone, or via email, you are often the first contact people have at the Writing Center. As such, you play a vital role in creating a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible community for our students and campus partners.

DUTIES
Support the daily functioning of the Writing Center
Coordinate daily opening and closing procedures
Serve as the front-line greeter of students, faculty, and staff
Create WCOnline accounts and schedule student appointments
Check in and direct students to their appointments
Answer phone calls and emails
Share information about Writing Center services
Refer students to other Writing Center staff or resources as needed
Assist with workshop publicity, inquiries, and registrations
Assist with occasional administrative projects

Physical Demands:

Ability to sit at a desk, answer phones, answer email and greet patrons as they arrive.

Institutional Statements:

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

UW-Madison is an Equal Employment, Equal Access Employer committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce.

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background-people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: diversity.wisc.edu

Accommodation Statement:

If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request at the following website:https://employeedisabilities.wisc.edu/disability-accommodation-information-for-applicants/
 
 

Advertised: Central Daylight Time
Application close: Central Daylight Time

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