College Students
Thinking about signing up for a Wildcat Writers writing class?
If you decide to take a service-learning section of a writing class, you will be paired with a local high school student. You'll have a chance to get to know your partner over email, answer questions about college life, and participate in assignments that are linked with your high school class. While every Wildcat Writers course is a bit different, here are projects from past classes:
- Collaborative zines
- Visual arguments (websites, videos, magazines) geared toward a high school audience
- Rhetorical analysis and personalized feedback on partners' writing
- Workshop letters on partners' college application essays
- Creative nonfiction essays, shared between partners
- Online discussion boards on a short story, poem, or essay read by both classes
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Wildcat Writers is designated as a "Service-Learning" course. What is that?
Service-learning is a growing movement in education that challenges students to participate in community partnerships while deepening their own understanding of the content covered by the course. Students both "serve" their community and "learn" the material from the class. It's education with a real-world component.
2. Will I get to meet my partner in person?
Very likely, yes! Many teachers offer opportunities for college students to visit the high schools, and frequently the high school students come to the UA campus.
3. Do Wildcat Writers sections require more work than regular classes?
WW assignments are designed to weave the partnership into normal assignments, so you won't be completing additional projects. We do ask, however, that you commit to participating fully and consistently in your partnership, because a failure to turn in an assignment now has effects beyond your grade and your classroom.
Service-learning is a growing movement in education that challenges students to participate in community partnerships while deepening their own understanding of the content covered by the course. Students both "serve" their community and "learn" the material from the class. It's education with a real-world component.
2. Will I get to meet my partner in person?
Very likely, yes! Many teachers offer opportunities for college students to visit the high schools, and frequently the high school students come to the UA campus.
3. Do Wildcat Writers sections require more work than regular classes?
WW assignments are designed to weave the partnership into normal assignments, so you won't be completing additional projects. We do ask, however, that you commit to participating fully and consistently in your partnership, because a failure to turn in an assignment now has effects beyond your grade and your classroom.
College Student Code of Conduct
- Though the partnership should be based on friendship, it must also be recognized as a professional relationship with high school student(s), many of whom will be minors. As such, it is inappropriate to correspond with the high school students on matters unrelated to the academic and personal success of the high school student. Examples of inappropriate behavior include: inviting the student to meet with you, giving out a cell phone number or other personal contact information, inviting the student to a party, etc.
- As a friend you can share and advise, but know your limitations. Problems that your partner may share with that might be serious in nature are best handled by professionals. In engaging in the partnership, you are committing to positive and respectful interactions. Please keep this in mind when corresponding with your partner.
If at any time you are confused about whether something you are saying or doing is appropriate, please contact your teacher. Do not hesitate to ask questions if you find any part of your responsiblity unclear or confusing.
Contact Us
Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns about Wildcat Writers.
*Tucson Skyline photo by Scott Wood