LUMS Student Writing Mentor
Closing Date: 22/05/2025

We are welcoming applications to join our team of Student Writing Mentors School for the next academic year. The mentors work at the Academic Writing Zone (AWZ) in the Management School (LUMS) and are managed by Learning Development.

To apply, you must be either a final-year undergraduate or postgraduate student (masters or doctoral) studying at Lancaster University in the next academic year (2025-2026).

Students from across the university may apply. We particularly welcome students from LUMS and from degree programmes which require a high level of academic writing and/or understanding of language.

What is the Academic Writing Zone? This is a space where any student from LUMS can discuss academic writing in a one-to-one setting with a student writing mentor, under the supervision of a Learning Developer. Mentors are expected to work approximately 2 hours per week in term-time. Since we began in 2011 we have provided over 5000 writing consultations on this basis.

Further information

While successful applicants must have a strong level of English and be successful in their studies, candidates must also demonstrate an awareness that this is a nurturing role, which requires self-awareness and reflection, empathy and consideration of other students. Ideal candidates will be willing to learn and grow through this process.  

We welcome applications from all diversity groups and recognise the value of diversity for students who visit the Academic Writing Zone.  

To apply, please include a CV and cover letter. Your cover letter should outline why you are applying for this role and explain how your experience, skills and ethos complement our role description and person criteria. Cover letters may be written to Dr Sarah Robin.

Preferred Start date: 1st of September 2025

Expected end date: 31st of July 2026

Interview date: TBC

Work pattern: approximately 2 hours per week during term time

Location: Mentors will work on Bailrigg campus, Lancaster University.

As a LUMS Student Writing Mentor, your responsibilities will include:

• Attend training early in the first term (2025). This is likely to be spread over weeks 1-3 in October.
• To work in the Academic Writing Zone on campus with students on their academic writing for approximately two hours a week in term-time, in the Michaelmas term (from week 4) and the Lent term (weeks 11 – 20).
• Mentors may also be asked to work further hours in Summer term, depending on demand.
• Keep brief records of student consultations.
• Attend occasional meetings for debriefing and evaluation.
• There may be opportunity to support wider Learning Development provision, such as occasional teaching support and resource development. Any further hours are not mandatory to the role.

• Have a good track record in academic writing and a high standard of English.
• We welcome students who have a strong understanding of self-development and can recognise improvement in their own writing and/or studies.
• Have a good attendance record.
• Be reliable and approachable.
• Be willing to take direction and to work within the guidelines of the AWZ.
• Be open to supporting students from varying cultural and educational backgrounds.
• Be willing to communicate with visiting students and scheme managers.
• Should have interest in self-improvement and learning through this role.
• Previous experience of mentoring and/or supporting other students is desirable but not essential.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Dr Sarah Robin: [email protected] 

Important information for job seekers:

Please include a cover letter and CV as your application. For your cover letter, we encourage applicants to consider this job advert and convey relevant experience and skills. Generic cover letters will not be successful. Click here for help with your cover letter.

Under the terms of this work, we endeavour to provide the advertised number of hours, however, hours are not guaranteed, and work may cease if there is a fall in demand. 

Adverts that display a closing date should be treated as a guide. We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so we advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment.

• Resilience
• Self-motivation
• Teamwork
• Time Management
• Verbal communication
• Multi-tasking
• Organisation
• Flexibility
• Integrity
• Interpersonal sensitivity
• Creativity
• Decisiveness
• Emotional intelligence