Who are Communication Fellows?

Communication Fellows are SEAS undergraduates and master's students who are employed to aid in the development of effective writing and oral communication skills among undergraduates in all SEAS departments. Communication Fellows form an important part of the Technical Communication Program (TCP).

What do Fellows do?

Reporting to theTCP Director, Fellows work with specific engineering undergraduate classes that are designated as "writing intensive" across all SEAS academic departments. Tasks might include preparation of writing guidelines; advising students as they write reports, proposals, position papers and the like; and providing written feedback to students on drafts of assignments for their classes.  Fellows work up to 10 hours a week;  work load varies.

What is the pay?

Fellows are paid $15 hourly for up to 100 hours per semester. 
Appointments are renewable each semester at the discretion of the TCP Director and dependent on the satisfactory completion of duties.


What are the steps to becoming a Fellow?

• Undergraduate applicants must have completed their Freshman Writing Seminar requirement before applying to be a Fellow.
• Applicants must take EAS 500, Technical Communication in Engineering Practice. This 1.0 CU course is offered each semester. In the course, trainees gain proficiency in both written and oral technical communication, as well as in mentoring fellow SEAS students in those skills. The course counts towards satisfying the TBS requirement for undergraduates. Students who earn an A in the class may be considered for the position of Technical Communication Fellow.
• Before taking EAS 500, applicants may submit written materials indicating an interest in applying, demonstrating their ability to write clearly and concisely, and indicating an interest in helping others communicate clearly. (see To apply).

To apply

Send the following via email to Mary Westervelt, TCP Director

1. Cover letter or cover e-mail message
2. Resume
3. For applicants who have not taken EAS 500:  Submit one writing sample, of no more than two pages, demonstrating your ability to organize clearly and to write concisely.  If possible, submit a technical writing sample (e.g, from an engineering course).  Do not submit a college application essay.  

Questions may be directed to Mary Westervelt.

Contact information

Address:

Mary A. Westervelt
Director, Technical Communication Program
Office of Academic Programs
School of Engineering and Applied Science
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA  19104

Office:              Towne 306
Telephone:     215.573.6486
E-mail:             mwester@seas.upenn.edu