Student Writer-in-Residence

Applications are now open for the 2026–27 Student Writer-in-Residence
Deadline: Monday, March 30, 2026
See How to Apply below

2025-26 Student Writer-in-Residence: Jaya Sinha

Jaya Sinha is a fourth-year student pursuing a double-major in English Language and Literature and SASAH. Her writing has been published in Semicolon, Occasus, and the upcoming anthology book, The Alchemy of Stories: Essays on Literature and Life, as well as performed twice at Theatre Western’s Purple Shorts Festival. She could not pinpoint a theme in her work–largely prose and plays–if you put a gun to her head. One of the greatest loves of Jaya’s life is theatre: she is currently either directing a show or thinking about the next one. When not writing or directing, Jaya can be found crying in the movie theatre, having a good-natured argument, or taking hours to cook a simple meal. 

Office Hours

Jaya's office hours are on Mondays from 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. To book an appointment with Jaya, please email studentwriterinresidence@westernusc.ca.

About Western's Student Writer-in-Residence

This innovative program – unique in North America – was developed in 2013 by the University Students’ Council and the Department of English and Writing Studies. The mandate of the program is to provide support for an accomplished undergraduate writer while allowing other students to benefit from the writer’s creativity, expertise, and organizational skills. The SWIR fosters exchange among aspiring student writers and contributes to the culture of creativity across campus, within the London area, and across literary genres, media, and technologies. Click here to read the recent annual report prepared by 2023-2024 Student Writer-in-Residence Gray Brogden.

Position Details

Position Title: Western Student Writer-in-Residence

Remuneration: Honorarium $1500.00 ($750 in December, $750 in April)

In addition, the SWIR will have an events budget of a maximum of $500.00 to pay for refreshments or supplies to support SWIR-led events.

Hours of Work: 5 hours per week on average

Term: September - April

The mandate of the Western Student Writer-in-Residence (SWIR) program is to provide support for an accomplished undergraduate writer while enabling other students to benefit from the writer’s creativity, mentorship, and organizational skills. The SWIR will support and foster exchange among aspiring student writers and contribute to the culture of creativity across campus. The SWIR program is reserved for students in their fourth year of their undergraduate degree.

Expectations and Responsibilities

The SWIR is expected to provide mentorship for student writers, to take a leadership role at a variety of literary and cultural events on campus, and to develop and present their own writing. The responsibilities of the SWIR include:

  • Holding regular office hours for 2 hours per week to consult with and mentor other student writers;
  • Visiting writing classes/workshops, campus clubs, the Coterie, AHSC publication meetings, or other relevant organizations, and through social media to make the SWIR position known to students;
  • Providing opportunities for student writers to present and develop their work, eg., sponsoring readings, hosting workshops, poetry slams, etc.
  • Attending and encouraging student participation at creative writing and arts events across campus;
  • Meeting with and providing support for editorial boards and writers of various student publications, including online blogs and magazines such as Occasus, the Arts and Humanities Students’ Council publications Semicolon, Symposium, etc.
  • Consulting and/or collaborating with the Western Writer-in-Residence on their activities;
  • Maintaining an activity log, including the names and dates of meetings with peer writers as well as participation in events and class visits;
  • Submitting a reflection piece / final report of approximately 1000 words describing their accomplishments and contributions during the residency to the Department of English and Writing Studies at the completion of their term in April.

How to Apply (2026-27 Academic Year)

To apply to become the SWIR for the 2026-2027 academic year, please submit applications to Dr. Pauline Wakeham, Vice Chair of English and Writing Studies, at pwakeham@uwo.ca by Monday, March 30th, 2026. The position is reserved for students who will be entering their fourth year of undergraduate study in 2026-2027.

Applications should include the following materials:

• A short cv listing any publications and relevant experience
• A writing portfolio of approximately 10-20 pages
• A 300 word statement of intent that describes how you would contribute to Western's creative community