Mission Statement
Our mission in the Hofstra University Writing Center is to work with current Hofstra undergraduate and graduate student-writers of varying experience levels, learning styles, and linguistic backgrounds. We work in and across disciplines. We support students’ growth as writers through one-on-one sessions with tutors trained in collaborative learning practices. Our sessions are conversation based. Rather than editing their writing, tutors help students gain independence by discussing the writing process in its entirety, including genre, audience expectations, and revision strategies. We place particular emphasis on meeting the needs of a particular writing situation. We offer a structured and safe learning environment that helps undergraduate and graduate students excel in college-level writing and helps them develop skills that lead to both academic persistence and success beyond graduation.
Staff
Administrators
| Genie Nicole Giaimo | Dr. Genie Nicole Giaimo is an associate professor of Writing Studies and Rhetoric, where they serve as Writing Center Director. They hold a PhD from Northeastern University. Prior to joining Hofstra, Genie was assistant professor of Writing and Rhetoric at Middlebury College. They have worked in several academic institutions, including a two-year college and a land grant institution. Their current research utilizes quantitative models to answer a range of questions about behaviors and practices in and around writing centers and writing programs. It has appeared in Praxis, Writing Center Journal, TPR, Journal of Writing Research, Kairos, Journal of Writing Analytics, Journal of Multimodal Rhetorics, Composition Studies, and several other peer-reviewed journals in rhetoric and composition. They are the author of Storying Writing Center Labor for Anti-Capitalist Futures (2024, with Dan Lawson), Unwell Writing Centers: Searching for Wellness in Neoliberal Educational Institutions and Beyond (2023), and is the editor of Wellness and Care in Writing Center Work (2021). Dr. Giaimo has many teaching interests that bring writing into connection with interdisciplinary topics and everyday practices. In the past, they have taught courses on meaningful writing, writing about data, contemplative writing and mindfulness practices, rhetoric of labor, graphic narratives and comics, as well as practicums for peer tutors and other writing educators. Born and raised in NYC, Genie is thrilled to be back in their hometown. An avid hiker and cyclist, they are excited to return to the beach and catch a show in the city. |
| Jesse Priest | Dr. Jesse Priest is the Associate Director of the Hofstra University Writing Center. He holds a PhD in English Composition and Rhetoric from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Prior to joining Hofstra, Jesse was Director for the Center of Teaching and Learning at Antioch University Seattle, and Assistant Professor of English at New Mexico Tech. Jesse’s teaching and research interests center on the intersections of academic, public, and professional writing, with special emphasis on how knowledge in academic disciplines creates and maintains underlying knowledge-systems that are expressed through writing. Jesse’s research publications have appeared in The Journal of the Assembly for Expanded Perspectives on Learning, the WAC Clearinghouse, and Academic Labor: Research and Artistry. Jesse has taught courses in Technical and Professional Writing, Dissertation and Thesis Writing, Writing in Psychology, Science and Nature Writing, and Rhetoric in Video Games. |
Faculty Tutors
| FACULTY TUTOR BIOS | |
|---|---|
| David | David (he/him/his) teaches WSC 1 and WSC 2. |
| Jen | Jen (she/her) is a faculty member in the Writing Studies & Rhetoric Department. She loves helping students to become more confi dent in their writing. Outside of the university, she runs community-based creative writing programs. |
| Joe | Joe is a faculty tutor who teaches Creative Writing here at Hofstra. |
| Michael | Michael is a faculty tutor, writer, traveler, and teacher from Boston, Massachusetts. His research interests include Dutch-American History, American Literature, and Basic/First Year writing. |
| Patricia | Patricia (she/her/hers) has taught First Year writing for many years, to include Clusters with Drama and Dance; she's also taught Business Writing, Playwriting, Creative Writing, Irish Literature and Culture, Irish Theater, and Ireland Inside and Out. She's a guest lecturer at the Provincetown Tennessee Williams Theater Festival. Fun facts: Pat is a co-writer of the Off-Broadway hit (25 years) Tony n' Tina's Wedding, in which she also played a bridesmaid. She has negotiated fi ve labor contracts. Other fun fact: she once jumped out of a plane. |
| Scott | I am an Adjunct Professor of Composition, with a background in Literature, Shakespeare and Theatre. As a tutor, although I can work with students on any area of the writing process, the majority of my work is with literature essays/assignments, personal statements/application materials, Internship/job search materials, and the dissertation process. |
| Jamel | Jamel is a faculty tutor at the Writing Center, where he supports students with their writing across various disciplines. He also teaches courses in rhetoric and public advocacy. A proud graduate of Hofstra University, Jamel is excited to be back at his alma mater. He is dedicated to helping students succeed and be part of the community he cares about. |
Student Tutors
| STUDENT TUTOR BIOS | |
|---|---|
| Ally | Ally is a third-year law student at the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, playing golf, and trying new restaurants. |
| Ashley | Ashley is a senior from Stony Brook, NY, pursuing psychology. In her free time she loves expressing herself through the arts such as crocheting, writing poetry, and painting. She also enjoys city trips and thrifting with her friends. |
| Bryana | My name is Bryana (she/her), and I'm a sophomore public relations and television production double major! Here at Hofstra, I'm involved with the HEAT Network, WRHU and Zeta Phi Eta. I have a particular expertise in screenwriting and AP Style, but I'm more than happy to help with any kind of assignment. Can't wait to meet you! |
| Caroline | Hi, I'm Caroline! My pronouns are she/her. I'm an English major with a concentration in English Literature. I hope to be an English teacher someday, so working at the writing center helps me learn how to best help others learn. I really enjoy writing English essays and short stories. In addition to being a tutor, I'm also the president of Working Title, Hofstra's creative writing club. I can't wait to work with you! |
| Chris | Chris(they/them) is a senior Drama major with a Musical Theatre minor. They are a playwright as well as a performer! They love working with all kinds of creative writing. Outside of the Writing Center, you might see them onstage with Hofstra Drama, Sigma’cappella, Chamber Choir, and more! |
| Craig | Craig (he/him) is a senior Writing Studies and English major with a concentration in publishing studies. He has strong interests in literature, politics, history, and creative writing. Most of all, he’s excited to help his clients out with any and all types of writing! |
| Danyella | Hi! My name is Danyella. I am a sophomore here at Hofstra University. My major is health sciences, and I plan on attending physician assistant school after completing my undergrad. I enjoy writing in all different aspects of my life, not just academic. I was born and raised in NY, and now I live in Suffolk County. I am a commuter student, but I’m always around on campus. I’m super excited to be tutoring this year and can’t wait to help and meet so many new people! |
| Django | I'm Django, a political science major in my third year of undergrad. I use she/her pronouns and I'm originally from Brooooklyn!!! I mostly write scripts for social media and narrative pieces on Substack outside of Hofstra, but in the Writing Center I can help with your case study, research paper or general personal essay. I'm really excited to work with you through an empathetic human process—instead of with AI! I can easily help you generate creative ideas without pumping methane into our natural resources—an unfortunate effect of AI usage. See you at the center! |
| Emerald | Hello! My name is Emerald and I use They/Them pronouns. I am a sophomore with a major in Rhetoric and Public Advocacy and a minor in Writing Studies. I fi nd political and personal writing to be incredibly interesting, however, I love to be exposed to new styles and topics whenever possible! Outside of school I can be found going to fun events, playing video games, looking for a new tattoo, or talking loudly about my dog. |
| Giulian | Hi, I'm Giulian (he/him) and I'm a senior double major in Writing Studies and Television Production! I love writing in all its forms, especially science fi ction and comedy, and when I'm not at the writing center you can fi nd me reading comic books or writing for the HEAT Network (Hofstra's student-run television network). I'm here to help with any of your writing needs! |
| Maddie | Hi! My name is Maddie (she/her), and I am currently a junior. I’m an English major with a concentration in Creative Writing. I love short stories, creative non fi ction, and poetry! I also have experience in scientifi c writing as well. Outside of the writing center you can fi nd me reading, painting, and writing my own pieces! |
| Mika | Hi, my name is Mika (she/her) and I am a Junior majoring in English Education! I love to work with people on analysis/literary essays, as well as clarity and organization in writing. I’m also a big fan of grammar, so come to me if you don’t know how to use a semicolon. Outside of the Writing Center, I am involved in ballroom/Latin dance, the equestrian club, and the clarinet ensemble. I can’t wait to meet you! Еще, я свободно владею русским, поэтому могу вести сессию по-русски если вам так удобнее! |
| Mya | Mya (she/her) is an English Publishing Studies major with a minor in marketing. She is a part of the class of 2027. She loves writing short stories, movie reviews, and articles for Her Campus. If she is not reading poetry or books, she’s helping publish Font with Hofstra English Society or attending a concert. |
| Paula | Hello! I am Paula, a junior majoring in English with three minors in world literature, writing studies, and women studies. I am from Mexico City, so I am able to tutor in both English and Spanish. I love writing fi ction, non-fi ction, poetry, and short stories. I am also obsessed with literary analyses and essays that question the status quo one way or another, especially if they have a creative twist. ¡Hola! Soy Paula, una junior estudiando Inglés con tres minors: Literatura universal, estudio de escritura y estudio de género. Soy de la Ciudad de México, así que puedo dar tutoría en español e inglés. Me encanta escribir fi cción, no-fi cción, poesía e historias cortas. También me gustan mucho los análisis literarios y los ensayos que cuestionan el "Status quo" de alguna forma u otra, especialmente si tienen un twist creativo. |
| Ripa | Hi! I’m Ripa, a biology major on the pre-med track. I love research-based writing and creative pieces like narratives or refl ections. I’m especially interested in helping with science-related papers or anything that blends creativity with academic work. |
| Sarah | Sarah, she/her, is a Junior, English major with a concentration in creative writing and a self-proclaimed huge nerd. She enjoys baking, reading and a quiet walk with her dogs. |
Policies
Code of Conduct
The Hofstra University Writing Center aims to provide a safe space for the exchange of intellectual ideas. Consistent with the mission of Hofstra University, Writing Center staff and clients will treat each other with respect and dignity. We aim to model professional exchange and engagement. The Hofstra University Writing Center does not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any members of the Hofstra community.
Appointment Policies for Current Hofstra Students
- Writers may make a maximum of one appointment per day or two back-to-back appointments for special purposes – and three appointments per week. All appointments are 45-minutes long.
- Writers should arrive on time to their sessions. If a writer is fifteen (15) minutes late, we consider the appointment missed; however, we will call to see if the writer is on their way. If the writer is not on their way, we will mark the appointment as missed and open the appointment to another writer.
- Please note that writers will only be allowed to cancel appointments online up to 20 hours before their sessions. If a writer misses three appointments, without canceling in advance within one semester, that writer will not be able to make Writing Center appointments for the remainder of the semester.
Tutoring sessions are a limited resource, and we want to help our many Hofstra writers as effectively as possible.
If writers need to discuss these policies or their scheduling accounts with the Writing Center, they should contact Writing Center Director Genie Giaimo (Genie.N.Giaimo@Hofstra.edu).
Revised as of September 9, 2024.