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
| Marilyn Buono | Dr. Marilyn Buono is assistant director of the Writing Center and adjunct associate professor of writing in the Writing Studies and Composition Department at Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY. Marilyn received her PhD in Literacy Studies and her MA in English Literature from Hofstra University. She grew up in California but loves the change of seasons in New York – especially the fall – when you will find her fanatically preparing and decorating for Halloween! |
| 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. |
Faculty Tutors
| FACULTY TUTOR BIOS | |
|---|---|
| David | David is an adjunct faculty member of the Writing Studies and Rhetoric Department at Hofstra, teaching WSC 001 and 002. |
| Joe | Joe teaches creative writing in Hofstra's English Department. He conducts in-person and online appointments. When working online with Joe, students should know that he exclusively uses the chat function, not audio/video. |
| Michael | Michael is a faculty tutor, writer, traveler, and teacher from Boston, MA. His research interests include Dutch-American History, American Literature, and Basic/First-Year Writing. |
| Patricia | Patricia is an adjunct professor in the Writing Studies and Rhetoric Department. She has taught courses including "Writing Studies and Drama," WSC 1 and WSC 2, "Business Writing," "Anglo-Irish Drama," "Playwriting," "Irish American Literature and Culture," and "Ireland Inside Out." |
| Scott | Scott is a professor of English, theater, and writing. |
| Jamel | Jamel Coy Hudson 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 |
|---|---|
| Andrew | Andrew is from Westbury, NY. His major is filmmaking, with a minor in computer science. During his free time, Andrew loves to cook, explore new places, develop screenplays, and watch new films. |
| Ally | Ally is a second-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 psychology major from Stony Brook, NY. During her free time, she loves expressing herself through the arts[R1] and doing activities such as crocheting, writing poetry, and painting. She also enjoys trips to the city and thrifting with her friends. |
| Caroline | Hi, my name is Caroline. I’m a sophomore majoring in English, with a concentration in YA and children’s literature. Although I continuously fluctuate between wanting to be an English teacher or an editor, I have a passion for helping anyone with their writing! This is my first year tutoring, but I am eager to develop my skills as a writer alongside you. 😊 |
| Cat | Cat is a first-year graduate student from Indianapolis, IN. She graduated from the College of Wooster in Ohio with a bachelor's degree in Spanish with a concentration in linguistics. A lifelong Midwesterner, Cat made the leap from the Hoosier life to the East Coast when she decided to come to Hofstra University to pursue a master's degree in forensic linguistics. She loves everything to do with writing and language and can't wait to help students be the best writers they can be. Outside of school, Cat can be found singing in her car, dancing to any and all music, and FaceTiming her dog. |
| Chris | Chris is a drama major with a business analytics minor from Denver, CO. Chris loves to perform, and they do so a lot, whether in Hofstra's department shows, Hofstra Chorale, Sigma'cappella, or Hofstra's improv club, Ambiguity. When they're not on stage, Chris is often writing poetry, plays, or playing video games. Don't be surprised to catch them playing NYT games on their break! |
| Giulian | Hello! I am a junior writing studies major and RTVF minor. Some of my interests include poetry, comic books, and sketch comedy. When I’m not at the Writing Center, you can find me performing improv with my friends or writing scripts for the HEAT Network (Hofstra’s student-run, on-campus television network). |
| Kate | Kate is a political science major with minors in linguistics and writing studies. She can usually be found hanging out on the beach praying for productivity, scrolling through plant-based recipes on social media, or brainstorming ways to reignite the Equal Rights Amendment. With eyes set on law school, she is a member of Phi Alpha Delta, the pre-law fraternity on campus. Kate loves writing and genuinely enjoys every part of the process from the inception of a crafty idea to the 100th revision. |
| Leivys | Leivys is triple majoring in political science, writing studies, and global studies. She is a member of Phi Alpha Delta law fraternity and the event chair for the Hofstra University Moot Court. A resident of Weehawken, NJ, she likes to cook, watch Netflix, and listen to music. |
| Mika | Hi, my name is Mika! I'm a sophomore majoring in English literature and minoring in psychology, and my dream is to become an English teacher. Outside of tutoring, I am a huge band kid (clarinet), an equestrian, and a member of the Ballroom and Latin Dance Club. I also love to watch shows, so stop by to chat anytime! Ещё, я свободно говорю по-русски, поэтому могу вести урок на удобном для вас языке! |
| Riley | Riley is a film major from New Hampshire, with a double minor in creative writing and design. She loved to help people work through all stages of writing, from a blank page to the final product. Outside of academics, she loves watching movies and television shows, listening to music, and drawing. |
| Sasha | Sasha is a health science major from Brooklyn, NY. She plans to become a physician assistant with a specialty in health administration. In her downtime, she likes to travel, meet new people, and try different foods. |
| Seher | New Yorker Seher is in the BA/MA Forensic Linguistics program, and enjoys drawing, reading, and crocheting during her free time. |
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 two 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) or Assistant Director Marilyn Buono (marilyn.f.buono@hofstra.edu).
Revised as of September 9, 2024.