University Writing Center

What We Do

Our mission at the University Writing Center is to collaborate with writers across disciplines, levels of experience, and backgrounds at St. John’s, and to adapt our services as campus responds. We consider it our role to foster the diversity of writers and writing practices represented within our University community. Our philosophy is guided by a commitment to social justice and to the cultivation of equitable learning environments for people of all linguistic, racial, cultural, and gender identities. We work with all writers to develop and strengthen their critical thinking, rhetorical awareness, written expression, and writing processes.  

Welcome to the University Writing Center

Welcome back, Johnnies! We are so incredibly glad to see campus come back to life after a relaxing summer and quiet summer. We will open for our regular semester hours on Monday, September 12, 2022 and will be available for in-person, online, and e-tutoring appointments. Think of us as your semester starts to gear up, and please come visit as you begin writing assignments!  

Our Mission Statement 

Our mission at the University Writing Center is to collaborate with writers across disciplines, levels of experience, and backgrounds at St. John’s, and to adapt our services as campus responds to COVID-19. We consider it our role to foster the diversity of writers and writing practices represented within our University community. Our philosophy is guided by a commitment to social justice and to the cultivation of equitable learning environments for people of all linguistic, racial, cultural, and gender identities. We work with all writers to develop and strengthen their critical thinking, rhetorical awareness, written expression, and writing processes.  

Our Writing Center Consultants are undergraduate and graduate students of various majors trained to support writers across the five Colleges that make up St. John’s. As a community, our consultants work together to sustain collaborative learning practices both in and beyond face-to-face, e-tutoring and online writing consultations. Consultants also conduct their own research based on their work at the Writing Center, often presenting at regional and national conferences focused on composition and writing studies. With their leadership, the Writing Center continuously hosts tours, workshops, and collective writing events. Together, we aim to learn, stay in conversations, and engage in practices that enact our social justice initiatives. 

How Our Sessions Work 

All sessions between consultants and writers emphasize collaboration. Rather than "fixing" or "correcting" papers, consultants engage in conversation to spur the writer's self-reflection and critical thinking about techniques for planning, drafting, revising, and editing. Together, they discuss and practice strategies for navigating the writing process, foregrounding the writer's active role in finding expression for their ideas.  

We offer three types of sessions: face-to-face, online, and e-tutoring. Face-to-face sessions are available only when campus is open to students. Each session lasts a full hour. In the first forty-five minutes, the writer collaborates with a consultant, and in the last fifteen, the consultant produces a client report form that summarizes what was achieved in the session. Face-to-face sessions are conducted in person at the University Writing Center. Online appointments are live sessions that allow the writer to interact with a consultant through a chat interface. E-tutoring allows the writer to upload their document and have it returned with comments and suggestions. Online and e-tutoring sessions are particularly suitable options for distance-learning students and commuters. 


To Make an Appointment: https://stj.mywconline.com/ 

Location: St. Augustine Hall (University Library), Room 150

Contact: 718-990-2171 or [email protected] 

Hours of Operation, Spring 2022

DayTime
Monday9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Tuesday9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Wednesday9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thursday9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

 

 

Additional Information

Anika

Aniqa Akhter

Undergraduate Writing Consultant  | St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences | Queens Campus

Hi everyone! I’m a senior Biology major and English minor, currently enrolled in a 5 Year B.S./M.S. in Biology program! When I’m not in the Writing Center, I’m a Research Assistant in the Evolutionary Development Lab of Dr. Howarth, working on a Master's Thesis and a whole lot of plants! I’ve always loved writing and wanted to involve myself in it more, so working as a Writing Consultant in the Writing Center is a perfect balance. Being able to have the opportunity to allow others to become creative, analytical, expressive, etc. is one that I appreciate and would love to share with any of you! I’m grateful to be a part of a space full of community, collaboration, and non-stop creativity and I hope to see you there :-)  

 

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Mark Antico

Undergraduate Writing Consultant | The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies / St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences | Queens Campus

Hi everyone! I’m Mark — a Senior English major, TV and Film Studies minor, and Undergraduate Consultant here at the Writing Center. I’m an avid fan of television, movies, literature — really any medium that encourages storytelling. Writing has always been my creative outlet of choice, so I feel incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to work at the UWC and explore the different writing styles and voices at St. John’s. I look forward to working with you!

Frank Coniglio

Frank Coniglio

Undergraduate Writing Consultant | The Peter J. Tobin College of Business | Queens Campus

I am a Senior Accounting major here at St. John’s. Having worked as an Undergraduate Writing Coordinator for Writing Across Communities, I have been exposed to invaluable experiences and information from faculty and students across various departments at St. John’s. My time in WAC helped me to gain many new perspectives on literature and discourse. My time in WAC has also helped me tremendously in becoming an Undergraduate Writing Consultant. Having been an UWC for almost 2 years now, I have worked with students from all majors, both undergraduate and graduate, on various forms of work. With all the knowledge I have now from my time in WAC and my time being an UWC, I hope to help students find their voices through writing, discussion, and thought.

Grace Garlisi

Grace Garlisi

Undergraduate Writing Consultant | The School of Education | Staten Island Campus

Hi everyone! I am so excited to meet you! I’m Grace, and I’m a junior majoring in Childhood Education with a concentration in psychology. I’m also on the e-board for Spectrum, and you can usually find me hanging out in the library (when I’m not in the Writing Center, of course!). I have always loved writing, and obviously I have always loved teaching, so I am so happy to be able to combine my two passions here at the UWC! I believe that writing is an art, not a science. I am so happy to be working here so I can help people refine their art into the best work that it can be. 

Dheeraj Gudipati

Dheeraj Gudipati

Undergraduate Writing Consultant | The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies | Queens Campus

I am a senior studying Computer Science. Writing has been a passion of mine since elementary school, and I am glad that I have been able to continue as I grew. Even though my courses don’t offer many opportunities to write, I get to explore my love for writing in the University Writing Center. I love to help people tell their stories and strengthen their unique style of writing. I am sure that by working with students to do so, I could also improve my own writing. I’m excited to read about diverse experiences in the University Writing Center.

Tina Gurcharan

Tina Gurcharan

Undergraduate Writing Consultant | St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences | Queens Campus

Hi everyone! My name is Tina, and I am a sophomore majoring in English. You can find me taking pictures, reading books, and writing poetry or short stories outside of school. Writing has always been a passion of mine, so I am grateful for the opportunity to help other writers in any way they need. I believe that consultants and clients can learn from one another, even if writing isn’t your thing! Everyone has something important to say—sometimes we need help on how to say it. The Writing Center is a safe space where writers of all backgrounds can thrive and improve. I look forward to working and collaborating with you. 

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Efat Itu

Undergraduate Writing Consultant | St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences | Queens Campus

Hi everyone! I'm a third-year Biology major with a minor in Chemistry, and it's not often that I get to sincerely and creatively write. Having found this opportunity to become an Undergraduate Writing Consultant at St. John's, I am so thankful to be surrounded by writers who share this affection for writing. Our Writing Center hosts and continuously advocates for an environment of collaboration and discussion and has exposed me to so many new perspectives in academia and literature. I look forward to helping you reach your goals as a writer. See you at the Writing Center!

Aleena Jacob

Aleena Jacob

Graduate Assistant | St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences  | Queens Campus

I’m a senior English major on the track to completing a masters in English. Outside the writing center, I’m part of the Ozanam Scholars Program and an Ignite Fellow. I love to bring my creativity to any type of writing I do, and mostly write poetry and prose. Being a consultant allows me to work with students to express their voice in any piece they write, whether it be an essay or a poem, and help students succeed in realizing their unrealized potential. I hope I can inspire the same love of writing in all of my clients. Can’t wait to see you at the Writing Center!

Kelly Kreuscher

Kelly Kreuscher

Undergraduate Writing Consultant | St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences  | Queens Campus

Hi, I’m Kelly, a senior majoring in Secondary Education with a concentration in English. I love being able to connect with others through their writing and the Writing Center is the perfect place on campus to do that! In my own writing, I’m interested in fashion and pop culture as well as LGBTQ+ rights and disability advocacy. I also love getting involved in the school of education and working with children. The 2021-2022 school year will be my first working at the University Writing Center and I’m excited for all the learning experiences we will have together!

Emily Kupiec

Emily Kupiec 

Undergraduate Writing Consultant | St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences  | Queens Campus

Hi everyone! My name is Emily (she/her/hers) and I am a junior majoring in English. Writing has always resonated with me because of the freedom and flexibility it offers. I am passionate about expressing myself and using writing as an outlet to have fun with my thoughts. I value the opportunity to read others' work-- I always learn so much and am grateful to be a part of someone's writing journey. That feeling of fulfillment and exhilaration one experiences after reading a piece of writing is a feeling that I cherish and one that I hope to make others feel with my writing. I am eager to learn more about writing through being a consultant and am thrilled to have this opportunity! The writing center is a safe space to express oneself and admire the beauty of displaying such vulnerability. I am looking forward to meeting you all and being able to collaborate in our sessions!

Leah Minerve

Leah Minerve

Undergraduate Writing Consultant | Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies | Queens Campus

I am a junior Journalism major and Public Relations minor. When I'm not inside the Writing Center, you can catch me binging my favorite show, Insecure, or shopping in the city. I love great food, travel, and making unforgettable memories. My passion for writing began as a child with my interest in expressing myself through excellent storytelling. My favorite writers include Bell Hooks, Toni Morrison, and Maya Angelou. Their dedication to telling Black stories through literature was an escape for me growing up as a Black woman in America. I hope to increase your desire to write, engage in meaningful conversation, and foster healthy relationships that encourage you to pick up your pen.

Reem Nemmassi

Reem Nemmassi

Undergraduate Writing Consultant  | St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences | Queens Campus

Hello! I'm Reem, a senior double majoring in History and Art History with a minor in Africana Studies. When I'm not playing Sims or rewatching my comfort shows, New Girl & Community, on Netflix, I like to read and write scripts and explore North African culture/ history from personal and academic perspectives. I value writing's capacity to take us as near or as far away from ourselves as we want to be. I'm excited to see you at the Writing Center!

Lexi Overton

Alex Overton

Undergraduate Writing Consultant  | St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences | Queens Campus

Hey y'all! My name is Alex Overton, I’m a senior English student in the BA/MA program with a minor in Sociology. I’m originally from southern California and most of my favorite activities such as surfing, ceramics, and storytelling can be found in my hometown of Ventura. I’ve always found myself enamored by stories whether that’s in literature, the arts, or even culinary creations found in food trucks. Expressing stories through writing has been one of my greatest joys and I am ecstatic to share that joy with the University Writing Center. Stop by and give me a shout, either for an appointment or to chat about special interests (P.S.: I’m a massive foodie). Can’t wait to meet y'all!

Hayoung Park

Hayoung Park

Undergraduate Writing Consultant  | St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences | Queens Campus

Hello everyone! I’m Hayoung, and I’m currently a senior majoring in Legal Studies. I’m an international student from South Korea. I grew up abroad as a TCK (Third Culture Kid) and a trilingual, and I've been in countries including Australia, Japan, and the Philippines. I appreciate the diverse community here at St. John's, and I'm thankful for the opportunity to work as a University Writing Consultant and connect with people from various backgrounds. I value every writing of a student as a learning asset for me and others. I hope I can help you reach your full potential as a writer and be able to express your unique voice through writing. I am looking forward to working with you all and also learning from you!!

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Ashleigh Plummer

Undergraduate Writing Consultant  | St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences | Queens Campus

Hi everyone, I’m Ashleigh! I’m a fourth-year student majoring in Psychology and minoring in English. As an avid reader, I enjoy the lessons that can be cultivated through books and different forms of literature. My love of reading extends to my appreciation of writing. For instance, I love how multidimensional writing can be. Writing can provide solace, create new realties, and advocate for the voices of the unheard. During my senior year, I'll be working on a research study about grading policies in humanities classes and their impact on students of historically marginalized linguistic backgrounds' self-efficacy. I can't wait to take what I learn from my study and apply it to my work in the Writing Center. Let's work together to uplift student voices and expand the scope of what writing could be!

Sarah Rummler

Sarah Rummler

Undergraduate Writing Consultant  | St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences | Queens Campus

Hello! My name is Sarah Rummler (she/her) and I am a senior English major at St. John’s, primarily focused on creative writing and writing for entertainment. In addition to writing, I am incredibly passionate about all things theater, film, music, and literature! I greatly value any opportunities I have to entertain and share my passion, as well as to use storytelling as a segue to educate and inform others. As a consultant, I find it to be of the utmost importance to use the Writing Center as a safe space for inclusivity and community, as well as to assist my peers with whatever they may need, tailored to each person’s individual experiences. I am beyond excited to be a part of this team and get to know each and every one of you as writers, and more importantly, as people!

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Alexa Salerno 

Undergraduate Writing Consultant  | St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences | Queens Campus

Hi everyone! My name is Alexa Salerno, and I am a junior Government & Politics student in the BA/MA program with a minor in English. I am from Long Island, New York. In addition to being a consultant, I am also a Student Ambassador on campus. As an aspiring lawyer interested in politics, I appreciate the importance of writing skills since it dominates both fields. I am excited to grow in my writing processes and inspiration with you all through this creative environment. Working at the writing center will allow me to encounter writers from all different majors, backgrounds, and stories. I have always believed writing is our most powerful tool of persuasion and understanding, and I am excited to share this passion of mine with you all! 

Diana Sherwood

Diana Sherwood

Undergraduate Writing Consultant  | St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences | Queens Campus

Hi, I’m Diana. I’m a Senior English Major who formally majored in Film & Television. I’ve always loved to write, from jotting down random notes in a journal or writing a (somewhat) complete story. Even if I don’t always record them, I love to create stories, especially ones that are character driven. When it comes to the non-fictional side of writing, I enjoy researching and summarizing my thoughts on topics that I am passionate about. I am happy to help you out with anything you need when it comes to writing!

nicole sutherland

Nicole Sutherland

Undergraduate Writing Consultant | St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences | Staten Island Campus

Hi everyone! I am a second-year student double majoring in English and Communications, and am a member of the Catholic Scholars Program and a writer for College Magazine. Writing has always been a means of self-expression for me - whether I am writing a short story, a poem, a song, or journaling. Unlike other areas of study, writing and creativity are not “black and white,” and are rooted in culture and experience. I have always enjoyed reading my peer’s work, as it engages me with different writing styles and introduces me to new concepts and ideas! Working at the UWC has broadened my horizons and introduced me to a variety of incredible and talented writers. I hope to amplify student voices through my work at the Writing Center! :)

Liz Thomae

Liz Thomae

Graduate Assistant  | St. John’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences | Queens Campus

Hey everyone! My name is Liz Thomae and I’m a second-year Master’s student here at St. John’s. I am thrilled to be back in a writing center (I worked at the Purdue Writing Lab while pursuing my undergraduate degree in English) because promoting student success is a deep passion of mine. I believe the writing center is a place for writers to become confident in their abilities and to find themselves along the way, and I love being able to help each individual on their journey.  Everyone has a unique story and a personal voice, and I can’t wait to hear yours. Looking forward to working with you!

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Kathleen Lubey 

Director | St. John's College of Liberal Arts & Sciences | Queens Campus

I am Director of the University Writing Center and Professor in the Department of English, where I teach courses in eighteenth-century literature and culture, the histories of feminism and sexuality, and the literature of the transatlantic slave trade. My published work looks at the significant role sexuality plays in advancing social justice, and I recently finished my second book, What Pornography Knows (Stanford 2022), which considers pornography as a dissident and feminist genre. I am also Reviews Editor of the journal Eighteenth-Century Studies. I'm proud to be among the writers and collaborators who make our Writing Center a vibrant, supportive, and inclusive University community.

 

As a Catholic and Vincentian university that values our internal and surrounding communities, we must continue to activate these core values that define us as an institution. At this present time, it is of great importance to support our diverse student body. We believe every department has a pivotal role to play in the fight to end police brutality and systemic racism; the time to act is now.

The series of events that have occurred (globally, nationally, and within our St. John’s community), call for an amplified ethics of care, one that the University Writing Center pledges to embody. In the weeks to come (and moving forward), we ask that faculty members proceed in ways that exercise this care regarding the various identities and lived experiences of St. John’s University students. Extended deadlines, revised syllabi, and other reasonable course adjustments should be considered.

Before students are writers, they are friends, sisters, brothers, daughters, and sons; they are people. We as consultants, pledge to prioritize the physical and emotional well-being of our student body, and re-establish our virtual and physical space as one in which our students can freely express themselves. We believe in the power of words, and we will use ours to support you. We stand with our Black student body. #BlackLivesMatter

Faculty Book Reception

Each year, the University Writing Center, the Writing Across the Curriculum Program, the University Libraries, the Center for Teaching and Learning, and the Office of the Provost host a Faculty Book Reception to congratulate and celebrate our faculty authors, editors, and coeditors who have published within the past year.   

If you need a disability accommodation, please contact us at 718-990-2171 or [email protected]

Coming Soon.