Last Minute Hofstra Gift Ideas

Give the gift of Hofstra this season! If you’re picking up your student this week to bring them home for break or finding yourself on campus and maybe needing to do some last minute gift shopping, here are some great gifts that your student, loved ones or friends are sure to enjoy.

Tips for Getting Your Student Ready For Winter at Hofstra!

As your student may have told you, it’s getting cold here at Hofstra. We have already had a couple of white mornings. While some students are used to the cold and love it, like Craig, a native Vermonter, others are going to feel father winter’s cold for the first time. Your student is probably wrapping up finals and term papers this week, but as he or she returns home for break or remains here at Hofstra for intercession classes, we would like to remind you of a few tips for getting your student ready for those cold months!

Two International Hofstra Students Experience Thanksgiving for the First Time.

During Thanksgiving break, two of our International students, Mika Nakazato (China/Japan) and Fangqi “Bridget” Xing (China), had the opportunity to experience their first American Thanksgiving at the home of fellow student, Rebecca Putorti, sophomore, in Connecticut. Here is their correspondence from after their stay.

Stressbusters at Hofstra!

You're going to wish you were a Hofstra student yourself when you learn about the great de-stressing activities that the Office of Student Leadership & Activities has planned for your students to get them through their finals… like complimentary massages (now that's the life!).


From December 12th through the 18th, students cane take a break from the stress of final exams and papers, and find their inner peace during Stressbusters week. Students will enjoy free food with grab&go meals in the Student Center, some pet therapy by petting cute puppies and kitties today in the Plaza Rooms, yoga, and free massages!

Please encourage your student to visit hofstra.edu/stressbusters to find out more including a full list of dates, times, and locations.

Winter Commencement Information

WINTER (MIDYEAR) COMMENCEMENT: December 22, 2013

Many of you now are gearing up for the holidays and another special day – your student’s December graduation!

However, before the BIG graduation day here are some things you and your student should know:

Hofstra Roller Hockey Semester Wrap-Up

Hello, Hofstra Parents! My name is Craig Camara and I am an undergraduate assistant for the Office of Parent and Family Programs here at Hofstra University. I've probably talked to some of you on the phone or met you at some of our events throughout the almost two years I have worked in the parent and family office. I’m a Senior Marketing Major with an Information Technology minor. I am also a member of the Hofstra University Roller Hockey Team, one of the most prominent club sports on campus. The Roller Hockey Team, in addition to being ranked the #15 team in the nation, is also highly involved on-campus, giving back to Hofstra and the community. Here is what the team has done so far this semester and what the future holds.

The nationally ranked Hofstra Division I Roller Hockey Team wrapped up its first semester just last week with an outstanding record of 8-2. The team walks away from this semester of hockey with a hold on the #15 spot in the national rankings. Hofstra enjoyed wins over teams such as West Chester University, Temple University, Rhode Island University, Stony Brook University, Central Florida University, #17 ranked Northeastern University and Rowan University. Hofstra’s only losses came at the hands of #17 ranked Northeastern University and the #3 ranked Neumann University. Hofstra’s record puts the team in a good position to make a strong national championship run during next semester.

                  Hofstra’s scoring is led by Jeff Stern (12 goals, 17 assists), Mike Lasher (17 goals, 8 assists) and Pat Rosa (14 goals, 7 assists). All three players are native Long Islanders. In net, DI first-timer James Lauto has done his part in keeping the team in close games. Lauto’s 3.30 Goals Against Average and .829 Save Percentage have been more than enough to help the team win games.

                  In addition to the Division I team, Hofstra also has B division team as well; this is the team I play goalie for. Our B team possesses a 3-6 record, with all three wins coming against rival Stony Brook. The team has lost to many highly national-ranked teams such as Temple, West Chester and Northeastern. While the team may have a losing record at the halfway point, the B team is working hard and is eager to turn the season around and make a push for a regional championship.

                  In addition to successful play on the rink, the Roller Hockey Team has been involved with a lot of off-rick activities. During the most recent home weekend (The team plays at the SkateSafe Facility in Old Bethpage), both the DI team and the B team teamed up with rival Stony Brook to collect canned goods for those less-fortunate. In all, the teams collected over 1,000 pounds of canned goods and delivered them to food shelves around Long Island.

                  Coming up next semester, Hofstra will be hosting its annual St. Baldrick’s Day event, in which the team raises money to help find a cure for cancer. The team will be shaving their heads in solidarity with those who have to go through chemotherapy and also raising money to help support children going through the treatment. Last year, the team, along with its partners Hofstra Medical School and the Dean of Students Office, collected over $17,000! This year, the team is hoping to reach their $20,000 mark.

                  To find out more information about my team, feel free to visit our website at http://hofstrahockey.wix.com/main or send us an email at hofstrarollerhockey.com.

-Craig Camara

Hofstra's Study Abroad Program

Photo Credits: Hofstra Students in Beijing, China during Study Abroad Program

Has your student ever told you their dream about visiting Germany, China, Italy, France, Japan or another country? Hofstra offers students 13 different countries to choose from through the Study Abroad Program.

Hofstra’s Study Abroad Program is offered during the January, spring (European Odyssey) and summer semesters. The programs allow students to earn credits while visiting another country and provide them with opportunities to learn about other cultures. While students are there, they will visit some of the countries’ well-known monuments, buildings, museums, and other sites that they may have read about.

Photo Credits: Hofstra students in France during Study Abroad Program

On top of visiting a dream spot many of your student’s peers have made lifelong friends, met people across the globe and built a strong resume with knowledge of other cultures. These rewards will last long after their college graduation.

Over the course of the next few months, we will have guest blogs from students sharing their first-hand experiences about the Study Abroad Program. This will help you and your student gain insight on the program, what it’s like to visit a new country, and learn about a different culture while in college.

Is your student interested in learning more? Please encourage your student to contact the Study Abroad Programs office located in 107 Roosevelt Hall at 516-463-4765 or visit their website here.  Although the deadlines have passed for the January and spring 2014 program, there’s still time for your student to apply for the Summer 2014 Abroad Program! Your student can check here for upcoming informational meetings. The application deadline to the Summer 2014 Abroad Program ends on March 7, 2014. So, don’t wait, help your student get started now living their dreams abroad.

 
 

Heading Home for Thanksgiving!

         

                  Many of your students most likely have Wednesday, November 27 double circled on their calendar. The 27^th is the day Thanksgiving break begins, marking a much-needed break for students during the busy fall semester. One of the most common questions we get over the phone from Parents during this week is about the best way for their students to travel home. Figuring out travel arrangements for students who do not live close to Hofstra can seem stressful, but with a little planning ahead, it can be a breeze! In my experience, there are really three great ways to get home if your student does not have a car.

By Train: This is my personal favorite way to travel when I go home. I live in Vermont and don’t have a car, so public transportation is a must for me. Amtrak is always one of the better public transportation experiences out there. The train takes a beautiful route along the Hudson River, and the views are absolutely spectacular. Unlike taking a plane, the seats are comfortable and you’re not packed into the train like sardines. Your student can find tickets for Amtrack at http://www.amtrak.com/. If your student hasn’t booked tickets yet, make sure they do so soon!

Let's Talk Turkey: Tips on Having Conversations with your Student during Thanksgiving.

For many first-years, thanksgiving break is the first time they have been home since the fall semester started back in September. For first-year parents, these last ten weeks with the student at school may seem like an eternity! Many parents will have burning questions they want to ask their students about life at Hofstra and how the student is doing. Here’s some advice on talking to your student, without overwhelming them with questions:

1.     Before going into your questions, make sure to hug first! Welcome your student back into your home and let your student get settled before going into any big questions about school. Remember that your students have been answering questions in class and through homework for almost ten weeks! The last thing your students probably wants to do is feel like they are taking a verbal quiz about Hofstra with you! Give your student some time to unwind and relax, and they will become much more open about school.

2.     Bring up school in a quiet relaxed setting. Around the table with family members is not the best time to bring up your students academics. Perhaps one night when the family is sitting around watching TV.

3.     When you approach your student about schoolwork, the way you present yourself and ask the questions will make all the difference in getting your student to open up about their time at school. If you come across as confrontational, you can expect the student to close up and be confrontational back. However, if you come across as open and caring listen to what your student has to say, you will find that your student will be much more open about his or her experiences.

4.     When talking about grades, you must also be aware and understanding that the student may not know exactly where their grade standing is currently in the semester. Every professor has a different way of grading, whether it is through exams, projects, class participation, papers etc. Instead, you should encourage your student to meet regularly with their professors to discuss their performance in class.

5.     Should any problems or issues arise, keep in mind that the student’s academic dean is always available to help in any way possible. You student can find out who their dean is through their portal. Should you wish to get in contact with this academic dean yourself, you should keep in mind that while the dean can discuss general academic topics with you, the dean cannot get into detail about your students records until your student waives you on their FERPA Authorization Form online through their portal.

If you have any questions about talking to your student during Thanksgiving break, please don’t hesitate to contact the Office of Parent and Family programs at 516-464-4698 or at parents@hofstra.edu.

Shuttle Services- Evening and Holiday Schedule

Hofstra is happy to announce some new expansions in their shuttle services. Below is some information on these newly expanded transportation services:

Does your student live off-campus? Do they often tell you that they’ve been studying late in the library for exams and walked back to their apartment or residence hall in the later hours? Maybe they got a late-night bite to eat with a study group on the south campus and need to get back to their residence hall on the north campus? Hofstra is pleased to let you know about the Hofstra Night Shuttle, an expansion of our shuttle service for students, running through the neighborhoods surrounding Hofstra during the overnight hours, from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. The night shuttle will travel from various points on the North and South campus, to local eating and entertainment establishments, and through areas of Hempstead and Uniondale where many students live. Students will only need to show their ID to board the shuttle. This shuttle service will be very convenient and reliable for those students that works or studies late as well as those who need to travel to and from off-campus in the nearby areas.

Students can even track the Hofstra Night Shuttle on their mobile device by going to my.hofstra.edu and tap the ‘Night Shuttle’ icon. They can also view the schedule by logging onto the portal and clicking the ‘Night Shuttle’ icon on My Apps.

Hofstra Alumna Living Her Dream as a Rockette

                Hofstra’s highly rated School of Drama and Dance has been turning out top dance performers for a long time. Graduates from Hofstra have gone on to perform on film, television, broadway and many other renown places. However, one alumna stands out from the rest.

                Tara Dunleavy-Tubridy, a 2004 graduate from Hofstra, is living her life-long dream of performing with the Radio City Rockettes for the past seven years. The Rockettes, world-renown for their annual Christmas Spectacular since 1933, are one of the most iconic pieces of the holidays in New York City.

                Tara grew up in Queens, NY and started studying dance at the age of 3. Tara danced competitively, and focused mainly on Jazz and Broadway styles. When it came to choosing a college, Tara knew there was no other choice for her other than Hofstra. Tara explains, “I knew I wanted to major in dance, but I didn’t want to go too far from my family. Hofstra was one of the schools we visited, and I fell in love with the campus, the program and the facilities. Being a Hofstra student was one of the best experiences of my life.”

You can read about the rest of Tara’s story about her time at Hofstra and becoming a Rockette at:

https://news.hofstra.edu/2013/11/06/from-hofstra-to-radio-city-alumna-is-living-her-dream-as-a-rockette/

Discovery Program 2013

Jenny (Jeanette)'s Discovery Group. 2013

 As told by Ms. Rowe:

The Discovery Program, run by the Office of Student Leadership & Activities, is one of the best kept secrets here at Hofstra.  My daughter participated in the program as a freshman and just finished her second go-round as a Discovery Leader.  In a very short time, this program points incoming students on an amazing path of leadership training and community involvement.  The people who run the Discovery Program engage and mentor these kids with fantastic results.  Take a look at the Discovery Leaders' bios on the Hofstra website.  They are quite impressive.  All of these kids have come through this program and continue to be involved as upperclassmen.  I can't even express how grateful I am that we stumbled upon this program.  If you have an incoming freshman, this is money well spent!

Community Empowerment worked with All Hands gutting a house for Hurricane Sandy relief.

Community Empowerment worked with All Hands gutting a house for Hurricane Sandy relief.

Cub Zone 2013!

Thank you to Catherine Zonsky, Assistant Dean of University Advisement who recapped this year's Cub Zone event.

Saturday morning of Family Weekend included Cub Zone, an arts & crafts extravaganza, for children ages 6 – 11 that were joining in the festivities with their families.  The children showed their creativity through a variety of crafts that included monster puppets, Halloween masks and drawings.   Children also entertained themselves with video games, leaping over clouds and mushrooms or dancing to the beat.  Others tried their hand at the tables with air hockey, pool and ping pong.  Kate & Willy joined in the fun.  They tried their best at ping pong though it was tough for them to maneuver that little ball with their big paws.  They were awesome at arts & crafts and made some pretty pictures. And we’re not “lion”!

Save the Date! Fall Festival:Family Weekend 2013!

Hofstra‘s annual Fall Festival: Family Weekend will be held Friday to Sunday, September 27, 28, and 29th this year. It is sure to be an exciting time for families and students alike. While the details of the events have not yet been finalized, here are a few things you can expect:

In the week leading up to Fall Festival, students work hard on floats, which are then judged in a parade that runs through campus and kicks off the weekend's festivities. This year’s theme will be Award Winning Movies, so there are sure to be a few classics!

One of the many student creations in last year's Parade of Floats.

Throughout the weekend, you will also be able to watch a couple of games featuring our Division I sports teams and cheer on the Pride with your student. Last year featured two thrilling volleyball matches at the Hofstra Fitness Center.


Furthermore, each year Hofstra brings some really great acts to campus for a huge concert on the intramural fields. Last fall, the show starred KC and the Sunshine Band, Cobra Starship, Big Sean and Snoop Dogg. Though this year’s performers will be released closer to the date of the event, they are sure to be just as great! There will also be a Carnival with rides and games running concurrent with the concert, perfect for any younger children you might bring along.

Students gather for the Vibe Live concert during last year's Fall Festival.

Fall Festival is also a great time to visit your student and have them show you all of their favorite places to hang out on campus. You can take a few minutes to experience a day in the life of a Hofstra student as you chow down in the Student Center, visit the bookstore or simply stroll through the arboretum. 

So be sure to mark September 27-29 on your calendars: it’s an event you surely don’t want to miss!

-Megan Kennedy (Class of 2014)

Parent Orientation

Sending your child off to college for the first time can be scary, but Hofstra offers a comprehensive Parent Orientation program to help get you accustomed to the University and know what to expect during your student's first year. When students come for New Student Orientation, there is a daylong program on the first day for parents and guardians where you can meet with the various departments on campus and attend presentations on all of the resources available to students.

When?
Parent Orientation is a daylong program on the first day (Tuesday) of each three-day New Student Orientation session. Students must register their parents when they register for New Student Orientation. The eight Parent Orientation sessions available are:

June 11, 18, 25
July 9, 16, 23, 30
August 6

How to Register?
Parents must be registered by the student when he or she registers online for New Student Orientation.  Instructions on how to register are in your student’s Welcome Folder. In order to do so, the student will need his or her student ID number and password first. Student Computing Services, at (516) 463-7777, can help if your student does not know how to obtain his or her Hofstra ID number.

What can you expect?
The schedule of events features presentations by the major departments on campus that your student will be utilizing throughout their four years here. There will be discussions about transitioning to college, financial aid, student counseling services, public safety, and many more. It should be reassuring to meet with these advisers in person to have any and all questions of yours answered. There will be separate programs for parents of Residents and Commuters, to get more tailored information. The day concludes with a tour of campus, enabling you to see where your student will be attending class and hanging out next semester. There will also be lunch with different University representatives and student skits. More specific details will be announced closer to Orientation.

Reminders

• When making plans for the return trip home, please keep in mind that student registration appointments may run until 5 p.m. on Thursday.
• Immunization forms may be submitted to the Health and Wellness center during Parent Orientation. 

See you soon!

For more information, please visit: http://www.hofstra.edu/po, or contact the Office of Parent and Family Programs at (516) 463-4698.

-Megan Kennedy (Class of 2014)

My Experience as a Graduate Assistant

For the past year, I have worked as a graduate assistant in the Office of Parent & Family Programs and in Communications for Student Affairs. Though it has been difficult at times to balance academic responsibilities with in-office priorities, my graduate assistantship has allowed me to develop the skills I need as I prepare for the world beyond our campus.

Throughout my graduate assistantship, I learned how to manage my time effectively. From helping out with Fall Festival and Debate 2012 to preparing for Commencement and Parent Orientation, I certainly had a full schedule. That said, the Student Affairs staff was undeniably helpful, and with their support I was able to acclimate to the standards of office life. This allowed me to understand what colleagues will expect of me as I take the next step forward in my field.

Furthermore, as an aspiring writer, I was able to hone my craft by contributing to both parent and student blogs. Every week or so I had the privilege of gathering information, taking photos and even interviewing Hofstra students and staff about important events on campus. My time in Student Affairs not gave me a chance to see what goes on behind the scenes of our campus events, it allowed me to play a significant role in ensuring these events came together.

There are myriad ways to gain professional experience on campus, whether through Student Employment or the Career Center. Whereas the former provides listings of paying jobs on campus, the latter can help with everything from mock interviews and resume building to off-campus internship and job searches. Moreover, they are holding Quick Question hours this summer, which are visible through their online calendar here.