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Office of Parent and Family Programs
Room 200 Phillips Hall 128 Hofstra University Hempstead, NY 11549-1280 4516-463-4698 4parents@hofstra.edu 4hofstra.edu/parents 4facebook.com/HofstraParents 4family.blog.hofstra.edu
Mission
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Hofstra’s Office of Parent and Family Programs supports the mission and vision of the Division of Student Affairs by informing and engaging parents and family members, as they mentor their students to assume increasing responsibility for their learning and personal growth. Programs, publications, and events involve families as active members of the Hofstra Pride.
Parent and Family Programs is committed to: • Providing Hofstra families with timely information about services, programs, and opportunities that further their students’ academic success and well-being.
• Courteously serving as the main inquiry center for
Hofstra parents and families. • Engaging parents and families in campus life by using their knowledge, talents, energy, and expertise.
• Educating parents about college student development and how parents can best guide their students.
Family Orientation
Family Orientation is an opportunity for parents and family members of incoming Hofstra students to learn about the transition to college and campus life through information sessions and interaction with staff and students. The program includes sessions on wellness and safety, academic curriculum and advising, financial aid, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), life in residence halls, student engagement programs, and commuting student programs and services. The Family Orientation program takes place on the first day (Tuesday) of your student’s New Student Orientation session and is separate from the student program. More information, including dates, is available at hofstra.edu/fo.
Welcome Day
Thursday, September 1, 2022, is Welcome Day and the start of Welcome Week for residential and commuting first-year and transfer students. Check-in times will be emailed to students’ Hofstra Pride email accounts. Families of both commuting and residential students are invited to attend the Welcome Day program for parents and families. For a detailed schedule, visit hofstra.edu/welcomeday.
Family Events
All University events and programs are contingent on public health guidelines. Visit hofstra.edu/togetheragain for the most up-to-date information.
Hofstra Fall Festival: Alumni, Student, and Family Weekend is an annual event that brings together students and their families for activities such as faculty presentations, athletic contests, tours of the Hofstra University Museum of Art and Hofstra Arboretum, and resource fairs, as well as an outdoor concert and carnival. Hofstra Fall Festival: Alumni, Student, and Family Weekend is scheduled for Friday-Sunday, September 30-October 2, 2022. Visit hofstra.edu/fw for more information.
Hofstra Siblings Day
Hofstra Siblings Day takes place in the spring semester and provides an opportunity for siblings and family members (ages 8 to 17) of current students, to enjoy a day of fun activities at Hofstra. Siblings ages 13-17 may stay overnight in their Hofstra student’s residence hall room, health and safety guidelines permitting. For more information, visit hofstra.edu/sibs.
Tulips and Trees Tour
In the spring, we invite Hofstra families to join us to tour the Hofstra Arboretum and learn about Hofstra’s famous tulips. More information is available at hofstra.edu/tuliptour. Visit hofstra.edu/parentfamilyevents for other in-person and virtual events and webinars.
The Hofstra Gala is the premier event that raises funds for the Scholarship Program. Please join faculty, students, community members, and alumni to support this special celebration in May. More information is available at hofstragala.com.
Communications
Family eSpace
Family eSpace is an online resource designed to inform and engage family members. Through Family eSpace, family members have access to classified ads, discussion boards, family and campus events, Hofstra’s family regional directory, Parent and Family Council information, volunteer opportunities, and webinars. A FERPA-authorized user has access to their student’s final grades, class schedule, and campus address. Your student may authorize you for Family eSpace access through the Hofstra portal (MyAccount on my.hofstra.edu).
Hofstra Parent and Family Website
Please visit hofstra.edu/parents regularly for updates as well as publication archives. All parent and family events and engagement opportunities are listed there.
Family Link E-Newsletter
Family Link includes deadlines, campus events, and resources, and explores topics of interest to parents and families. In addition, we inform you about any emergencies on campus through Family Link. Please subscribe at hofstra.edu/familylink. The e-newsletter is our official way to communicate with families.
Family Connection Blog
Comment on our posts and offer your perspective by visiting family.blog.hofstra.edu. You are also invited to submit posts for the blog by emailing parents@hofstra.edu.
Like the Hofstra Parents page on Facebook! View up-to-date information and photos, and network with other Hofstra parents at facebook.com/HofstraParents.
News@Hofstra
Hofstra University publishes a weekly e-newsletter about every aspect of University life, from important events, programs, and services to breaking news. You may subscribe to News@Hofstra at hofstra.edu/news.
Volunteer Opportunities
Bring a parent perspective to University activities. Family Link e-newsletter informs family members when there is a need to fill the following volunteer opportunities:
Event Greeter and Speaker
Greet and/or share your Hofstra experiences with visiting students and their families during an Admitted Student Day; Family Orientation; Hofstra Fall Festival: Alumni, Student, and Family Weekend; and other campus events.
Internship Provider and Job Connection
Provide Hofstra students with internships or summer or fulltime employment, and/or share career advice.
“Parent Voice” Writer
Submit “Parent Voice” articles for our Family Connection blog, featuring parent advice, experiences, and anecdotes.
Regional Parent Ambassador
Host a reception in your home or place of business for 30-50 parents and students.
Workshops for Parents
The Office of Parent and Family Programs collaborates to host additional events throughout the year, including workshops for families of students who are registered with the Office of Student Access Services and workshops with presenters from the Center for Career Design and Development. Most of the workshops are streamed online and recorded for later viewing. Information may be found in our Family Link e-newsletter and at hofstra.edu/parentfamilyevents.
VALUES
• Respect • Transparency • Honesty • Trust • Well-being of the whole student – academic and personal • Collaboration • Nurturing • Hofstra Pride
MISSION
The mission of the Hofstra University Parent and Family Council is to improve communication between the University and all family members of Hofstra students. We facilitate a nurturing environment where family members network, learn about Hofstra, and contribute to the academic and personal well-being of all students. We promote the University by being active ambassadors of the Hofstra Pride.
THIS MISSION IS FULFILLED BY:
• Providing a forum for new ideas and suggestions for improving student programs and services, like writing for the family blog, participating in online chats and contributing to our e-newsletter, and communicating with all Hofstra families. • Serving as a resource for all Hofstra families. • Supporting student and family programs by fundraising and volunteering time and talent. • Serving on parent panels for admission and alumni events. • Hosting regional Hofstra receptions. • Recruiting parent volunteers. • Hosting regular meetings for University administrators to share ideas with Parent and Family Council members. The Hofstra University Parent and Family Council aspires to be the primary voice of all family members of Hofstra students. The council actively solicits input from family members of all class years and aims to fully reflect the diversity of the Hofstra Pride in its membership. We collaborate and engage with Hofstra administrators to fulfill the missions of both the Division of Student Affairs and the University in providing “a quality education to its students in an environment that encourages, nurtures, and supports learning through the free and open exchange of ideas, for the betterment of humankind.”
Complete the My Information form in Family eSpace to let us know that you want to join the Hofstra University Parent and Family Council. Email parents@hofstra.edu if you have questions.
Hofstra University Family Garden
Hofstra families are – and have always been – an important and vital part of the Hofstra University community. The Hofstra University Family Garden, established in 2021, recognizes Hofstra families and provides a picturesque spot on our beautiful South Campus to gather and reflect on the many contributions that families have made to their students’ lives and our Hofstra culture – past, present, and future. Those who came together to create this garden are a testament to the generous and devoted community that the Pride inspires. We are grateful to the Hofstra University Parent and Family Council, students from the Hofstra Class of 2021, Student Affairs and Facilities and Operations administrators, and the skillful Hofstra Grounds and Landscaping crew.
