OFFICE OF PARENT AND FAMILY PROGRAMS

Mission

Hofstra's Office of Parent and Family Programs engages, informs, and educates parents and family members as they mentor their students to assume increasing responsibility for learning and personal growth. In collaboration with university colleagues, the parent and family communications, programs, publications, and events engage families as active members of Hofstra Pride.

Parent and Family Programs is committed to:

• Providing Hofstra families with timely information about Hofstra's services, programs, and opportunities that further students’ academic success and well-being.

• Always being open to diverse and innovative ideas, equity, and inclusion.

• Courteously serving as the central inquiry center for Hofstra parents and families, and helping families guide their students as they navigate Hofstra resources.

• Engaging parents and families in campus life by using their knowledge, talents, energy, and expertise.

• Educating parents about college student development and the ways they can mentor 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 the 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.

Office of Parent and Family Programs

Room 240 Mack Student Center

200 Hofstra University

Hempstead, NY 11549-2000

4 516-463-4698

4 parents@hofstra.edu

4 hofstra.edu/parents

4 family.blog.hofstra.edu

Welcome Day

Thursday, August 31, 2023, 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

Hofstra Fall Festival: Alumni, Student, and

Family Weekend

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, sporting events, and tours of the Hofstra University Museum of Art and Hofstra Arboretum, as well as an outdoor concert and carnival. Hofstra Fall Festival: Alumni, Student, and Family Weekend is scheduled for Friday-Sunday, September 29-October 1, 2023. Visit hofstra.edu/fw for more information.

Tulips, Trees, and Tea

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.

Office of Parent and Family Programs

Office of Parent and Family Programs

Hofstra Gala

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 each 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. Parents have access to their student’s address, schedule, and final grades if they are FERPA-authorized for that information. 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. Please subscribe at hofstra.edu/familylink

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

Facebook

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 Timely Topics sessions with presenters across the University. 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.

Hofstra University Parent and Family Council

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 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.

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, between the Adams Playhouse and Calkins Hall, to gather and reflect on the many contributions that families have made to their students’ lives and our Hofstra culture – past, present, and future. For more information, visit hofstra.edu/familygarden

Vision

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 mission of 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.”

Email parents@hofstra.edu if you have questions or if you want to join Parent and Family Council.