14 minute read

ENGAGEMENT OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

College students who are more engaged in their education, both inside and outside the classroom, tend to have more positive educational outcomes. When students invest time and effort in educationally purposeful activities, they are more likely to be satisfied with their educational experience, develop skills that will help with their careers, and make progress toward graduation. Engaging student activities include internships, community service, club involvement, leadership programs, study abroad, cultural programs, and learning communities.

Hofstra invests a great amount of time and resources in getting students engaged in University life from their first day on campus. Students can go to museums or on walking tours of NYC neighborhoods through our Explore Next Door program, join a club at the Club Fair during Welcome Week, and attend cultural events related to our six Heritage Month celebrations throughout the year.

While some students and parents think it’s best for students to wait a semester or two before getting involved in campus life, it’s actually beneficial for students to get involved during their first semester. Engaged students tend to manage their time better and are able to make connections with other students, as well as with staff and faculty who can serve as sources of support as students navigate their college experience. Equally important, juniors and seniors should not feel like it’s too late for them to get involved in campus life – it’s never too late to take advantage of everything the University has to offer. All it takes is the initiative to do so.

While all academic departments and campus offices work toward this goal of student engagement, the offices highlighted in this section are focused particularly on getting students engaged in the co-curricular fabric of Hofstra. The next time your student tells you there is nothing to do, please point them toward the events and programs of Student Leadership and Engagement. Students learn about events and programs through the weekly This Week at Hofstra e-newsletter, screens around the campus, faculty reminders, texts, and Pride emails.

New Student Orientation

Summer orientation for incoming first-year students is an on-campus, three-day, two-night program. We ask that you make travel plans only after your student receives a confirmation to their Hofstra Pride email. The program lasts three days, Tuesday through Thursday, and it introduces new students to all areas of Hofstra, including student services, faculty, academic advisors, and the campus culture. During the program, your student will learn about Hofstra’s curriculum and campus resources, meet faculty and advisors, register for classes, and connect with orientation leaders who are current Hofstra students. For more information, visit hofstra.edu/summerorientation. Parents and families participate in the Family Orientation program, which is separate from student orientation (see page 5). Information about Family Orientation is available at hofstra.edu/fo.

Please note that students admitted for the spring semester attend Winter Orientation in January.

Please ask your student to check their Pride email for updates on schedules, technologies that will be used, and online components that MUST be completed prior to New Student Orientation. Visit hofstra.edu/orientation, email orientation@hofstra.edu or call 516-463-4874 for more information about New Student Orientation.

Welcome Week

Your Hofstra student’s transition continues with Welcome Week. This five-day program, which runs just before the fall semester begins, features academic, educational, and social programs to help your student get more comfortable on campus. New students are guided by their Welcome Week leaders and have the opportunity to meet new and returning students as well as faculty and administrators. For more information, visit hofstra.edu/welcomeweek or call 516-463-6914. For information about the Welcome Day program for parents and families, please go to hofstra.edu/welcomeday.

Explore Next Door Program

Explore Next Door, a program sponsored by Orientation and New Student Programs (ONSP), offers free trips to New York City and various places on Long Island for Hofstra undergraduate students. These trips introduce students to the cultural wealth of New York City and provide them with an opportunity to connect with students, faculty, and administrators outside the classroom. Past trips have included Mets and Yankees games, Broadway shows, and most recently, ballet and opera performances. Trips consist of 10-25 students, a student-leader, and a Hofstra faculty member or administrator, and are free of charge. ONSP provides tickets and transportation.

Fall semester Explore Next Door trips are open only to new first-year and transfer undergraduate students. During the spring semester, trips are open to all undergraduate students. Additional information and registration dates for each event can be found at hofstra.edu/explorenextdoor.

Dean of Students

The Office of the Dean of Students oversees the Wellness Team and fosters an inclusive environment that encourages holistic student engagement, development, and success inside and outside the classroom for each undergraduate and graduate student. (Please note that students in the Deane School of Law and Zucker School of Medicine have their own student support offices.). We develop and provide programs and services that assst in creating a strong campus community in which people from all cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives feel welcome and celebrated, and we encourage students to become active citizens of Hofstra, the local community, and the world.

The Dean of Students Office promotes responsible and ethical decision-making that demonstrates integrity and respect for self and others. The office assists current students in managing their time at Hofstra and understanding the expectations and community standards they are required to uphold as they navigate their educational pathway. The Dean of Students Office advocates for students and is an administrative ally to students as they explore social, academic, and extracurricular engagement on campus. Our team helps students when they encounter obstacles, including providing funds from the Student Emergency Assistance Fund.

The Dean of Students Office is located in Room 240 Mack Student Center, North Campus, and can be reached at 516-463-6913

Community Standards

The Office of Community Standards is responsible for the development and oversight of Hofstra’s Code of Community Standards, which outlines the rights and responsibilities of all Hofstra students. Students are expected to take an active role in upholding the standards of behavior that make our community safe and inclusive for all.

The Office of Community Standards works closely with Residence Life, Public Safety, and other departments to educate, encourage, and support better decision-making skills for students who have violated University policy. We strive to ensure that the conduct process respects both the rights of the individual and the community at large.

If a student violates the Community Standards, Hofstra University may take appropriate disciplinary action. A complete version of the Hofstra University Code of Community Standards is available in the Guide to Pride and can be found at hofstra.edu/guidetopride

Student Leadership and Engagement

The Office of Student Leadership and Engagement (OSLE) enhances the co-curricular life of the Hofstra community and helps students become more involved. We encourage students to participate in the many clubs, organizations, fraternities, sororities, leadership development programs, and campus-wide events that are available to them. The best way to become a well-rounded student is to get involved! There are hundreds of conferences, lectures, workshops, cultural programs, seminars, concerts, dance parties, and social events that take place at Hofstra each semester. In addition, there are more than 220 student clubs and organizations on campus.

With such a wide variety of campus offerings, all your student needs is the motivation and desire to get involved. Being involved helps students more fully enjoy their college experience while they develop valuable leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

Clubs and Organizations

OSLE advises the Student Government Association (SGA) and more than 220 student clubs and organizations at Hofstra. Staff provide guidance on how to run a successful program. For OSLE policies, procedures, and forms, visit hofstra.edu/osle. Students may log in to GetInvolvedHU through My Apps in the Hofstra portal, which lists all the Hofstra clubs and organizations. At New Student Orientation, OSLE will introduce students to the CorqApp, a mobile-friendly version of the GetInvolvedHU platform, and the EventPass system, which students can use to check in to all major events on campus.

Fraternity and Sorority Life

Fraternity and sorority life at Hofstra provides an inclusive environment that challenges members to develop into leaders who uphold the values, oaths, and commitments of their collegiate fraternities and sororities at Hofstra. Fraternities and sororities forge and maintain relationships with alumni, volunteers, campus administrators, and the surrounding community. They create meaningful and purposeful experiences that foster a commitment to philanthropy, brotherhood/sisterhood, and lifetime membership. For more information on fraternities and sororities at Hofstra, visit hofstra.edu/greeklife.

Intercultural Engagement and Inclusion

The Intercultural Engagement and Inclusion staff works closely with students, faculty, and administrators to develop programs and initiatives that allow members of the campus community to explore their identity, enhance intercultural competence, and develop skills to build an inclusive campus climate. In addition to coordinating cultural-themed programs and the Identities@Hofstra programming series, the staff is responsible for planning and implementing cultural awareness and diversity education programming for the community at Hofstra. This includes programming focused on all marginalized communities and faith-based awareness and advocacy. For more information, visit hofstra.edu/iei.

Leadership

OSLE offers leadership retreats and workshops for students who want to develop their skills and engage in co-curricular experiences. Some of the programs offered are the Blue & Gold Leadership Cohorts, peer mentoring opportunities, Lead with Pride skills series, senior seminars, and Community Governance Summit. For information on these and other programs, visit hofstra.edu/leadership

Peer Opportunities

Hofstra’s Peer Alliance Program connects students through mentoring and co-curricular educational learning. We offer four mentor tracks:

• Access (for students registered with Student Access Services)

• Commuter

• Global (International)

• Transfer

For more information about mentoring opportunities, visit hofstra.edu/peeralliance

Pride Athletics

The exciting action and competitive spirit of Pride Athletics are a significant part of campus life. Hofstra University is home to 21 intercollegiate sports teams that compete at the NCAA Division I level in the Colonial Athletic Association and the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association. These sports include baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, field hockey, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s indoor track, men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s outdoor track, men’s and women’s soccer, softball, men’s and women’s tennis, volleyball, and wrestling.

Show Parent Pride at Athletic Events

• All Hofstra students with a valid HofstraCard are entitled to two (2) free tickets to every regular home game, unless otherwise noted. Students can reserve their free tickets online at HofstraTickets.com or by visiting the Ticket Office located in the Mack Sports Complex Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Ticketed sports include:

• Men’s and women’s basketball

• Men’s and women’s lacrosse

• All other sports are not ticketed and are free for anyone to attend.

• Hofstra parents and families receive 25% off Hofstra men’s and women’s basketball season tickets! Be a part of the exciting action on campus and support the Pride! To take advantage of this special offer, call the Hofstra Athletics Ticket Office at 516-HOF-TIXX (463-8499). You can buy tickets online at HofstraTickets.com. Hofstra parents and family members may sit with their Hofstra students.

• All sports besides lacrosse, golf, track, and cross country are played on the north side of campus. Lacrosse events are held at James M. Shuart Stadium, South Campus. Golf events are held off campus, and track and cross-country host events both on campus and off campus. Check GoHofstra.com for schedule information for all sports.

• We are constantly giving FREE stuff to Hofstra students at games. Visit GoHofstra.com/promotions to see the full schedule of promotional events!

Interfaith Center

The Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, and Protestant chaplains at Hofstra University work closely with one another and with students to offer a wide variety of faith-based programs. Activities include social events, dinners, religious services, holiday celebrations, guest speakers, community service projects, informal discussions, study groups, regional and national conferences, and retreats. The chaplains are also available for spiritual guidance and informal personal counseling. For more information, visit hofstra.edu/interfaith

Prayer and Reflection Spaces

Prayer and reflection spaces for Hofstra students are located in the Sondra and David S. Mack Student Center (North Campus), and Roosevelt and Weller Halls (South Campus). Students need their valid HofstraCard to use these quiet spaces.

Catholic Community

Campus Minister: Gina Hackett

Catholic Chaplain: Father Sean Magaldi

Catholic Campus Ministry at Hofstra supports a community of faith on campus based on the traditions and values of the Roman Catholic Church. Catholic Campus Ministry is dedicated to the holistic enrichment of its students through spirituality, service, and fellowship. Students have the opportunity to learn about and live out their faith in an open environment among their peers. All students are welcome to participate in our regular programs consisting of retreats, international and local mission trips, volunteer opportunities, Bible study, prayer groups, and social activities.

Jewish Community

Executive Director of Hofstra Hillel: Rabbi Dave Siegel

Hofstra Hillel: The Center for Jewish Life on Campus enriches the lives of Hofstra’s Jewish students so that they may enrich Jewish people and the lives of others. Hillel creates a pluralistic, welcoming, inclusive environment for Jewish students, and sponsors a wide variety of programs and opportunities, including free weekly Shabbat dinners, social activities, the celebration of Jewish holidays, social justice projects, informal Jewish learning, free trips to Israel, leadership experiences, and internships. Programs are open to all members of the Hofstra community.

Muslim Community

Muslim Chaplain: Shaykh Ibad Wali

The Muslim Chaplain’s Office works closely with the Hofstra Islamic Organization, Muslim Students Association (MSA), and Hofstra faculty and staff to organize weekly Jumuah (Friday) prayers, Quranic studies, celebrations of Islamic holy days such as Eid-al-Fitr (the festival marking the end of Ramadan) and Eid-al-Adha (the Feast of

Sacrifice). The Muslim community also commemorates other Islamic events, such as the fasting month of Ramadan and Hijra, the Islamic New Year. Following Islamic traditions, the Muslim Chaplain’s Office encourages interfaith dialogue and interaction among all students and staff through social and cultural events.

Protestant Community

Protestant Chaplain: Reverend Joyce P. Brandon Dugger

The Protestant community at Hofstra is a fellowship of students, faculty, and staff who come together to develop relationships and grow in their spiritual journey as Christian disciples. Fellowship meetings are held every Wednesday, and worship services are offered on Sunday evenings. In addition, throughout the semester, the Protestant community participates in community service projects and offers pastoral counseling, workshops, and biblical life coaching. Programs are open to the entire Hofstra community.

Student Employment

The Office of Student Employment offers a variety of work opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students at Hofstra. Through on-campus employment, students can enrich and enhance their academic experiences by applying learned skills in a practical setting, while earning income to assist with personal expenses. Students who work on campus practice time management, organization, and communication skills alongside peers and professionals of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and cultures.

Additionally, working on campus is convenient and allows students to arrange their work schedules around their class schedules.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to work on campus, a student must be matriculated and enrolled at least half time, which is 6 semester hours for undergraduate students and 4.5 semester hours for graduate students. International students must be enrolled full time.

How to Apply for a Student Employment Position

A student can either contact the hiring department directly or they can access Handshake via the Hofstra portal to view or apply for jobs. The student will then follow the instructions on the job posting to apply. Most postings request a cover letter, resume, and class schedule to determine suitability. Students will need their original identification documents, such as a passport and Social Security card, to apply for on-campus employment. Assistance with creating cover letters and resumes is offered through the Center for Career Design and Development.

Weekly Hour Maximums

Students are permitted to work a maximum of 25 hours per week during the academic year and 30 hours per week during school breaks and summer, subject to departmental budgetary limits and/or Federal Work-Study allowance. International students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and 30 hours per week during school breaks and summer.

Required Onboarding Procedure

If a student has never been paid by Hofstra, the student will receive a communication from the Office of Student Employment prompting them to complete onboarding paperwork, including a personal data form, tax forms, Federal Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification), and Hofstra policy sign-offs. To view a list of acceptable verification documents for Federal Form I-9, please visit this link: uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents We cannot accept photocopies or faxes of I-9 identification. If your student intends to obtain a position through the Office of Student Employment, they are required to complete this onboarding procedure BEFORE they will be permitted to work.

Federal Work-Study

Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a form of financial aid. Unlike other forms of financial aid, the FWS award must be earned through a job. All of our hourly student employment positions are Federal Work-Study (FWS) eligible. Eligibility for FWS is determined by Student Financial Services; students must file a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to be evaluated for Federal Work-Study, as well as other types of aid, each year. If a student is eligible for Federal Work-Study, the student’s financial aid award letter will list the dollar amount of the Federal Work-Study grant. The student may also check the Hofstra portal to see if they were awarded Federal Work-Study grant money. For further information regarding financial aid packages, students may contact Student Financial Services (SFS) at studentfinancialservices@hofstra.edu or 516-463-8000. To identify their SFS counselor, students can visit hofstra.edu/findmycounselor. The Office of Student Financial Services is located in Room 206 Memorial Hall.

Types of Positions

Most academic and administrative offices at Hofstra employ students in a variety of positions, including:

Hourly

These positions include Federal Work-Study and undergraduate and graduate positions that are paid on an hourly basis. Examples include:

• Student aides

• Tutors

Extracurricular

Hofstra University offers a multitude of positions generally recognized as extracurricular. These positions – which are part of a student’s overall educational experience at Hofstra – are voluntary in nature and may include a stipend.

Examples of extracurricular activities include:

• Athletic team student managers

• Musical performances

• Commencement activities

• Mascots

Leadership Positions

Educational leadership and mentoring opportunities for students may offer stipends or housing. These positions have their own eligibility requirements. Students must check with each department to find out more information. Some examples are:

• Resident Assistants (RAs) - RAs foster healthy communication and promote a sense of belonging within their residence hall and across campus.

• Peer Mentors - Hofstra’s Peer Alliance Program connects students through mentoring and co-curricular learning. Mentor tracks include Access, Commuter, Global, and Transfer.

• Orientation Leaders - Orientation Leaders are student leaders engaged by the University over the summer to welcome and provide orientation for new incoming and transfer students. Orientation Leaders receive housing over the summer, as well as a stipend.

• Welcome Week Coordinators - Welcome Week Coordinators work through the summer to plan the Welcome Week events and activities. They have the opportunity to mentor and guide first-year students in their first week at Hofstra University.

Other Opportunities

• Research Assistants/Non-Credit Academic Interns Research Assistant and Non-Credit Academic Intern positions grant students the opportunity to engage in research that complements their area of study. Research is typically performed under the supervision of a Hofstra faculty member.

Graduate Assistantships

A Graduate Assistantship provides a graduate student with experiential learning in a variety of administrative and academic settings. Graduate Assistants are appointed by semester. Reappointment is subject to departmental approval, performance of duties in a satisfactory manner, continued registration for at least half-time credit hours, and good academic standing.

Compensation typically includes a tuition waiver and a stipend. All matriculated Hofstra students pursuing a graduate degree are eligible to apply. The tuition waiver is valued per credit at the lowest current graduate tuition rate. All students are required to pay registration and applicable fees. Please visit hofstra.edu/studentemployment, click on See Available Positions, and select Graduate Assistantships

The Office of Student Employment may be reached at 516-463-6782 or student-employment@hofstra.edu Visit hofstra.edu/studentemployment for further information.