GRADUATE STUDIES AT HOFSTRA
WelcomeBienvenido Willkommen
Kuwakaribisha
Bem-Vindo hofstra.edu/graduate
WELCOME TO HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY Hofstra University has a longstanding tradition of welcoming international students. International students attending Hofstra enjoy all the benefits of the U.S. system of higher education in a selective and private campus community that values diversity and promotes cross-cultural understanding. Students from over 85 countries are currently enrolled at Hofstra. In addition to the many opportunities available on Hofstra’s campus, students have easy access to the educational, cultural, media, internship, and career opportunities of nearby New York City. Students take advantage of the city’s many museums, Broadway shows, concerts, and other recreational activities. Hofstra’s suburban campus, located on Long Island, is near two major airports (John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport) and is serviced by numerous public transportation options. As a Hofstra student, you will be a member of a diverse community of students and scholars. We invite you to learn more about the possibilities and opportunities that await you here at Hofstra University.
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ADMITTED STUDENTS must reserve their place at Hofstra University.
Ready to enroll? q Log in to my.hofstra.edu to
pay your tuition deposit. (Visit hofstra.edu/newgrads to find out if your program requires a tuition deposit.)
q Contact your academic department to register for classes.
q Pay the 300 USD housing deposit
and submit the New Student Housing Application at my.hofstra.edu. For students entering in September, this deposit is due May 1. For students entering in January, this deposit is due December 15.
q Send us your final official transcripts. q Immunization forms. Complete your
medical record on the Hofstra portal at my.hofstra.edu.
Important: You must complete the steps below to enter the United States of America.
CONGRATULATIONS!
WE ARE HAPPY TO OFFER YOU ADMISSION TO HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY. Included in this packet is the Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Students), an official document that certifies that you have been admitted to Hofstra University. You will use the Form I-20 to apply for the F-1 visa and to enter the United States. To obtain your visa, there are additional steps you must take. These steps should be completed in the order listed below.
1. Check the accuracy of all documents. Double-check your Form I-20 to be certain that all names are spelled consistently and correctly and that dates are accurate.
2. Sign and date the Form I-20. A Designated School Official (DSO) of Hofstra University has signed your Form I-20. By adding your signature, you agree to follow all laws and regulations pertaining to your student visa. Read through the Form I-20 carefully to know your rights and responsibilities. If you are under the age of 18, your parent or legal guardian needs to sign.
3. Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee of 350 USD. All prospective F and M students are required to pay the I-901 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee before the U.S. Department of State issues you a visa. To access the form and pay the I-901 SEVIS fee, visit FMJfee.com. Note: Paying this fee confirms which college or university you plan to attend, so you must choose where you plan to enroll and pay the fee using that school’s Form I-20 only. Print your SEVIS fee receipt for your own records. You must also bring the receipt to your visa interview.
4. Contact your local U.S. Embassy/Consulate. It is your responsibility to contact your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate to set up a visa interview. Visit usembassy.gov to find interview sites, contact information, and specific directions on how to proceed.
Note: Steps 5-8 vary by country. 5. Obtain an official photo for your visa. Visit travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/photos/photos.html for information about the photo requirements for your visa application.
6. File the Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application). Visit ceac.state.gov/genniv to complete this application. Please read the instructions carefully and make note of the “common errors” listed. It is important that you visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate webpage for your nation before completing this application, as there may be specific instructions. (Also, depending on reciprocity agreements, you may be required to pay a visa application fee. You may also need to pay the nonimmigrant visa fee of 160 USD.) For a list of frequently asked questions about Form DS-160, visit ceac.state.gov/genniv and click the blue FAQs button in the top right corner.
7. Make an appointment for a visa interview. Visit evisaforms.state.gov to complete this application. Contact your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate. You should schedule this interview as soon as possible, as there may be a long waiting list. Although you may interview immediately, please note that your visa cannot be issued until 120 days prior to the start date listed on your Form I-20.
8. Prepare for your visa interview. It is the job of the interviewer (an immigration official) to determine what your plans are during your time in the United States and what you intend to do after graduation. The interviewer is most interested in your proficiency in English, ability to pay for your studies, and “compelling ties” to your home country (that is, evidence that you will return home after your studies are finished). What to bring to your interview: • Your Form I-20 from Hofstra University. • Original copies of all financial documents (which should not be older than 60 days). • Official acceptance letter from Hofstra University (included in this packet). • Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) confirmation page. • Receipt of application fee payment, if you are required to pay before your interview. • Receipt from SEVIS fee payment. • Passport should be valid at least six months from the date you plan to arrive in the U.S. We recommend that you renew your passport if it is valid less than one year from your planned arrival date. • Evidence of “compelling ties.” These could include letters of employment from your parents, the title or deed from your family home, etc. • Additional documentation may be necessary. Please contact your local U.S. Consulate or Embassy. Other important reminders: • To hold your place in Hofstra University’s class, you must submit your enrollment deposit along with your orientation fee at my.hofstra.edu. This process may also be completed by mail by returning the enclosed enrollment form. • Your housing application may also be submitted at my.hofstra.edu. For more information about living on-campus, visit hofstra.edu/reslife. • You are not permitted to enter the United States on your student visa any sooner than 30 days from the start date listed on your Form I-20. • Book your airline tickets to arrive in time for International Student Orientation. Attendance at orientation is mandatory and is part of maintaining your lawful status in the United States. You will continue to receive information regarding orientation, course registration, and other exciting news during the next few months. Please be sure that the Office of Admission has your most current email address on file, as all future correspondence will be sent via email. If you have any questions, please always feel free to email us at InternationalAdmission@hofstra.edu.
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ANNUAL TUITION AND FEES* New Students Entering Hofstra for the 2020-2021 Academic Year: Estimated 2021-2022 rates will be available March 1, 2021. Graduate Tuition and Fees: Zarb School of Business (MS: 30-33 credits): 27,366 USD All Other Programs: 26,722 USD Health and Accident Insurance: 2,214 USD Residence Hall: 16,228 USD Dining Plan: 4,880 USD (level 5 plan; visit hofstra.edu/dining for all available dining plans) Other Expenses:** Books and supplies average 1,000 USD; personal/transportation expenses average 2,050 USD. Students entering in September (fall) will receive an ebill during the summer that can be accessed through the Hofstra portal at my.hofstra.edu. Students entering in January (spring) will receive an ebill after registration that can be accessed through the Hofstra portal at my.hofstra.edu. This will accurately reflect any changes in our tuition and fees. Please log in to my.hofstra.edu to view your itemized bill. *This list provides basic information and is not a complete list of fees. For the full tuition and fee schedule, visit hofstra.edu/tuition. Tuition and fees may vary per program and are subject to change at any time. Individual student costs may vary, depending upon the housing option and dining plan selected. **These costs are not billed by the University to students; rather, they are out-of-pocket expenses that students are likely to incur. These costs do not include travel expenses and airfare.
PAYMENT DUE DATES January 2021 payment is due Thursday, December 3, 2020. Spring 2021 payment is due Tuesday, January 5, 2021. Fall 2021 payment is due Monday, August 2, 2021. January 2022 payment is due Monday, December 6, 2021. Spring 2022 payment is due Wednesday, January 5, 2022.
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HEALTH AND ACCIDENT INSURANCE For the duration of your stay in the United States as an international student, you must have health and accident insurance. The Hofstra insurance policy is mandatory for all international students. You may choose to take out an additional policy through your own insurance company, but keep in mind that you must also be covered by the Hofstra policy. All international students at Hofstra, both residential and commuting, are billed for health and accident insurance. The fee for international health and accident insurance is approximately 2,214 USD per year. For more information on health and accident insurance at Hofstra, please visit hofstra.edu/internationalinsurance.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND STUDENT EMPLOYMENT University funds such as scholarships, assistantships, or fellowships are available to international students. We recommend that you contact your academic department directly for more information. On-Campus Employment If you are attending Hofstra as an F-1 student, you are eligible to work on campus for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session. For more information about obtaining student employment at Hofstra, please visit hofstra.edu/iemployment. Off-Campus Employment Off-campus employment is not permitted under the regulations of F-1 immigration status, unless it is authorized by either the Office of International Student Affairs (ISA) or United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. For more information, please visit hofstra.edu/intlemployment.
TRANSFER FUNDS Tuition, residence hall, dining, and related fees may be paid electronically. Hofstra University has partnered with Flywire to offer an innovative and streamlined way to transfer international tuition payments. Flywire’s mission is to save students and their families money that would otherwise be lost on bank fees and unfavorable foreign exchange rates. With Flywire, you are offered excellent foreign exchange rates, allowing you to pay in your home currency (in most cases) and save a significant amount of money, as compared to traditional banks. In addition, the posting of the payment into your Hofstra University account will be faster, and you can receive email and text updates on your payment’s status. Please go to flywire.com/pay/hofstra to get started.
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INTERNATIONAL STUDENT AFFAIRS
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
International Student Affairs offers educational, social, and cultural programming for the international student community. International Student Affairs is a central resource for international students; a goal of the office is to help students feel comfortable at Hofstra and in New York. The office advises students on immigration regulations and procedures, helps students with their transition to the United States, and provides social programs for students to engage with both U.S. students and other international students. For more information about the services of International Student Affairs, please visit hofstra.edu/isa. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/HofstraISA.
STUDENT LIFE
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION All new international students (F-1 and J-1 students) are required to attend International Student Orientation, held during the last week of August (for students beginning classes in the fall semester) and during the last week of January (for students beginning classes in the spring semester). This program will prepare you for study in the United States and for your role as a new member of the Hofstra University community. During International Student Orientation, you will attend workshops that focus on how to succeed academically, your safety at Hofstra, housing options, careers, how to get involved in campus life, and much more. You will also take the English Language Placement Assessment and meet with your advising dean. Tours will be provided – so you can learn how to get around campus and to different areas in New York City and on Long Island. Finally, you will meet with representatives from your specific academic program. After International Student Orientation, you and all new Hofstra students will be formally welcomed to our campus community. As we get closer to your arrival date, you will receive specific information about International Student Orientation, but you can always visit hofstra.edu/internationalorientation for program details. 6
While you are enjoying your time at Hofstra and in the United States, Hofstra offers many academic support services, including the Writing Center and the Joan and Donald E. Axinn Library. To learn more about our academic support services, visit hofstra.edu/academicsupport.
Hofstra is a vibrant campus that offers many opportunities for students to get involved, including hundreds of social, academic, and cultural events each year, more than 45 graduate student clubs and organizations, and 21 competitive NCAA Division I athletic programs. To explore more opportunities available at Hofstra, please visit hofstra.edu/studentaffairs and hofstra.edu/collegiatelink.
LIVING AT HOFSTRA Our Graduate Residence Hall (GRH) is a five-story, 224-person residential facility for graduate, law, and medical students. It offers apartment/ suite-style living with multiple bedrooms, shared common spaces, kitchenettes, and bathrooms. GRH is composed of both single and double bedrooms within three basic configurations: four-bedroom suites, three-bedroom suites, and two-bedroom suites. Each common area includes a couch, two armchairs, and a coffee table. The kitchenette includes a stovetop burner, refrigerator, microwave, and kitchen table with chairs. GRH also offers energyefficient lighting and air conditioning/heating units. For more information, please visit hofstra.edu/reslife. Students can complete the housing application by logging in to the Hofstra portal at my.hofstra.edu.
DINING At Hofstra University, we foster a sense of community and strive to create a home-away-from-home experience by providing the highest-quality dining services while you pursue your educational goals. Students can complete the Dining Plan Contract by logging in to the Hofstra portal at my.hofstra.edu. Please visit hofstra.edu/dining for more information about dining plans and our 18 on-campus eateries.
HOFSTRA AT A GLANCE Did you know? v There are 117 buildings on Hofstra’s 244-acre/98-hectare campus. v Hofstra has a fully computerized library with more than 800,00 print volumes and 24/7 online access to more than 300,000 E-journals and e-books. v Hofstra hosts hundreds of social, academic, and cultural events each year.
Important Phone Numbers
(Area Code +1 516)
Alumni 463-6636 Commuting Student Services and Community Outreach 463-3469 Health and Wellness Center 463-6745 International Student Affairs 463-6796 Public Safety 463-6606 Residence Life 463-6930 Student Financial Services 463-8000 Graduate Admission 463-4723
Hofstra ...
only 40 kilometers/25 miles east of New York City Hofstra’s suburban campus is located in Hempstead, New York. On a clear day, you can see the New York City skyline from the top floor of our Joan and Donald E. Axinn Library. The climate of Long Island is affected by four seasonal changes. The temperature varies from a high of 32 degrees Celsius (90°F) during July and August to a low of minus 2 degrees Celsius (28°F) in January and February. To take a virtual tour of Hofstra’s campus, please visit hofstra.edu/virtualtour. To schedule a visit, please contact us at graduateinternational@hofstra.edu or call 516-463-4723. We recommend that you visit Hofstra during the September or January semester so that you can experience our campus while classes are in session. There are many hotels conveniently located near the campus. For local hotel information, please visit hofstra.edu/hotels.
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QUESTIONS ABOUT HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY? v OFFICE OF GRADUATE ADMISSION Room 105 Memorial Hall | 126 Hofstra University | Hempstead, NY 11549-1260 USA Email: graduateinternational@hofstra.edu | Phone: +1 516-463-4723 | Fax: +1 516-463-4664
Nondiscrimination Policy Hofstra University is committed to extending equal opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, marital or veteran status (characteristics collectively referred to as “Protected Characteristic”) in employment and in the conduct and operation of Hofstra University’s educational programs and activities, including admissions, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. This statement of nondiscrimination is in compliance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act, the Age Discrimination Act, and other applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations relating to nondiscrimination (“Equal Opportunity Laws”). The Equal Rights and Opportunity Officer is the University’s official responsible for coordinating its overall adherence to Equal Opportunity Laws. Questions or concerns regarding any of these laws, other aspects of Hofstra’s Nondiscrimination Policy, or regarding Title IX as it relates to reports against employees or other nonstudents, should be directed to the Equal Rights and Opportunity Officer, who also serves as the Title IX Officer for Employee Matters, at HumanResources@Hofstra.edu, 516-463-6859, 205 Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549. Student-related questions or concerns regarding Title IX should be directed to the Title IX Officer for Student Issues at StudentTitleIX@Hofstra.edu, 516-463-5841, 127 Wellness & Campus Living Center, Hempstead, NY 11549. For additional contacts and related policies and resources, see hofstra.edu/eoe. Campus Crime Reporting and Fire Safety Statistics In compliance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and other federal law, detailed information on campus security and fire safety, including statistics, is available by accessing the Hofstra website at hofstra.edu/campussafetyreport or by contacting the Advisory Committee on Campus Safety. Crime statistics are also available at the U.S. Department of Education website at ope.ed.gov/security. The Advisory Committee on Campus Safety will provide upon request all campus crime and fire safety statistics as reported to the U.S. Department of Education. For additional information or a paper copy of the report, please call the Department of Public Safety at 516-463-6606. Hofstra University Harassment Policy Hofstra’s prohibition against discrimination is also addressed in Hofstra’s Harassment Policy. The Harassment Policy prohibits harassment – including sexual harassment and sexual violence – based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, marital or veteran status. Hofstra University is committed to professional and interpersonal respect ensuring that no individuals are subjected to harassment or discriminated against in any way on the basis of any of these protected characteristics. Harassment based on any of these protected characteristics is a form of discrimination prohibited by law and by Hofstra University’s Harassment Policy. The Harassment Policy, which is available online at the link referenced below, contains complaint procedures for resolving complaints of harassment in violation of Hofstra’s Harassment Policy. Harassment policy link: hofstra.edu/harassment Facebook “f ” Logo
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