Program for Academic Learning Skills (PALS) Student Access Services hofstra.edu/sas
Contact Information: hofstra.edu/sas 516-463-7075 SAS@hofstra.edu 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 Coordinator 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 Coordinator 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. 20270:6/26
About PALS PALS is a fee-based support program at Hofstra University that offers eligible students individualized, weekly sessions with a dedicated learning specialist. These one-on-one sessions focus on addressing specific educational challenges, particularly those related to ADHD and learning disabilities, and fostering the development of essential skills, such as time management, executive functioning, organizational abilities, and effective learning strategies. By emphasizing personalized instruction, PALS aims to promote independence and lifelong learning. The program enriches the student experience by aligning support services with each individual’s unique intellectual profile and academic goals.
Our Mission Student Access Services (SAS) provides accommodations and support services to Hofstra students with disabilities. SAS promotes equal access to education by facilitating full participation in the University’s programs, services, activities, and facilities — in compliance with federal law and in alignment with Hofstra’s long-standing commitment to equity and inclusion. We work in partnership with students to create barrier-free educational experiences and to empower them as self-advocating, independent learners. In addition to providing reasonable accommodations, SAS offers a fee-based program for students with learning disabilities and/or ADHD, known as the Program for Academic Learning Skills (PALS). Established at Hofstra in 1979, PALS provides individualized academic support to help students develop strategies for success in a college environment.
Reasonable Accommodations Hofstra University provides reasonable academic and housing accommodations at no cost to eligible students with disabilities. These accommodations are designed to ensure equal access to the University’s programs, services, and activities based on each student’s documented disabilityrelated needs. SAS reviews all requests in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and other applicable federal laws. To learn more, visit hofstra.edu/sas, call 516-463-7075, or email SAS@hofstra.edu.
PALS Eligibility Admission to Hofstra University is determined by the Office of Admission. After admission, SAS evaluates eligibility for the PALS program. Students may indicate interest in PALS on the admission application or after receiving an admission decision by contacting us at PALS@hofstra.edu. To be considered, students must submit comprehensive and current (within three years) documentation of their specific disability to SAS. Documentation must include all cognitive and achievement subtest scores used in the diagnosis. Note: High school IEPs are not accepted. For full ADA guidelines for documentation, visit hofstra.edu/sas.
Hofstra University Admission Decision Hofstra admission decisions are rendered based on the date the Hofstra application or Common App is submitted. To be notified of a decision around December 15, a student must apply by November 15 for Early Action I. For notification around January 15, a student must apply by December 15 for Early Action II. Rolling admission decisions are rendered on applications submitted after December 15.
Financial Aid To apply for financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Applications are available at fafsa.gov. For information, please call Hofstra’s Office of Student Financial Services at 516-463-8000.
Frequently Asked Questions Is there an additional charge for PALS? Yes. PALS is a fee-based support program that includes weekly one-on-one meetings with a learning specialist. For up-to-date pricing, please visit hofstra.edu/pals.
What is the difference between PALS and reasonable accommodations? PALS is a fee-based service that provides individualized, weekly instruction with a learning specialist to help students build academic skills and strategies. Reasonable accommodations, such as extended time on exams or note-taking support, are provided at no cost to eligible students, as required by law, to ensure equal access to education.
Are there separate courses for PALS? PALS does not have separate courses. Students take courses from the Hofstra University curriculum but meet with an assigned learning specialist for strategy instruction.
Does PALS offer content tutoring for coursework? PALS focuses on building academic strategies and learning skills rather than on subject-specific tutoring. All Hofstra undergraduate students have access to free content tutoring through the Center for Academic Excellence. PALS students are encouraged to use that resource to maximize their academic success. For information, visit hofstra.edu/cae.