Organizations and Affiliations

In addition to offering a variety of academic programs, the Engineering Department offers an abundance of extracurricular activities. The following organizations are available to Hofstra's engineering students:

American Society of Civil Engineering (ASCE), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE), Theta Tau Engineering Fraternity, National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Society of Women Engineers (SWE).

For many years the Hofstra University chapter of Theta Tau, a co-ed professional engineering fraternity, has competed in the national Theta Tau Rube Goldberg Machine Contest at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. The competition, inspired by cartoonist Rube Goldberg, requires college students to design a machine that uses the most complex process to complete a simple task in a minimum of 20 steps.

In 1993 and 1994, Hofstra University won first place at this national competition, and in other years placed in second and third place.

Theta Tau

In 1993 and 1994, Hofstra University won first place at this national competition, and in other years placed in second and third place.

The task for the most recent contest was to secure, raise and wave the American flag. The Hofstra team decided to model its machine after the five boroughs of New York City. Creating a small-scale replica of "The Big Apple," with popular landmarks in each of the boroughs, they were successful in raising an American flag. They proudly placed fourth in the 2002 competition.

For further information about Theta Tau or the Rube Goldberg contest, contact the Theta Tau office at (516) 463-5121 or in room 202A, Weed Hall. For information on the Department of Engineering, visit Hofstra Engineering.