School for University Studies – Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the School for University Studies (SUS)?
• Who is referred to the School for University Studies and how do students get admitted?
• Does being in the School for University Studies require students to spend an extra year in college?
• Does being in the School for University Studies set students behind in pursuing their majors?
• Can students in the School for University Studies take courses in their major of interest?
• What program requirements will students be expected to complete in the School for University Studies?
• Will the credits that students take in the School for University Studies count towards Hofstra’s graduation requirements?
• Do SUS students take all of their classes with other School for University Studies’ students?
• Are there tutors available to students in the School for University Studies?
• Who teaches in the School for University Studies?
• If a student chooses to live on campus, will he or she dorm with other students in the School for University Studies?
• When students successfully finish the requirements of the School for University Studies, will they have to reapply to the University?
• How do School for University Studies students transition into their major of interest?
• Are students able to participate in campus activities, clubs, or sports while in the School for University Studies?
• What other benefits are there for students whose first year experience at Hofstra is in the School for University Studies?
• Does it cost more money to be a student in the School for University Studies?

What is the School for University Studies (SUS)?
The School for University Studies is for students with strong academic records who do not meet all of Hofstra’s regular admission criteria. The School for University Studies currently is designed to help entering students make a successful transition to Hofstra University. The School’s Liberal Arts curriculum encourages students to become confident, fluent participants in a rigorous and challenging academic conversation, while also satisfying the criteria for Hofstra University’s graduation requirements.

Who is referred to the School for University Studies and how do students get admitted?
Applicants are referred to the School for University Studies if their academic records (standardized testing, GPA, class rank, and recommendations) come close to meeting the regular admission criteria for the University. Students are admitted to the Freshman or Transfer Program after careful screening and evaluation by the Hofstra University Admission Office and the program faculty.

Does being in the School for University Studies require students to spend an extra year in college?
No. Courses that fulfill the program requirements in the School for University Studies are completely non-remedial, and the credits that students earn count towards Hofstra’s graduation requirements.

Does being in the School for University Studies set students behind in pursuing their majors?
Students who successfully complete SUS requirements within their first year will be on track in pursuing their major other than a few Bachelor of Science majors that require strict sequential course timelines.

Can students in the School for University Studies take courses in their major of interest?
Yes. While in the School for University Studies students can take a combination of courses towards their University requirements, including courses towards their major of interest that are open to freshman status students.

What program requirements will students be expected to complete in the School for University Studies?
In order to be in good standing at the University, students in the School for University Studies must earn the following within their first year: (a) grade of “C or better” in a Core course; (b) grade of “C or better” in Written Expression 1 and Written Expression 2; (c) at least two “Cs” in non-SUS (departmental) courses; (d) a grade point average (GPA) and completion ratio compatible with minimum University standards.

Will the credits that students take in the School for University Studies count towards Hofstra’s graduation requirements?
Yes. All of the credits that students earn in the School for University Studies count towards Hofstra’s graduation requirements.

Do SUS students take all of their classes with other School for University Studies’ students?
In their first semester it is likely that the large majority of School for University Studies students will be taking courses with other SUS students. However, in their second semester students in the School for University Studies are likely to be in only one class with other SUS students.

Are there tutors available to students in the School for University Studies?
Students in the School for University Studies are eligible for the same tutorial services, through the Center for University Advisement, as other Hofstra students. Students in the School for University Studies are strongly encouraged to meet with their instructors if they have difficulty in their courses.

Who teaches in the School for University Studies?
There is a dedicated  full-time faculty with members from various departments on campus (including psychology,  comparative literature, anthropology) who consistently teach courses in the School for University Studies. Other full-time Hofstra faculty, as well as adjunct faculty, are invited to teach courses in the School for University Studies as well.

If a student chooses to live on campus, will he or she dorm with other students in the School for University Studies?
Students in the School for University Studies request on-campus housing in the same manner as other Hofstra students. Separate housing is not available or required for students in the School for University Studies.

When students successfully finish the requirements of the School for University Studies, will they have to reapply to the University?
No. When students complete the requirements of the School for University Studies they do not have to reapply to the University.

How do School for University Studies students transition into their major of interest?
Students in the School for University Studies follow the same process as any other student interested in a major at Hofstra.

Are students able to participate in campus activities, clubs, or sports while in the School for University Studies?
Yes. Students in the School for University Studies are eligible to participate in all activities, clubs, or sports available to first-year students. SUS students make full use of the resources of the University outside the program, including the Axinn Library, Student Computing Services, Physical Education Center, Recreation Center, University Tutorial Program, health services, professional counseling services, and various art, drama and communication workshops.

What other benefits are there for students whose first year experience at Hofstra is in the School for University Studies?
Students who enter Hofstra University through the School for University Studies have the opportunity to demonstrate their full academic potential. The foundational nature of the Introduction to the Humanities and Introduction to the Social Science courses helps students focus on a particular discipline within a broader social and historical context while engaging the course materials. Students are encouraged to maintain ongoing dialogue with the program faculty as they transition into their first year at Hofstra. These relationships provide a foundation for strong rapport between students and their academic advisors. In addition, program administrators maintain close interaction with the faculty and students in order to facilitate outreach when necessary.

Does it cost more money to be a student in the School for University Studies?
Effective fall 2013, there is not an additional charge to be a student in the School for University Studies.