Summer events are taking place all over the campus and man y of Hofstra's student leaders are working in key roles in a variety of programs. Offices such as New Student Support Services, the Office of Event Management, the Office of Conference Services, the New Opportunities at Hofstra (NOAH) program, University College for Continuing Education (UCCE) and the Office of Student Activities are involved in major events that take place between June and August every year. Students are chosen to play an important role, working with Hofstra professionals to program, advise, teach and supervise new students and guests. "We have a better understanding of how a large University works. It is a great opportunity to meet people from around the world each day of the summer" says Uche Nwagboso, who works in the Hospitality Center in the Office of Event Management for the second year. Students are supervised by University staff and receive thorough training. Their daily interaction with parents, new students, campers, conference attendees and their work in teams supplements the academic offerings of the University. We talked with several students, many of whom are student leaders or members of clubs at Hofstra, about the experience:

Kalyea Moss, a Senior Communications major who works in the Office of Event Management facilitating the New Student Orientation: "I remember what it was like to be a freshman, you don't know anyone.The new students, freshmen and transfers, get to meet us and make a friend. I also like meeting other Hofstra students from different backgrounds and club affiliations. Our sorority has made it a team activity to participate in Kick-off Week." Robin Gelman, a Senior Public Relations major who works in the Office of Student Activities planning Summerfest and Kick-off Week events: "This is a great opportunity for me to work with both students and faculty- it's like double exposure. I feel good that I am keeping students entertained and help them deal with the stress of being away from home for the summer. I feel so much more comfortable and able to adjust to life at Hofstra because of my job." Jason Sadaka, a Senior Audio Visual Film major who works as a camp counselor with the UCCE Summer Camp: "I like the job, working with the kids and the other counselors. The Camp Director is always there when we need help and I am learning how to deal with the campers all the time. I am a Rec (recreation) counselor for two groups, one fifth grade and one eighth grade group, everyday and I supervise bus rides to and from camp." Andrew Frey, a Junior Marketing major who works in the Office of Conference Services: "Our club, Hofstra Roller Hockey, goes to Kick-off Week to help parents and students move into their new home. We also go to the Student Activity Fairs that weekend and during New Student Orientation on Tuesdays, to find new members and tell people about our programs. We found 100 students so far that said they are interested and it is only July." Amy Belonick, a Junior Psychology and Sociology major who works in the Office of Event Management: "I feel that I am building communication networks across campus with faculty and students alike. Every day is a new experience, which gives me the opportunity learn new "tricks of the trade" and to grow as a person. I've learned that in order to have a successful event, much planning is necessary." Cornell Warbrough was an Audio/Radio Communications major and a peer counselor for the Office of New Student Support Services: "I like to keep things relaxed and entertaining for the students. I will be working at a radio station that I interned at this year and I am a D.J. so I love to talk to people and make sure that they have some fun while they're here!" -AB and KM

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"Never judge someone by the way they look. You should love who you are, and trust what you do," said a 10-year old Special Olympic athlete who, as the underdog of his 200 meter track race, came from behind to defeat his two opponents. As an athlete myself, I stood by in utter amazement at the advice and maturity this 10-year old child offered to one of his opponents, who was obviously upset that he lost a race he thought for sure he was going to win.

I recently volunteered at the New York Special Olympics (NYSO) , hosted by Hofstra University from June 17 - 20. It was an experience that words can not even begin to describe. The NYSO athletes are incredibly competitive, while simultaneously exemplifying the true meaning of sportsmanship, and should serve as role models to athletes of all ages everywhere.

Pat Jensen, Senior Assistant to the Computer Center, volunteered and helped coordinate the opening and closing ceremonies, said, "The walls of the arena were vibrating with energy. When I was in back with public safety making sure they all stayed in line and no one wandered off, all the athletes were high- fiving everyone as they walked into the arena. They could have knocked me over without even touching my hand with just the force they were coming at me with." Pat said "the opening ceremonies were unbelievable! I couldn't believe the Special Tactics Unit repelling from the ceiling carrying the flag. The most amazing thing I ever saw was the torch-bearing ceremony. I had the good fortune of standing near the ramp, where there was a boy and girl both holding the torch, side-by-side waiting for their time to run out. They were escorted by one of the police bomb squad dogs and a police car with the flashing lights. I was close enough to hear and see the reactions of those kids as they were waiting for their big moment, and it was like they were going to explode from inside out because they were bursting with excitement. I never saw anyone prouder, or more enthusiastic in my life."

NYSO competitions are held year-round in more than 150 countries throughout the world. Through the generosity of thousands of volunteers, Special Olympics events are able provide the highest quality experience for the athletes. Special Olympic volunteers of all ages are essential for the success of the events. At Hofstra, the younger volunteers were able to get to know the athletes on a more personal basis, hanging out with them, cheering them on, and talking with them about their competitions and the medals they earned. Collegiate athletes signed autographs for the Special Olympic athletes prior to opening ceremonies and then escorted them into the arena. We also jumped on the dance floor at the Victory Dance after the closing ceremonies.

Volunteering at the Special Olympics was a valuable experience for Pat that she wants to be sure to share with her children next year. "I'm making sure that my kids are here. It will be an incredible experience for them. Next year, I'm going to leave the entire time open to volunteer, I'm not going to miss a thing." - A.B.

"BINGO!" yells a new student among a crowd of chattering peers at the ice-cream social hosted by Hofstra University's Honors College. J. Stephen Russell, Dean of Honors College, Associate Dean Gillian Z. Elston and Peggy Ann Matusiak, Senior Assistant to Hofstra University Honors College (HUHC), smile at the overall success of their event. Peggy Ann says, "Dean Russell tries to get as many of the new Honors College students together as possible. We have Mentors there to answer any of their questions. We want to make the students relaxed so students aren't overwhelmed." Dean Russell created a modified version of the old-time favorite game of Bingo. They use the game as an icebreaker exercise. This new version of Bingo is an interactive attempt to get the new students mingling and talking to each other. In the new version, each square has a question, such as "Have you ever spent the night in Delaware?", "Do you have a tattoo?"and "Do you play the violin?" The students must get up, walk around, and find other students who can answer those questions. When the students have five questions, or squares, in a row answered correctly, they yell "BINGO," and win a t-shirt. For this year's theme, Culture and Expression, Honors College has adopted the motto "Feast for the Mind." New Honors College students who are attending New Student Orientation are invited to attend the ice- cream social. The Mentors who attend the event are carefully chosen from the Hofstra faculty, and are on hand to answer questions, provide academic advice, and to lend a compassionate ear. During the social, the students are given t-shirts, pens and pencils.

For this year's theme, Culture and Expression, Honors College has adopted the motto "Feast for the Mind." New Honors College students who are attending New Student Orientation are invited to attend the ice- cream social. The Mentors who attend the event are carefully chosen from the Hofstra faculty, and are on hand to answer questions, provide academic advice, and to lend a compassionate ear. During the social, the students are given t-shirts, pens and pencils.

Along with extraordinary curricular opportunities, HUHC students have a number of intangible benefits designed to help them get the greatest all-round experience from their college years. HUHC draws together a diverse collection of students and faculty from around the world. In Culture and Expression, HUHC seminars and other Honors courses, in after- hours socials and theater trips, in the residence and dining halls, you will find eager, interesting colleagues and a faculty dedicated to helping you to learn, who look forward to learning with you. - A.B.

Have you ever been in a new place where you didn't know anyone? You get that horribly uncomfortable feeling that puts a knot in your stomach and you just can't wait to get home, where you know everyone and you know how to find everything. It is this feeling that new students experience when they step foot on campus for the first time. Everything seems so big and so confusing, they often find themselves lost in their first couple steps. Arianne Berritto, Assistant Director of Student Activities, and student staffers Emily Cuyler, Robyn Gelman, Catherine Harrington, Kim Rhyan, and Jacob Shuman have numerous solutions to help new students and their parents adjust to the whole new lifestyle of college. This year's "Kick-Off Week" will take place from September 4-7th. The Office of Student Activities will sponsor an assortment of activities to welcome the incoming new students to campus as well as thousands of returning students back to Hofstra. Activities include Moving Dutch, comedian performances, parties at Hofstra USA, late-night movies with Entertainment Unlimited including Troy, Shrek 2, and Van Helsing, a luncheon featuring stars from MTV's hit reality series the Real World and Road Rules and a Survivor Barbeque featuring cast members from the Survivor show, Open Mic Night with Hofstra's hip-hop club 6th Element, dinner with the Dating Doctor Dave Coleman, Hofstra Idol based on the hit TV series American Idol, a Mentalist performance with Robert Channing, and "Rock the Rec Happy Hour" party, as well as trips to Jones beach, the mall, and Target, and the Student Activities Fair.

The two most important activities for all students, new students and upperclassmen alike, are most likely Moving Dutch and the Student Activities Fair. Kalyea Moss, member of Delta Sigma Theta says, "I know how it was to be a freshman and how you don't know anyone. Moving Dutch is your first opportunity to meet upperclassmen, and who knows, you may meet a friend. It also gives us the opportunity to meet the freshmen, and to meet other students on campus you never knew. It brings us all together from different clubs and different backgrounds."

Hofstra offers more than 100 clubs and organizations, fraternities and sororities. Every organization on campus is represented at the Student Activities Fair, which takes place on the intramural fields, and it serves as a "one-stop shop" for incoming freshman who are looking to find their niche in college. Kalyea also says, "The freshmen come right up to your table and want to know what your organization is about, and you get to talk about the things you love. We have a sign-up sheet at the table, and every time someone comes to our table they write down their email addresses, so we can keep in contact with them throughout the semester about our sorority's events." Arianne agrees adding, "Kick-Off Week" serves as a valuable recruitment tool for many student organizations. There are 2,000 new students and a student leader's job is to increase their organization's numbers. Students are coming from all over, and we want them to meet people. This is where you meet your friends, your clubs, and most importantly, start your future at Hofstra." The fair is also complete with rides, games, refreshments, music, and a psychic fair.

I think it is critical that students, especially the new students, get involved in as many activities, clubs, and organizations as they can. It gives them a sense of belonging. Organizations serve as great outlets for students to gain valuable opportunities in many different venues of life, from volunteerism to building leadership skills, and ultimately preparing a resume for the inevitable life after college. The Office of Student Activities strives to help new students make adjustments to college by hosting and sponsoring all sorts of events for returning students. We appreciate all they do to bring the entire campus alive and establish a student body that is bursting with community spirit! - A.B.