New Student Orientation - FAQ

How do I sign up for New Student Orientation?

All accepted undergraduate students must first pay the $250 tuition deposit and $200 orientation fee (see second question below). Once payment has been received, a Welcome Packet from the Office of Undergraduate Admission will be sent. We expect to send out Welcome Packets on May 1, 2008. This packet contains detailed information on how to register for New Student Orientation.

How much does New Student Orientation cost?

The total cost for New Student Orientation, which includes the three-day summer orientation and Welcome Week program, is $200. All first-year undergraduate students entering Hofstra pay this fee along with the $250 tuition deposit. All fees should be sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admission for processing.

Do I have to stay on campus all three days?

Yes. The New Student Orientation program offers different activities and scheduling opportunities each day. Therefore, it is necessary to remain on campus all three days. Evening programs include a variety of social activities that are important to the orientation experience.

How do I get to Hofstra's campus?

For directions to campus, please visit hofstra.edu/directions. The directions and maps on the Web site provide links to the Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad, NYC Transit and Long Island Bus.

Nearby airports include John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport and MacArthur Airport. A cab ride to and from the airports can be costly. Fares are subject to double once the taxi leaves the NYC limits. We suggest that visitors and guests travel using an airport shuttle. Classic Airport Shuttle services JFK, LaGuardia and MacArthur airports. The cost is approximately $33 per person (plus gratuities) to or from JFK or LaGuardia, and $46 per person to or from MacArthur Airport (Islip). These fares are one way and are subject to change. For more information, call Classic Airport Shuttle at (631) 567-5100. Reservations must be coordinated 24 hours in advance. Classic Airport Shuttle accepts cash and credit cards (except Discover).

Do I stay overnight if I am a commuter student?

Yes. The three-day, on-campus orientation program is for all new students, regardless of whether they are residing on campus or commuting during the academic year.

Can I bring my car to New Student Orientation?

Yes. All students are allowed to have vehicles on campus. Students may obtain a parking sticker at New Student Orientation with proof of vehicle registration and license plate number.

When do I plan my schedule?

All students attend a curriculum overview to learn about degree requirements on Tuesday. In addition, students receive information about the registration process, academic expectations and deadlines. New students register for classes on Thursday.

You may have registered a preference in advance for a first-year seminar and/or cluster for your specific first-semester academic program. At orientation you will meet with an advisement dean or faculty adviser to discuss your curriculum options. It is at this point that you will complete your schedule by adding courses. If you have not selected a preference for a specific first-semester seminar and/or cluster, these may be available to you during orientation. Your advisement dean or faculty adviser will review your curriculum options and placement in math and foreign language classes based on your exam scores.

Do you have vegetarian and/or kosher meals?

Hofstra can provide vegetarian meals and is able to accommodate kosher or halal needs with advance notification. Please indicate this preference when you register for New Student Orientation.

Can I bring guests?

No. Due to the nature of the program, guests are not allowed to stay with you throughout the program. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to meet and mingle with peers. Family members and parents are invited for a separate Parent and Family Orientation session on Tuesday.

Can my parents come to orientation?

The Office of Parent and Family Programs has designed a program for the parents/family members of our new students (please visit hofstra.edu/parfam). The Parent and Family Orientation sessions are on Tuesday, the first day of the New Student Orientation programs. Welcome Week, which begins August 28, includes some events for families. Also, please note that Family Weekend takes place Friday and Saturday, October 24 and 25, 2008.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule my orientation date?

To reschedule your orientation session, just give us a call at (516) 463-4874 or e-mail us.

Will I have a full range of course options if I attend a later New Student Orientation session?

Courses are available throughout the summer, and the University reviews the course offerings to ensure that we meet the needs of our students. Students are strongly encouraged to pre-register a preference for the First-Year Connections program. This program serves as a cornerstone for your academic schedule.

For more information regarding First-Year Connections, visit hofstra.edu/connections or contact the Center for University Advisement at (516) 463-7222 or (516) 463-6770.

When does New Student Orientation end?

Orientation is completed on Thursday afternoon after each student registers for classes and then checks out of Suffolk Hall. Plan to be on campus at least until mid-afternoon. Advisement appointments are scheduled through 5 p.m.

Can I make travel arrangements after I submit my New Student Orientation date preference?

We ask that you not make travel plans until you receive an e-mail confirmation from the Office of Orientation and New Student Programs. Confirmations are sent within three business day to your Hofstra University e-mail account. If you have difficulty accessing your Hofstra University account, please contact the Office of Student Computing Services at (516) 463-7777.