Summer Orientation Overview

New Student Orientation is a time to explore all of the great opportunities Hofstra has to offer, from academics to extracurricular activities. You will receive a detailed schedule when you check-in. Following is a sampling of what you will experience during your orientation program.

Opportunities to Meet With Faculty in a Small Class Setting

Before attending orientation, students will receive information about the common reading, which will be discussed in the model class. This reading will focus on the U.S. presidency and also tie into the third and final 2008 presidential debate, which will take place on the Hofstra campus October 15. A senior member of the Hofstra University faculty facilitates each model class. The discussion can flow naturally into a conversation about course-related expectations for new students. The differences between high school and college are significant; having professors identify their expectations before classes begin is extremely beneficial. The session concludes with a discussion regarding campus resources that can be useful in meeting course requirements and professors’ expectations. Students consistently rate this as one of their top experiences at orientation.

Learn About Degree Requirements and Expectations

During the presentation “Finding Your Edge at Hofstra,” students will become familiar with the academic and career resources available at Hofstra. This session is hosted by the Center for University Advisement. It explains the nuts and bolts of the Hofstra degree and the advising system students can rely on to support their academic endeavors. It also exposes students to resources available through The Career Center to help them prepare for professional opportunities such as internships and off-campus employment. New students also receive a copy of the Hofstra University Undergraduate Bulletin.

Students have an opportunity to meet their assigned advisement dean from the Center for University Advisement during the “Meet Your Dean” session. During this session your advisement dean will introduce you to the academic advisement system at Hofstra, in which you will have access to both your advisement dean and your major adviser to support your academic goals at Hofstra. Your advisement dean will discuss academic expectations, resources, and policies and procedures. This presentation is followed by a question-and-answer session to clarify any uncertainties you may have about the curriculum. The “Meet Your Dean” session will also prepare you for the advisement meeting to follow on Thursday. Advisement appointment times are distributed at this session.

The Thursday advisement sessions are arranged for students to plan their fall course schedules. Thursday is dedicated to scheduling and registration. Students meet with an advisement dean from the Center for University Advisement or a member of the faculty. For students who have pre-registered for First-Year Connections seminars and clusters, this is an opportunity to round out your schedule and complete the registration process.

Advisement appointments are scheduled from 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. on Thursday. You should not plan to leave campus before 5 p.m., as appointments are scheduled throughout the day and cannot be rescheduled. Placement exams, major requirements and University requirements are discussed with an advisement dean, who will assist with course selection. The next step is a tutorial session for Web registration. Navigation instructions are provided for the Hofstra Online Information System, and student staff members are on hand to assist with fall registration. Students leave orientation with their fall course schedules in hand.

Meet New Friends and Make Connections

Orientation is an excellent opportunity to meet fellow new students and the current upper-class students that comprise our summer staff. Our student staff members are here to ensure that you have a good time, learn more about Hofstra and get a jump start on college life.

Open Mic and Auditions for “Hofstra Idol”

On Wednesday evening, we turn up the fun. Our first stop is “Hofstra Idol” auditions. Each year Hofstra University sponsors a “Hofstra Idol” competition to showcase the outstanding talent among Hofstra’s undergraduate students. Student Leadership and Activities scholarships are awarded to the top three finalists. We want you to have the opportunity to become a part of this Hofstra tradition, so first-year students have first priority in the audition process. During orientation, representatives from Student Leadership and Activities will be looking for outstanding talent. If you are interested in auditioning, please indicate your desire to participate in this program when you sign up for New Student Orientation. You may also videotape your talent and submit the tape to:

Office of Student Leadership and Activities
260 Mack Student Center
200 Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY 11549-2000

If you are not interested in auditioning for the competition, you can still perform at our open mic session. We will try to accommodate your performance needs. If you are interested in performing, please indicate so when you sign up for New Student Orientation.