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Discovery Program

Discovery Program

About Hofstra

Hofstra University is a dynamic private college on Long Island, NY, where students can choose from more than 140 undergraduate and 150 graduate programs in liberal arts and sciences, business, communication, education, health and human services, and honors studies, as well as a School of Law and School of Medicine. | more |

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How much does the program cost and what does the cost include?
  2. How is the $350 Discovery Program fee different from the required $200 orientation deposit?
  3. If I attend the Discovery Program, do I still need to attend New Student Orientation and Welcome Week?
  4. What about meals and additional expenses?
  5. Do you have vegetarian and/or kosher meals?
  6. What are small group discussions and the Capstone Project/Presentation?
  7. If I plan to commute in the fall, do I need to stay in the residence hall during the program?
  8. What should I bring/pack to participate in the program?
  9. How will I know if I have been accepted into the program?
  10. How do I get to Hofstra's campus?

1. How much does the program cost and what does the cost include?
The $350 program fee covers lodging, meals, excursions, staffing, T-shirts, and other program expenses.


2. How is the $350 Discovery Program fee different from the required $200 orientation deposit?
The $200 orientation deposit requested of all new incoming students to cover expenses for New Student Orientation and Welcome Week, which are required programs for all new students. The $350 Discovery Program fee is only required of students who wish to participate in the Discovery Program.


3. If I attend the Discovery Program, do I still need to attend New Student Orientation and Welcome Week?
Yes! These programs are designed for the entire class of 2015 to help you meet new people and immerse yourself in campus life. Welcome Week will kick-off on Thursday, September 1, 2011, with your official welcome to the University from Hofstra president, Stuart Rabinowitz. Throughout the week, there will be academic programs, trips, guest speakers, and social and educational activities planned. This is a great way to meet other students, develop friendships and get involved!

The Discovery Program is an optional program designed for students who want to serve the community or practice sustainability. Participate in the Discovery Program if you want to explore your path at Hofstra early while making a difference in your community.


4. What about meals and additional expenses?
All meals will be provided by the program; please specify on your online application if you have any dietary needs (vegan, vegetarian, kosher, etc.). Participants are encouraged to bring a small amount of spending money for snacks or other nominal expenses.


5. 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 the Discovery Program.


6. What are small group discussions and the Capstone Project/Presentation?
You will have four opportunities to meet with your team, create dialogue, and plan a presentation about what you've discovered about your individual growth, Hofstra and the community. Work together as a team and be creative!


7. If I plan to commute in the fall, do I need to stay in the residence hall during the program?
All participants of the Discovery Program must live on campus for the duration of the program (August, 27-31, 2010). This encourages students to build friendships amongst each other and strengthens community in order to share dialogue and work on projects together.


8. What should I bring/pack to participate in the program?

  • Linens (pillowcase, pillow, sheets, blanket, and towel)
  • Change of clothes for three days (We suggest comfortable/casual clothes, and at least one set of work clothes that you won't mind getting dirty.)
  • Alarm clock
  • Sweatshirt and/or jacket
  • An extra pair of comfortable shoes
  • Umbrella
  • Small light (There are no freestanding lamps in the individual rooms.)
  • A small amount of spending money for snacks or souvenirs
  • Workout clothes (You will have access to the Recreation Center in the evenings.)

9. How will I know if I have been accepted into the program?
Once we receive your registration form and payment, we will send a confirmation email to your Hofstra email account within 2-3 business days. By early August we will send you detailed program information, which will include:
a. Trip details and itinerary
b. Information from the Discovery Leaders
c. Any forms (including insurance, medical and others) that need to be returned


10. 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).