Frequently Asked Questions - Discovery Program

Discovery Program Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does the program cost and what does the cost include?
There is a $400 per student fee for the Community Empowerment, Social Awareness and Sustainable Solutions paths. Fee includes on-campus housing, meals, transportation, T-shirt, water bottle and program expenses.

There is a $500 per student fee for the Outdoor Exploration path. Fee includes overnight off-campus accommodations, equipment for activities, meals, transportation, T-shirt, water bottle and program expenses.

Please make checks/money orders payable to “Hofstra University.”

2. How is the Discovery Program fee different from the required orientation deposit?
The orientation deposit is 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 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 incoming class to help you meet new people and immerse yourself in campus life. Welcome Week will kick-off on Thursday, August 29, 2013, 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 wish to be actively engaged through advocacy, community service, outdoor recreation, and reflection. 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 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 24 - 28, 2013). 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 four 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
A small amount of spending money for snacks or souvenirs
Workout clothes (You will have access to the Fitness Center in the evenings)

9. How will I know if I have been accepted into the program?
Once we receive your registration form, we will send a confirmation email to your Hofstra email account within 2-3 business days. By mid-August we will e-mail you more detailed program information, which includes forms that need to be filled out and handed in upon arrival for the program.

10. How do I get to Hofstra's campus?
For directions to campus, please visit hofstra.edu/directions [link to: http://hofstra.edu/visitors/visitors_info_dirmaps.html]. 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).