School for University Studies

A motivating program for success-oriented students

Hofstra's School for University Studies - which has been helping students succeed for more than three decades - offers students whose records do not fully demonstrate their academic potential the opportunity to start their college experience with a year of personalized instruction and support within the larger Hofstra community.

Students begin their Hofstra education in a more intimate setting, while having all the resources of a major university at their disposal.

"I was extremely nervous about transitioning from high school to college but the School for University Studies program made that transition so much easier and less overwhelming. The program was a great intro into the whole college experience and the professors were great and allowed me to work at my own pace." - Stephanie Kaplan, Class of 2008

The newly revised curriculum in the School for University Studies begins with a course load that includes one interdisciplinary core course, a seminar, a writing course and a non-School for University Studies departmental course. An additional new option available the a selection of a course or courses from a specifically designed set of tracks, which helps students identify their true interests and in come cases work toward their eventual major. All courses, it should be noted, contribute toward their Hofstra degrees.

Each student enrolled in a math class received the added benefit of carefully designed tutorials affording them the opportunity to succeed in the math requirements of the University.

The faculty have also included in the new curriculum field trips that supplement the content theme of the core course. For example, the faculty teaching the course "Brooklyn and Beyond" attended a production of the Brooklyn Academy of Music along with students enrolled in the course as well as students from the drama department. School for University Studies students also had the opportunity to participate in a field trip, coordinated with the School of Communication, visiting ABC studios in New York City.

Following a long-standing Hofstra tradition, the School for University Studies has developed its own peer teaching program. Former SUS students return to the classroom and share their own School for University Studies experiences serving as role models of success and support to current students.

The School for University Studies also has a director of counseling in the office dedicated to personal and academic counseling for students and support of faculty advisement.

The program provides close advisement support and an individual registration process. School for University Studies students participate in all aspects of University life, including on-campus housing, athletics, intramural sports and student-run organizations. Upon successfully completing the one-year program, students fulfill their bachelor's degree requirements in one of Hofstra's degree-granting schools or colleges.

For more on the first-year experience, visit www.hofstra.edu/freshman or e-mail.