What is Hofstra's First-Year Connections?

Hofstra First-Year Connections is an integrated academic and social experience that connects you with other first-year students in small learning communities.

Get Connected

Your first year of college is a time of both exciting change and of dramatic transitions. Through Hofstra's First-Year Connections program, you receive the perfect introduction to the liberal arts, and learn how to hone your skills in critical and creative thinking, discussion and writing. First-Year Connections helps you become a thoughtful agent of your own education...you will learn how courses connect with one another, with the Hofstra campus, and with the outside world!

Through First-Year Connections, you will begin your college career on the right track, both academically and socially. At the heart of the program are small classes and an innovative, interdisciplinary curriculum taught by distinguished faculty who are specifically interested in working with first-year students and introducing you to the intellectual and social life of a university. Plus, you and your Connections colleagues will work together through the challenges that arise from your transition from high school to college.

Cluster classes will satisfy your University-wide distribution requirements for graduation. No matter in which of the University's schools you ultimately enroll, Connections courses will be counted toward your degree.

Why Enroll in Hofstra's First-Year Connections?

We are sure that as a new student you want to enjoy your time and get the most out of the social and academic opportunities available at Hofstra. As a Connections member, you will mingle and learn with a mixture of people in a relaxed and friendly setting, and get to know your way around campus sooner. Generally speaking, college courses can seem to be a collection of disconnected subjects or disciplines. In Connections Clusters you will take courses in different disciplines, but they are interrelated and designed to complement each other. By fulfilling assignments that at times satisfy more than one course requirement, you will see how different areas of knowledge overlap and fit together. In Connections Seminars you will work one-on-one with a distinguished member of the faculty on a research project in an area of interest to you both. Whichever you choose, you will be learning in a congenial and supportive community, sharing first-year experiences with others in your Connections classes.

How Do I Enroll in Hofstra's First-Year Connections?

Your summer orientation adviser will introduce you to First-Year Connections and help you enroll in a Cluster or a Seminar that matches your interests and abilities. If you have questions about your Connections choices after orientation, or should you desire to change your schedule and add Connections, just call:

Office of Academic Advisement
(516) 463-6770