Winter Orientation

Our Virtual Folder | FAQ

Winter Orientation is a day of events that introduce you to the Hofstra campus, the rigors of academic life, our rich culture and traditions, our on-campus resources, and the exciting diversity of Hofstra and the community around us.

During Winter Orientation, will have an opportunity to:

• Learn about the resources available to support your success, both inside and outside the classroom.
• Take a campus tour.
• Meet other new students and connect with current student leaders who will share their Hofstra experience.
• Participate in various panel discussions to explore additional topics and get your questions answered by our University staff.

Residential Students

Students with confirmed on-campus housing should check their Hofstra email regularly regarding the requirements and procedures for moving in. Move-in for residential students is scheduled for Thursday, January 26, 2023. Exact times will be emailed by the Office of Residence Life. All students need to be vaccinated for COVID-19, and proof of vaccination must be uploaded into Medicat on the Hofstra portal. Instructions can be found here.

Registration for Winter Orientation

Registration for Winter Orientation will go live in late November on the Hofstra portal at my.hofstra.edu.
You will need your Hofstra username and password. After you sign up, an email confirmation will be sent to your Hofstra email address within two business days.

Before Winter Orientation Begins

There are several required online components that all new students must complete before attending Winter Orientation. You will need your username and password to access these. Most students' usernames look like this – h701111111. If you don’t know your network ID or password or have technical difficulties, please contact our ITS Service Desk at 516-463-7777.

The following required online components must be completed before attending Winter Orientation:

• Bystander Intervention
• Emergency Preparedness and Fire Safety
• Title IX
• Public Safety

All of the above sessions can be accessed by:

• Logging into the Hofstra portal at my.hofstra.edu.
• Selecting the Blackboard icon from the app menu.
• Selecting My Courses from the menu on the left side and then Winter Orientation.

Check-in

Check-in will be at the Sondra and David S. Mack Student Center, North Campus, from 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. All students need to be vaccinated for COVID-19, and proof of vaccination must be uploaded into Medicat on the Hofstra portal. Instructions can be found here.

Schedule of Events

Schedule of events for Winter Orientation 2023.

Get Excited!

Our student organizations and departments have planned many events, programs, and activities to assist in your transition to Hofstra.

Questions?

Read our FAQ or contact the Orientation and New Student Programs office:

• 516-463-4874
• Email

Our Virtual Folder

During orientation, new students receive a lot of information about on-campus resources. We have compiled information about these resources in our virtual folder. With the virtual orientation folder, you will be able to peruse the available programs at your leisure. Additionally, the virtual folder is part of Hofstra’s Yellow and Blue Make Green environmental initiative, as it reduces the amount of paper distributed during programs.

Cultural Resources

We want to remind you about the importance of getting involved in your own culture here on campus and with the cultures of your classmates. Immersing yourself in your own culture and exploring other cultures are both hallmarks of the collegiate experience; getting to know yourself and other cultures better prepares you to be a global citizen and succeed in your chosen field.

Below is a list of websites that can assist you in finding a cultural home here at Hofstra. If you have any questions or you want to get involved in one of our many cultural student groups, please stop by Intercultural Engagement and Inclusion in Room 263 Mack Student Center.

• Hofstra University Equity and Inclusion
• Office of International Student Affairs
• LGBTQ+ Student Life At HU
• Hofstra Center for Civic Engagement
• Hofstra Cultural Center
• Hofstra University Museum of Art
• The Interfaith Center 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I sign up for Winter Orientation?

All accepted undergraduate students must first pay their admission deposit and orientation fee. Once the orientation fee has been paid, students will be able to sign up for Winter Orientation on the Hofstra portal (my.hofstra.edu).

How much does Winter Orientation Cost?

The cost for Winter Orientation is $125. All first-year undergraduate students entering Hofstra in the spring semester pay this orientation fee along with their admission deposit.

When do I check in for Winter Orientation?

Check-in will be at the Sondra and David S. Mack Student Center, North Campus, from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Please check back in January for additional details on time of check-in.  All students need to be vaccinated for COVID-19, and proof of vaccination must be uploaded into Medicat on the Hofstra portal. Instructions can be found here.

 

In case the program switches to an online format, what are the technology requirements for participants?

To successfully participate in your course and cocurricular activities, you will need:

• Computer
  A computer that is capable of running the latest versions of operating systems (Windows 8.1 or above or macOS 10.13 or above), browsers, plug-ins, and recent software, including tools that will keep the system free of viruses and spyware. We do not recommend using hand-held devices such as iPads or smartphones as your experience will be limited. Note that there may be some limitations with Chromebooks.
• Internet Connection
  A high-speed, hard-wired or wireless internet connection that will support streaming/interactive audio and video. Weak Wi-Fi may cause issues such as latency, choppy audio, and loss of connection.
• Webcam
  If your computer does not have a built-in camera, you can purchase a USB-based webcam to affix to the top of your computer.
• Headset with Microphone
  While many laptops come with built-in mics and speakers, we highly recommend that you use a USB-based headset with a microphone. If you are using a laptop with a built-in microphone, please use headphones or earbuds to avoid an echo or feedback. 
• Zoom
  Please be sure you have administrative permission to install Zoom and other technologies on your computer. You will need to ensure you are using your Hofstra authenticated version of Zoom. Please view this short video for step-by-step instructions.
• Designated Learning Space
  Students should choose a well-lit, distraction-free learning space appropriate for interacting with faculty, staff, and fellow students on camera.

When do I move into my residence hall?

Students with confirmed on-campus housing should check their Hofstra email regularly regarding the requirements and procedures for moving in. Move-in for residential students is scheduled for Thursday, January 26, 2023. Exact times will be emailed by the Office of Residence Life. All students need to be vaccinated for COVID-19, and proof of vaccination must be uploaded into Medicat on the Hofstra portal. Instructions can be found here.

How do I get to Hofstra's campus?

For directions to campus, please visit hofstra.edu/directions. The directions and maps on the website provide links to the Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad, NYC Transit, Long Island Bus, and airports.

Can my parents/family members attend Winter Orientation?

The Office of Parent and Family Programs has designed a program for the families of our new students, separate from your student orientation. For more details about the Family Orientation, please call 516-463-4698.