International Student Orientation

Welcome New International Students to Hofstra!

 International Student Orientation Spring 2014

                                                 January 21, 2014   

Welcome from Jennifer Christ Director for MISPO

Welcome from Sandra Johnson Vice President for Student Affairs

  International Student Panel with Sonia Fernandes Assistant Director of MISPO

 International Student Panel Speakers

1.  Athraja De Silva- Undergraduate student 
2.  Cong Ma (Sunny) Communications School
3.  Koroye Buokoromone- Communications School
4. Jingquan Qu (Chuck) Zarb Business School 
5. Anishaa Kumar Communications School 
6.  Elena Ivanova Zarb Business School
7.  Tong Song (Bob) Zarb Business School

Thanks to all the international students who were determined to come to orientation eventhough there was a Long Island snow storm outside!!! 

Thanks to the MISPO Team for planning a great orientation!

The Fitness Center by Lynda J. O’Malley

The Fitness Center –

It’s a cold Sunday in January and the weather has definitely been an impediment to my usual outdoor running.  Rather than heading to my gym and a treadmill I find to be rather boring, I decide to stop by Hofstra’s Fitness Center.  With temperatures nearing 15 degrees and in the middle of a Sunday afternoon prior to the start of the spring semester, I figure how busy can the Fitness Center be in terms of students and staff using the facility.  Well, I could not have been more wrong!  I entered the facility and was greeted by a staff member eager to welcome me to my work out.  As I proceed down the hall to enter the locker room, I am amazed how many people are in the weight room.  As it turned out, this was nothing compared to the number of students upstairs using the cardio equipment. 

I began my run with a few fellow runners on the track and proceed around my first lap.  The great part about running at the Fitness Center is that you can never be bored.  ¾’s of the lap you can watch people playing basketball – and let me tell you how impressed I was to see some fun pick-up co-ed basketball games occurring!  I didn’t know that many people at the time of my visit, but I think I surprised one of my RA’s on staff who probably wasn’t expecting me to be there in the middle of the day!  After a good, solid run, I did some floor work and headed downstairs. 

I must give credit to the hard working staff member who was working diligently to sweep up the countless amount of sand and ice pellets brought into the Fitness Center.  There were no professional staff members around to check up on him, and yet you could see that he took pride in his job and in maintaining the facility.

With the weather reports returning to icy cold temperatures again this week, I can’t wait to return to the track during my lunch hour one day this week.

If you haven’t stopped by there yet this semester, you should make a point of doing so.  There is definitely an activity for everyone! 

Lynda J. O’Malley

Associate Dean of Students, Student Affairs| 200 Hofstra University

243 Student Center | Hempstead, NY 11549

P   516.463.6913

e  Lynda.J.OMalley@hofstra.edu

Show Your HU Pride

Top left photo credit: Scottie Pippen’s Twitter. Top right image credit: Netflix/Property of Broadway Productions

 What do Adam Sandler, Fred Armisen of Saturday Night Live, late-night talk show host Jimmy Fallon and Walter our beloved Hofstra statue all have in common? They showed their HU pride! So, now it’s your turn to show your HU pride. We want you to upload your best photos of you wearing Hofstra gear (e.g. t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, scarfs, jackets, etc.) to Facebook, Instagram and Twitter with the hashtag #showyourHUpride.  Throughout the semester we will choose photos with the hashtag #showyourHUpride to be retweeted on Twitter, shared on Facebook and featured on our Student Life Blog. So, don’t delay put on your Hofstra gear, pull out your camera phone, grab a friend and #showyourHUpride!

*Creativity is encouraged. Photo submissions must be in line with the standards set forth by the Student Conduct Policy found in the Guide to Pride.

Multicultural Club Highlights

As Student Affairs professionals, we always encourage our students to make the best out of their college experiences by getting involved and becoming student leaders . How wonderful it is to see them take initiative and do great things within their organizations! As an advisor to several student groups, I see the effort students put into managing their organizations and putting on programs that educate, enlighten and entertain both their peers and other members of the Hofstra community. Balancing the challenges of maintaining good academic standing and being a student leader is by no means an easy task. It takes  dedication, practice and patience but ultimately students are overwhelmingly grateful  for the end product of  a well rounded college education.

 I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the accomplishments of two of the multicultural student organizations. Last semester, the Hofstra Chapter of the NAACP  was a proud recipient of the Outstanding  Chapter of The Year Award and The Membership Award given to them at the NAACP New York State 77th Annual Convention in Syracuse, NY in the fall.

Similarly, the Black Student Union received the Mayor of Hempstead Award of Special Recognition for their Kwanzaa Ceremony which took place in December.

We are very proud of our student groups and all the hard work they do in their respective groups. We  are eager to see and experience all the wonderful programs they bring to Hofstra this semester.



-Credits: Annick Aska

Cheer and Dance Team UCA/ UDA Results!

This past week one of the largest Cheerleading and Dance Team's national championships took place. No strangers to the competitions, Hofstra Cheer and Dance teams provided an opportunity for the Hofstra community to see their routines at the annual send off, this year held on January 15th in the Mack Arena. 

The stands were full of enthusiastic family and friends and each of at the coaches was able to introduce themselves and their team. As Head Cheerleading coach, Christine Farina stated this is what the team has been striving for all year. This is their moment, this is their time to shine. The Hofstra Cheer Team used the tag line and motto "iBelieve" reminding the to believe in themselves, believe in their team mates and believe that anything is possible.

The Hofstra Dance Team did not disappoint either showcasing their HipHop, Jazz and Doubles routines. Head Coach Kelly Olsen explained that the HUDT will also be participating in the UDA world competition, something that afford Hofstra the opportunity to compete with teams all across the world. She also specifically introduced the Dance Team Doubles Entry choreographed this year by team member Zachary Glasso. 

After arriving at the Walt Disney World Resort both teams spent time practicing and preparing for their various competitions including team dinners the Friday before competition with friends, and alumni. 

Saturday January 18th both teams arrived at the ESPN Wide World of Sports ready and rearing. First up was Dance Hip Hop Semi-Finalist quickly followed by Cheer Co-Ed Semi finals. Both teams advanced to the final rounds of each competition. Dance them stepped up back to the plate with their Jazz semi final. Following right after that Cheer competed in their finals. Cheer had the crowd going all throughout their routine. The moment finally came to announce the Cheer awards and the judges proclaimed Hofstra Cheer second place in the Co-Ed division, behind Bowling Green University. 

Following that it was time for the Dance team to jump in and compete in the Jazz Finals. Hofstra nailed a wonderful performance and the energy was infections in the room. An enthusiastic crowd of family and friends were right on the front lines clapping and supporting the team. The night closed out with Dance Team awards for the jazz category. Hofstra was award a 4th place for their hard work. 

The following morning Dance Team was at it again competing in the Hip Hop Finals delivering a great performance. Awards were announced and Dance Team earned a second place. They also earned a second place in the doubles jazz competition. All in all it was a tremendous weekend for both teams and the support of the Hofstra Community as well as their friends and families aided to the experience for everyone. 

For more updates regarding both the Hofstra Cheer and Dance Team follow @hofstraosla or contact the Office of Student Leadership and Activities. 

Hofstra’s Winter Welcome & Spring Involvement Fair – January 24 & January 29

I know some of you have shoveled out your driveway, braved the icy roadways and have arrived ready to start your journey at Hofstra. Well, a big warm welcome to you! We’re so happy to have you join the Hofstra family. Hofstra has designed just for you our Winter Welcome which is a full day of events on January 24 to help you get acquainted with Hofstra’s campus, student life, all of our on-campus resources, and rich diverse culture.  Check-in will take place at the Mack Student Center in the Middle and West Plaza Rooms starting at 8:30 a.m.  You will have the opportunity to participate in games such as an inside “snowman making contest”, wind down at our “Beat the Winter Blues” beach party,  be a part of an on-campus service project to feed those in need,  and take a trip to New York City to see Broadway’s award-winning show “Mama Mia.”

If you’re looking to get involved on-campus check out our Spring Involvement Fair on January 29 at the Mack Student Center’s Main Dining Room from 11:15 a.m. – 12:40 p.m. Whether you are new to Hofstra or a returning student see over 50 clubs and organizations represented from Greek, pre-professional, academic, sports, and service groups. This is your opportunity to become involved with Hofstra’s enriching culture, get to know your fellow classmates and effect change in the Hofstra community. Also, while you’re at the fair, sign-up for Hofstra’s E.N.D (Explore Next Door) trip to Bryant Park in New York City. Space is limited so hurry over!

10 Things You Can Do Next Semester – Spring 2014 Edition

I hope all of you are having a great start to the New Year! Hofstra is already gearing up for a great lineup of spring events this year. I know there are some of you that are new to Hofstra and aren’t aware of some of the events or even opportunities that are offered to students. Maybe you’ve been at Hofstra for a couple or more years now and think that you might’ve already done everything there is to do. Well, whether you’re a new student or a senior at Hofstra you don’t want to miss these events happening this spring. Everything from tickets to the Nets at the Barclays, to Broadway shows and even International Auto Shows can be found below, and this is only some of what Hofstra has to offer this upcoming semester.

January

·       Start the year off American Idol style! The Office of Student Leadership and Activities will be hosting Karaoke starting January 31 from 7 p.m.  – 9 p.m. at HofUSA in the Upper Level.

February

·       Are your ready for some football! Check out The SOUPerbowl Viewing Party on Sunday, February 2 at 6 p.m. at HofUSA in the Upper Level. Everything from soup, chili, and wings will be served while watching the championship game. Plus, it’s FREE!

·       Go for the gold (and blue) during the Fitness Center’s First Friday: The HofLYMPICS on Friday, February 7 at 7 p.m. Watch the first night of the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, on the big screen, while partaking in some of your own "Olympic-style" events and games!  Mark your calendar for more First Fridays on March 7, April 4 and May 2 taking place at HofUSA in the Upper Level at 7 p.m. Also, be sure to check the Office Student Leadership and Activities’ website for details on First Friday programming and special guests.

·       Love dodgeball? Join in on the Heart Health Week of festivities on February 22 at the Fitness Center for the Dodgeball Tournament from 2 – 8 p.m. If you would like to learn more about other weekly fitness activities check back next week on the Student Life Blog for more on the Fitness Center’s spring events.

·       Break the ice on February 8 with other students and go for a spin of Ice Skating in Bryant Park. This is part of Hofstra’s E.N.D. Trips. The trip includes VIP line skip, skate rental and bag check.  Sign up for the trip begins on Wednesday, January 29th, 2014 at 11:30 a.m. at the OSLA Table at the Spring Involvement Fair, in the Mack Student Center Main Dining Room.

·       Meet and play with a basketball legend himself, Speedy Claxton at the 'All-Star Basketball' Event in the Hofstra Fitness Center on February 28 from 7 – 9 p.m. Former NBA player, Hofstra Alumni and current Assistant Coach of Hofstra Men's Basketball, Speedy Claxton, will share his personal story and discuss how his career was inspired by many facets of integrity, ethics and leadership.  In addition to Speedy Claxton's appearance, the Fitness Center will host an "All-Star Basketball" event for students, featuring several basketball competitions and challenges, including a finale 3-point contest between the winner of the contest and Speedy Claxton himself.

March

·       Go see one of the most talked about shows, Newsies on Broadway on March 1 with Hofstra’s E.N.D. Trips. This Tony awarding winning play will be sure to please. Sign up for the trip begins on Wednesday, February 19 at 11:30 a.m. in 260 Mack Student Center. Space is limited and sign-ups are on a first come first served basis, so hurry over!
 

·       Hofstra’s E.N.D Trips have one of the hottest tickets in town to the Brooklyn Nets Game at Barclays Center on March 9 at 6 p.m. Get one of the most coveted seats to see the Brooklyn Nets play against the Sacramento Kings this March! Space is limited so be sure to sign up on Wednesday, February 26 at 11:30 a.m. in 260 Mack Student Center.

April

·       Visit what the New York Times calls “The Woodstock of eating” at Smorgasburg –A Brooklyn Flea Market on April 5 with Hofstra E.N.D Trips. You will explore one of the most talked about flea markets with over 100 vendors ready to serve you food, beverages and more.  Sign up for the trip begins on Wednesday, March 26 at 11:30 a.m. in 260 Mack Student Center.

·       Do you love cars? Motorcycles? Well Hofstra’s E.N.D. Trips has you covered at the NY International Auto Show at Jacob Javitz Center. See almost every make and model of vehicles sold in the U.S. all under one roof. Sign up for the trip begins on Wednesday, April 9 at 11:30 a.m. in 260 Mack Student Center.

If you would like to learn more about Student Affairs’ upcoming events check back on our Student Life Blog and visit Hofstra’s event calendar here. You can also find out more about Hofstra’s E.N.D. trips by contacting the Office of Student Leadership and Activities (OSLA) at 516-463-6914 or visit the OSLA website here.

*Please note that the event dates listed above are subject to change.

Places to Visit Near Campus (No Car Required)

 

Will you be around campus this January? Have classes during the Winter Semester? Are you visiting friends nearby or on campus? Well below are some places you and your friends can visit near Hofstra with no car required:

Dinner and a movie – Check out the latest buzz-worthy films (Anchorman anyone?) at The Roosevelt Raceway Theater and grab dinner along the way at Joe’s Crab Shack or Chili’s.

 

 

Fun and Games – Grab some friends and have a game night at Dave and Buster’s. Dave and Buster’s have everything from arcades, billiards, shuffle boards, and play to win games with cool prizes like Beats by Dre Headphones, iPads and even PS3s! You’ll release some stress and feel like a kid all over again!

 

 

Shop and Eat – Have some retail therapy at Roosevelt Field Mall, Target, The Source Mall, and eat at some great new restaurants nearby. Some top critics’ picks are Bobby’s Burger Place (by Master Chef Bobby Flay), Seasons 52, and Mint Restaurant and Lounge. Yum!

 

Visit the City – NYC is only a train ride away! Hop on the Hofstra shuttle to either the Mineola or Hempstead train stop and take any train to NYC. Enjoy such places this season as Central Park, Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center, or Times Square. Plus, it’s FREE! Check out the shuttle schedule here.

Not on campus? Store away these ideas for when you return. For more ideas on things to do on and off-campus check out the “Life@ Hofstra” page here.

Have fun!

--Yolanda Brown, Office of Student Affairs

What You Can Do Now To Jumpstart Your Career In 2014

 

 

Welcome to 2014! It’s that time of year when many of you might be making resolutions or looking for ways to make 2014 a success. So, why not make it your goal to jumpstart your career this new year? Below are things you can do over Winter Break to get started on your career goals:

·       Create or revise your resume:  Build an attractive resume that will land on someone’s desk and not in the ‘circular file’.

Get started:

o      Think about the skills you’ve already gained in college (e.g. advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), your strengths (e.g. time management, leadership) and build a resume that reflects those capabilities.

o      Include any accomplishments you’ve made on your current and previous jobs (e.g. repeatedly chosen as “Employee of the Month”; made $5,000 in sales during holidays; etc.).

o      Need more help? Let the Hofstra Career Center help.  Utilize the Career Planning Handbook for examples or visit with The Career Center for resume assistance.  You can also check out how to create a modern ‘21^st Century’ resume on Hofstra’s Career Center blog here.

·       Look for an internship:  Whether you start your internship in the spring or summer look for one that will allow you to use your current skills and gain new ones that can be used in your future career.

Get started:

o      Contact your department major’s chairperson or internship coordinator for information on how to obtain credit for an internship or the Off-Campus Education Office if you are interested in earning liberal arts credits at 516-463-5823.

o      The Hofstra Career Center works with employers throughout the country and posts many internship opportunities on the ‘Pride Career Management System’ (Pride – CMS) which can be accessed through ‘My Apps’ on your Hofstra Portal. Additionally, you can access The Career Center’s subscription to Internships.com on Pride-CMS for even more opportunities!

·        Network, Network, Network:  Use this time off to contact professionals at your dream job or even those with an inspirational career path.

Get started:

o     Create or revise your LinkedIn profile to start making those connections. (Hint: use your accomplishments from your resume to build a great LinkedIn Profile and that will attract other connections)

o     All you have to do is A.S.K. - use the Alumni Student Konnection (A.S.K.) to ask Hofstra alumni career-related questions. This can be accessed on the portal under ‘Student Services’.

o     Go to events that potential employers will be in attendance and have a short 30-second ‘elevator pitch’ ready that answers: Who you are? What you do? What you’re looking for? For example:  “Hi. I’m Yolanda Brown. I’m currently a Business major with a concentration in Human Resources. I’m looking for opportunities in New York to work with finance and Insurance companies. Check out The Career Center’s spring calendar on Pride-CMS for networking opportunities including the Spring Career Fair on March 2!

·       Volunteer your time: Volunteering over the break will not only unlock your hidden skills but also connect you with others that have the same interest and can help you land an internship or job in your field.

Get started:

o      Contact local hospitals and organizations by calling them directly or looking on their website for volunteer opportunities.

o      Ask others where they’ve volunteered and reach out to those organizations or groups to help.

o      Look online for organizations and groups that list volunteer openings for one-day, weekly or monthly events or needs. Some can be found at volunteermatch.org or idealist.org.

o      Reach out to on-campus organizations such as Hofstra’s Habitat for Humanity at 516-857-3659 or contact the OSLA office for other clubs’ and organizations’ current volunteer opportunities at 516-463-6914 or OSLA@hofstra.edu.

 

Meet with a Hofstra Career Counselor: Talking your goals through with a career professional can help you plan. If you would like to meet with a Hofstra Career Counselor or need help getting started with any of the above tips make an appointment with the Hofstra Career Center at 516-463-6060 or visit their website here. You can also drop by for a ‘Quick Question’ during the Winter Break hours, Monday – Thursday, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. and Friday, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.  Office hours are Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.

 

--Yolanda Brown, Office of Student Affairs

Practice, Practice, Practice… and more Practice!

Practice, practice, practice… and more practice! With the New Year upon us, our Hofstra Cheer and Dance teams are gearing up for the 2014 Nationals Competition. The 2014 Championship will be held at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando Florida from January 17th-19th. The success of both teams in last year’s competitions has boosted the teams’ strengths as well as their effort to perform their best in the upcoming competition. Unfamiliar with the UCA & UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championships?  Simply put, it’s the most prestigious college cheerleading championship in the country!  Teams from across the US come out to showcase their school spirit and skills.They are judged on their choreography, technique, and execution of their routines, to name a few things.

Let’s get to know our teams: Since 2003 our Hofstra Cheer Team has won 8 UCA Small Coed National titles. Of these titles, 5 of them are consecutive from 2009-2013. In 2011 the team won the International title in Paris, France, followed by the 2012 Team World title.  Most recently, in 2013 they won the All Girl Partner Stunt title. The team’s head coach Christine Farina said it best when she said, “these talented men and women strive to achieve the same goals.” In addition to hitting the mats they’re constantly hitting the books.  The team’s overall team cumulative GPA was over a 3.1 last year.  

The Hofstra Dance Team has won first place in the UDA Division 1 Hip Hop category for the past two years, naming them back-to-back National Champions. For the past 2 years the team has won the Worlds Doubles Jazz Division, and earned second place in Division 1 Jazz. Head Coach Kelly Olsen-Leon and team have their goals set and their eyes on more titles for this year! They are hoping to have a repeat win in the Worlds Doubles Jazz Division.  They are also working hard to move up to 1st place in Jazz and to win the Hip Hop title again.     It’s your turn to cheer on our teams! Show your support by coming to the Cheerleading and Dance Team Nationals Sendoff Wednesday January 15th at 7PM in the Physical Education Building, organized by the Office of Student Leadership and Activities (OSLA).

Check back here at the end of the month for a full report of this year’s competition! You can also follow the Cheer Team on their official Twitter @HofstraCheer and the Office of Student Leadership and Activities @HofstraOSLA for updates.     Go PRIDE!