REGISTER NOW: SIBLINGS DAY 2016

REGISTER NOW

This year, Hofstra’s fun-filled Siblings Day hosted by the Office of Parent and Family Programs and the Resident Student Association will be held on Saturday, February 27. Both commuting and residential students are invited to have their sibling or relative on campus for a day of super fun activities! Students along with their siblings will begin their day Saturday at Noon with check-in and lunch. 

The rest of the day brings a series of activities including arts and crafts, a scavenger hunt, late-night breakfast, and more! Hofstra students are permitted to host up to two siblings or relatives from ages 8-17. Younger siblings ages 8-12 may participate in the program until 9:30 p.m., and cannot stay overnight and siblings ages 13-17 are permitted to stay overnight with their resident student and with written consent from the student’s suitemates.

Please register your siblings at hofstra.edu/sibs today!

Steps to Register:

1.) Visit hofstra.edu/sibs to register your student’s siblings and/or relatives

2.) Ask your parent/guardian to complete the Acknowledgement and Release Form found here (p.2). They should sign and return the scanned copy to parents@hofstra.edu or fax to (516) 463-2447.

3.) If you are a resident student and plan to have your sibling/relative ages 13-17, you must complete the Overnight Guest, Roommate Acknowledgement form found here or at any of the RD’s offices in your student’s residence hall.

For questions or more information, please feel free to contact the Office of Parent and Family Programs at (516) 463-4698.

-Stephanie Iaccarino, Class of 2014 and Class of 2017

A Point of Pride: Hofstra University is 1 of Only 2 Schools to Host Consecutive Presidential Debates (2008, 2012)

As many members of our community are aware, Hofstra was given the rare opportunity to host not only one, but two presidential debates, consecutively! On October 15th, 2008 Hofstra hosted their first Presidential debate between Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain. The debate focused on domestic policy and the economy. The second Presidential debate hosted by Hofstra was the following debate on October 16th, 2012 was between President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney. This debate like the first at Hofstra primarily focused on domestic policy, but also touched on foreign affairs. 

I bring up these debates now because Hofstra has in fact applied to host what would be their third consecutive Presidential debate in 2016! While the debate would be quite a while from now, it is quite exciting to know that Hofstra could be one of the ONLY universities to host three consecutive presidential debates! As a student here on Hofstra’s campus I put my name into the lottery to hopefully be chosen as a lucky ticket holder, however I was not one of the lucky random winners. Myself, and I am sure many other hopeful Hofstra students, are hoping for the 2016 debate to be on our campus and for more students to be chosen to attend as a guest! When I applied to be in attendance for the 2012 debate, I believe only 100 students were chosen at random to attend the debate. However, this event typically does provide students with at least one great opportunity. Students are allowed to volunteer to help out with necessary preparations for the day. This gives students a behind the scenes look at what it takes to host such a major national event and also provides some volunteer experience that can be put on a resume.

Written by Stephanie Iaccarino

The Foundations of Memorial Day

It’s that time of year again: the spring semester has come to a close, the graduation festivities are winding down, and Memorial Day is right around the corner. Many view Memorial Day as a day out of the office and into the backyard with family and friends for an old fashioned barbecue. We enjoy the long weekend, the promise of good weather, and the endless stream of commercials for mattress sales. People tend to see it as the unofficial start of summer and not what it truly is.

Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day was created as a day to remember the fallen soldiers of the American Civil War. Families decorated the graves of the soldiers with flags and flowers. In the early 1900s, the holiday was extended to remember all of the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. The holiday was originally celebrated every year on May 30 but was later changed to the fourth Monday in May to create a three-day weekend. Since the beginning of the American Civil War roughly 1.3 million soldiers have died in active combat. So while you are grilling burgers and hot dogs, take a moment to remember one of these soldiers that gave his or her life for their country.

World War II Memorial, Washington D.C.

In Flanders Fields, by John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

      Between the crosses, row on row,

   That mark our place; and in the sky

   The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

   Loved and were loved, and now we lie

         In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

   The torch; be yours to hold it high.

   If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

         In Flanders fields.

Guest Blogger: Rob Canobbio
Second Year Graduate Student, Secondary Social Studies Education

Source: http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/memorial-day-history

A Time to Celebrate!

It is May! A time for final projects, presentations and those final exams!

For those graduating, it is also a time to say good-bye. A time to relish the special moments created at Hofstra.  A time to take photos of places and faces desired to remember.

Yesterday, we at MISPO had a small celebration for our student leaders of our multicultural clubs that will be graduating this May. We thought it would be best to go ahead and meet and celebrate with them now before things get really busy during the final weeks of this semester.


We have 12 graduating seniors involved in our multicultural clubs. It was fun being able to reminisce about their time here at Hofstra, all that they have accomplished through their efforts as leaders on campus, and also reflect about the journeys that await them. Some students are continuing on to graduate school, some have gotten internships, some landed their dream job, and some are still trying to figure out their next journey. One thing is for sure: We know that they will all do amazing and profound things in the future, as they have greatly impacted Hofstra University’s campus positively during their time here!

We wish all graduating students all the best with their next steps toward their career!

The Announcement You’ve Been Waiting For: Fall Festival 2013!

Yes. It’s here. Welcome Weekend. The fall semester. The start of a great year…and the announcement you have all been waiting for! So let’s cut to the chase.

We are excited to announce that your Fall Festival 2013: Alumni, Student and Family Weekend lineup for Vibe Live is confirmed. Taking the stage on Saturday, September 28 will be Ke$ha, Sugar Ray and BonJourney!

Last year nearly 6,000 students, alumni and their families filled Hofstra’s Intramural Fields for a day of fun and sun. The Vibe Live Concert and Carnival will wrap up with a Grucci firework display. And as you already know, the evening is capped off with the Out Loud comedy show starring Aziz Ansari!

Stay tuned and check your pride email accounts next week for more information on Hofstra Fall Festival 2013. Hofstra families and alumni can purchase tickets now! For the full schedule of events starting Friday, September 27 through Sunday, September 29, check out the Fall Festival website.

Hofstra Fall Festival Comedian Announced!

Who’s getting excited for the fall semester at Hofstra?! With two weeks to go we thought we’d kick it off with an exciting announcement—the first of a few updates to come relating to Hofstra’s Fall Festival: Alumni, Student and Family Weekend which will take place from September 27-29, 2013. Save the date!

As you may know, this year we will be bringing back the Out Loud comedy show which will be held on Saturday, September 28 starting at 9 p.m. in the Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex on Hofstra’s North Campus. We are very excited to announce that the person bringing laughter to the Hofstra community will be… AZIZ ANSARI!

Family weekend passes, which offer the biggest savings, along with Out Loud and Vibe Live tickets for Hofstra family members and alumni are available for purchase now. For more information on Hofstra’s Fall Festival check out the website.

Student ticket information including special student pricing and purchase dates will be available at the start of the fall semester. (Family members should not purchase tickets in advance for their student). Check back soon!

This performance is sure to “pack the Mack” so tell your family members and alumni friends to purchase early!

*Out Loud comedy show is recommended for adult audiences only.

Aziz Ansari has quickly established his presence in the comedy world. He is currently starring in a popular television series, is developing a number of films and recently released his second hour-long standup special. The Hollywood Reporter said that he “has become one of the most prolific writers and performers on the comedy scene in recent years” and Rolling Stone placed him on the cover of a special comedy issue labeling him “the funniest man under 30.” In addition, Paste Magazine has named him one of the “Top 10 Comedians of the Decade.” Ansari also has the much buzzed about gig as host of the 2010 MTV Movie Awards.

Ansari co-stars opposite of Amy Poehler in the Emmy nominated NBC series, “Parks and Recreation,” which is currently in its fifth season. The series received its first Emmy nomination in 2011 for Outstanding Comedy Series. Ansari’s portrayal of government employee ‘Tom Haverford,’ has earned him much critical praise including Entertainment Weekly naming him one of their “Breakout TV Stars,” TV Guide naming him a “Scene Stealer” and Yahoo! TV placing him in the number one spot on their list of “TV MVPS: The Most Valuable Performers of the Fall Season.” People Magazine named him 2011’s “Funniest Dude in Prime Time.”

Click here for his full bio

Top 5 Things to Do this Summer

Summer is finally here and for those staying on campus there are countless things to do in the area and even more just a train ride away!

1) Go to Jones Beach
What better way to spend a hot afternoon than swimming in the Atlantic Ocean?  Jones Beach is just a few minutes away and has a ton to offer this summer besides miles of sand.  It is home to the Nikon Theater, an outdoor concert venue that will be hosting everyone from the Dave Matthews Band to Lil Wayne to Maroon 5 to Imagine Dragons!  You can purchase tickets here.  There are also free nightly concerts at the bandshell and places to play shuffleboard.  So whether you’re getting a great tan or just taking a stroll down the boardwalk, don’t miss Jones Beach this summer!

2) Spend the day in Central Park

Ever wonder where your favorite movies were filmed?  Chances are at least a few of them were filmed in the world famous Central Park.  This green oasis is in the middle of the bustling city.  Just take the train in and spend the day exploring!  Here you can toss a Frisbee on the Great Lawn, take a jog around the Reservoir, find the memorial to John Lennon, or even discover Belvedere Castle.  You can also rent rowboats or go to the Central Park Zoo.  Be sure to look out for SummerStage, which is a series of free concerts in the park all summer long.  You can also grab free tickets to Shakespeare in the Park, a series of Shakespeare plays put on by notable professional actors at the Delacorte Theater. 

Photo courtesy of Mike_fleming of Flickr.

Laps of Love for Boston

In honor of the recent tragedy in Boston, MA, Hofstra University introduces LAPS OF LOVE…

Today, Thursday, April 18, the event will allow the Hofstra community to visit the Fitness Center from 2:50pm-5:45pm and walk or run laps on the track in honor of all victims, and record your laps that will be tallied up to represent your contribution towards the cause.

In addition, and at the conclusion of  LAPS OF LOVE, all participants are encouraged to attend the candlelight vigil at Hofstra Hall at 6:00pm.  Please join us as the vigil will also be open to all of those who do not wish to walk or run laps earlier in the day.  Following the vigil ceremony, there will be one final silent Lap Of Love around the quad.

-Jim Tamburino, Assistant Director
Recreation and Intramural Sports

Vigil for the Boston Community

The Hofstra University community is deeply saddened by the recent tragedy that occurred in Boston during the Boston Marathon.  As a community, we mourn for those who died or were injured in the senseless violence.

The division of student affairs, along with our students, is hosting a vigil tomorrow, Thursday, April 18 at 6 p.m. outside Hofstra Hall to honor all those affected by this tragedy. The rain location will be the Student Center Atrium.  Everyone is invited to participate.

In addition, as a reminder, listed below are a few of the campus resources available to you:

Student Counseling Services: Counselors are available by appointment, please call (516) 463-6791.  If you are experiencing a psychological emergency during non-business hours, please contact Hofstra's Public Safety office at (516) 463-6789, and they will put you in contact with a crisis counselor immediately.  Staff from the Student Counseling Services will be present at the vigil.  More information can be found here.

Residential Programs Staff: If you are a residential student, you are encouraged to speak with your Resident Director or Resident Assistant should you need someone to talk to or connect you to other resources.

Off-Campus Living and Commuting Student Services Staff:  If you are a commuter student please do not hesitate to contact Anita Ellis, Director for Off-Campus Living and Commuting Student Services at Anita.Ellis@hofstra.edu, who can also assist in connecting you to supportive campus resources.

And of course, please don't hesitate to contact the Student Affairs office at 516-463-6933 or at studentaffairs@hofstra.edu if we can assist you in any way.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected and with the entire Boston community.

Sincerely,
Sandra S. Johnson, Ed.D
Vice President for Student Affairs

Jamaican Flavors of our Neighborhood

The American journalist, Mark Kurlansky, put it best when he said, “Food is a central activity of mankind and one of the single most significant trademarks of a culture.”

This is why Anita Ellis, director of Hofstra University’s Office of Off-Campus Living and Commuting Student Services was excited to team up with the Office of Multicultural and International Student Programs this past week to celebrate Black History Month with another “Flavors of our Neighborhood” event.

This month, about 22 Hofstra students shared stories and laughs over Jamaican cuisine. The delicious meal was ordered from Sam’s Marketplace, a local restaurant of Hempstead, NY that can supply all of your Jamaican grocery needs and dining desires. This group of diverse students tried a fried whiting fish meal with a side of Jamaican beef patties and chicken-vegetable patties. For dessert, classic Jamaican biscuit cookies and a Caribbean favorite, banana chips, were offered. The meal was tropically delicious down to the drink, with a choice of pineapple or Jamaican ginger beer soda.

As tasty as this all was, the day wouldn’t be complete without some cultural knowledge to feed the students’ minds along with their appetites. For this reason, Novia Whyte of Residential Programs (and an international student alumni of Jamaica herself), was invited to join and share both historical and present-day information on her beloved island. The students left with a new found knowledge on Jamaica’s political system, cultural traditions, and an interest in visiting. Many of the students, specifically the ones that were from China, were happy to notice similarities between Jamaican cuisine and the cuisine of their own culture. It was exciting to converse about how these similarities came to be, as many seemingly different cultures actually have intertwining historical roots.

Overall, “Flavors of Our Neighborhood” was a successful event where Black History was honored, Jamaica was celebrated, and the local gem, Sam’s Marketplace, was appreciated.

If you have yet to experience this complimentary series of community, dining, and multicultural fun, be sure to not miss the next opportunity, which will be on Friday, April 19! Contact the Off-Campus Living and Commuting Student Services or Office of Multicultural and International Student Programs for more details.

Guest Blogger: Joanna Soares, Class of 2016