Orientation

Students:
Winter Orientation for new undergraduate students is a one-day in person program on campus. Attending orientation in person supports students in learning about campus, engaging with future classmates, and enjoying the fun activities that take place during the session. Both commuting and resident students should attend this program. We ask that students check their Hofstra Pride email as the Orientation Office will be sending updates about arrival times, and other information pertinent to the day’s program. Students may view more information on the Winter Orientation (https://www.hofstra.edu/winterorientation) page.

Parents and Family Members:
We cordially invite parents and family members to attend the Winter Parent and Family Orientation program, which is separate from Winter Orientation for students. Your session takes place 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. on Friday, January 24, 2025. Your student will register you for Parent and Family Orientation through the student portal at the same time and on the same form as they register themselves for the student orientation. We will inform you of the Parent and Family Orientation details and updates by email.

Q. What time does Parent and Family Orientation begin and end?
A. Parent and Family Orientation begins promptly at 10:00 a.m. Check in is from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The event is expected to end by 2:30 p.m. with optional programming afterwards.

Q. Does my student attend Parent and Family Orientation with me?
A. Students have a separate orientation from your program.

Q. Is Parent and Family Orientation required?
A. We strongly encourage all parents to attend this program so that they are prepared and can better support their student as they transition to college.  Additionally, we will be hosting webinars with specific topics that will augment the parent orientation program.

Q. I have questions related to New Student Orientation. Where can I find some answers?
A. Please check out the New Student Orientation FAQ [https://www.hofstra.edu/winterorientation]

Q. How do parents and family members register for Parent and Family Orientation? 
A. Students register their parents and family members for Parent and Family Orientation at the same time and on the same student portal form as for Winter Orientation. Parents can see the confirmed dates through Family eSpace parent portal.

Q. I would like to have access to my Hofstra student’s record (bills, grades). How do I do that? 
A. Students may authorize parents on FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) form. Parents can then call departments and have access to the records students specified on the form (academic, financial, advising, etc.). On the FERPA form, students can also give access to their parents to the Family eSpace parent portal. In addition, to receive financial statements, students should authorize their family members for eBill.

Q. My Hofstra student’s age is 17 or under. Do I have to sign anything? 
A. Parents/guardians of minor students must complete the Authorization Form – Minor Students through Family eSpace parent portal.

A schedule will be posted in January 2025.

Students should regularly check their @pride.hofstra.edu email account since all official communications are sent there. They will need to complete placement exams online before New Student Orientation. Please ask your student to consult Prepare for Orientation checklist.

Please consult Directions and maps when you plan to visit our beautiful campus. The Accommodations page lists nearby hotels with the negotiated Hofstra rates. The Airport/Train directions explain how to get from/to JFK and LaGuardia airports as well as to the Penn Station to/from Hofstra campus.

Please ask your student to authorize you for Family eSpace through their student portal. If you have questions, please email parents@hofstra.edu.

View the current Hofstra Parent and Family Handbook.

Please read and use the Important Conversations Family Guide when speaking with your child about alcohol, drug use and abuse, and sexual violence prevention prior to the start of the fall semester.

The Parent and Family Orientation videos will be uploaded during the summer.

The session presentations will be uploaded during the summer.

Informed and involved families are a great asset to our community. You are a part of Hofstra Pride and we welcome your input at any time. Please e-mail us or call at (516) 463-4698. Also, connect to fellow Hofstra parents by clicking on "like" and “follow” on the Hofstra University Parents Facebook page.