About the School

Greetings Hofstra Pride,

It would not be an overstatement to say I am ecstatic to be a member of the Hofstra community. As the Dean of the School of Health Sciences (SHS), it is an honor to lead such a rich collection of health care programs in one academic unit. Our capacity for interdisciplinary research, instruction, and engagement is unlimited. By establishing an operational structure that encourages creativity, facilitates collaboration, and supports innovation, I intend to lead SHS to new heights.

When I think about the most appealing aspects of SHS, our talented students immediately come to mind. Providing a stimulating learning experience for them is paramount. Upon graduation, they become our most important ambassadors and proof of our excellence as a school. Enabling them to pursue personally fulfilling and financially rewarding careers is our ultimate aim.

In terms of my vision, SHS will incorporate innovative research and teaching to be a global leader in producing graduates who are knowledgeable about building and sustaining healthy communities, preventing disease and chronic illness, promoting wellness and healthy aging, and advocating for disability inclusion and independence. Our graduates will also be skilled in reducing and eliminating health disparities, utilizing technology and informatics to improve healthcare quality and efficiency, and formulating policies that advance the general health of society.  Optimizing health across the lifespan will be our rallying cry.

Being approachable and accessible will be hallmarks of my leadership. It is important that I hear the views of students, faculty, staff, donors, and community partners. I believe strongly that our collective genius can generate ideas to propel SHS forward.

I wish our students a productive academic year. Please know that SHS will do all we can to support your studies and advise you effectively. You are our most important asset, and your success is a direct reflection of our efforts. Whether you are a new or returning student, SHS offers a caring environment that serves as a foundation for a nurturing and growth-oriented learning experience.

In Blue and Gold,

Reggie Alston, Ph.D.
Dean, School of Health Sciences
516-463-5301
Email

The Hofstra University School of Health Sciences will become a nationally recognized interdisciplinary center of excellence. Health Sciences will be partnered with arts and sciences, medicine, education, business, communication and law to develop programs that are responsive to the dynamic relationship among scientific research, policy and therapeutic practice in health care, community and educational settings. Undergraduate and graduate students will develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to conduct and translate research into evidence-based practice for culturally and linguistically diverse individuals across the lifespan. Students will become reflective clinicians and practitioners, researchers, educators, advocates and leaders who are well versed in theory, ethics, policy and best clinical practices. Graduates will be able to adapt to the changing health care, community, and educational environments and, be dedicated to improving the health and quality of life of populations, locally, nationally and globally.

The mission of the Hofstra University School of Health Sciences is to educate students in the theory and practices of their specialized area of study, with a strong foundation in the natural, social and behavioral sciences. Through competency based instruction, field experience and research training, students are educated to become effective and compassionate clinicians, evidence-based practitioners, policy makers, managers and advocates who promote health equity. Students learn to provide therapeutic and developmental services, prevent, diagnose and treat illness and disabilities, and design, implement, administer and evaluate health promotion programs, policies and systems. Students receive clinical education in approaches that maximize occupational, communicative, biological, psychological, social, physical and interpersonal development across the lifespan. Students are prepared to work in settings that include the home, the school, the clinic, the hospital and other health care facilities, the work place, the government and community agencies. The School of Health Sciences serves as a community resource by offering continuing education opportunities, promoting collaborative clinical and research initiatives, advocating for underserved populations, and providing services that model best practices.

Students are expected to behave in an ethical and professional manner according to the guidelines for student conduct and academic honesty at Hofstra University and to the professional standards identified in their respective programs in the School of Health Sciences. Satisfactory interpersonal behavior and professional performance in classes and meetings, internships, and practica are expected. If a report is received concerning an ethics violation, or an incident of inappropriate behavior as defined by the individual program handbook and/or Student Judicial Code, established procedures will be followed to investigate the issue and determine the course of action. A written remedial plan, including designated corrective action, may be instituted at the discretion of the program director. It is our policy that if a student is dismissed from one placement before and/or during the semester of internal and external placements, that student may be counseled or dismissed from the program. If the student is dismissed from two placements, this will constitute being dismissed from the program. In addition, the program requirements will not be met and the student will not be recommended for certification by Hofstra University.