Spotlight: Resident Directors (Part 2)

Today we are introducing two more Resident Directors of Residential Programs! Meet Katie Boutros, Resident Director of Constitution and Estabrook Halls, and Kimberly Murray, Resident Director of Enterprise and Vander Poel Halls.


Katie Boutros: Constitution and Estabrook Halls

Originally from Orange, Connecticut, Katie received her Bachelor's degree in organizational communication from Fairfield University. At Fairfield, Katie was very involved in student activities and was an RA for two years. Katie then went on to pursue her Master's degree in College Student Personnel at the University of Rhode Island, where she worked as a Graduate Assistant Hall Director for two years. During the summer of 2009, Katie served as an intern in Hofstra's Office of Orientation and New Student Programs. Katie is very excited about returning to Hofstra to work with the student population here and to begin her career in student affairs. In her free time she enjoys movies, going to the city, and seeing shows on Broadway.


Kimberly Murray: Enterprise and Vander Poel Halls

Kimberly is originally from Wantagh, New York. While she was an undergraduate student at Siena, she was a Resident Assistant for three years. After completing her graduate program, she returned to Siena College and worked as a Resident Director for 3 years. For the past year, she held the position of Assistant Director of Campus Programs and Student Activities at Siena College. She is truly excited to be working as a Resident Director again and she looks forward to supervising a staff of 22 Resident Assistants. In addition, she is happy to be back home in the Long Island area! In her free time, she likes to bake and go the beach. Also, she is busy planning a wedding as she is engaged to be married in June, 2011.

Spotlight: Resident Directors

Your Resident Directors or, "RDs", are full-time professional administrators that live in the residence halls. They supervise your RAs, address resident concerns, and manage day to day operations of the halls.

So, who are the RDs? Meet Vanessa Parent, RD of Alliance and Bill of Rights Halls and Monique Alexander, RD of Colonial Square!

Vanessa Parent: Alliance and Bill of Rights Halls

This is Vanessa’s fourth year as the Resident Director of Alliance and Bill of Rights Halls. Vanessa is also the Coordinator for Residential Education, overseeing processes like RA Selection and Community Standards for the Office of Residential Programs. She started her career in Residential Programs her sophomore year at Hofstra serving as an RA in Netherlands North for two years. In Vanessa’s senior year, she became the SRA of Nassau Hall and eventually became the Graduate Resident Director of Nassau Hall after graduating from Hofstra with a B.A. in International Business. While the RD of Nassau Hall, Vanessa obtained her M.S. in Elementary Education. She was a teaching assistant in the Commack School District for one year before deciding to return to Hofstra to pursue a career in Student Affairs. Vanessa is passionate about working with college students and currently advises the Imani Dance Ensemble and is the coach for Club Volleyball at Hofstra. Interesting Fact: Vanessa was a gymnastics coach for 10 years and loves to dance and sing(especially Karaoke)!


Monique Alexander: Colonial Square

Monique Alexander was born and raised in Long Island NY. Monique received her BA in Psychology from Seton Hall University and is currently pursuing her MA in Industrial/Organizational Psychology here at Hofstra. Monique is entering her 4th year as the Resident Director of Colonial Square, which is the largest residential complex on campus. Monique is also the advisor to the Hofstra Gospel Ensemble. She truly enjoys educating students outside of the classroom and believes that her daily efforts within and outside of her job capacity has the power to truly make a difference in the lives of students.

Spotlight: Senior Resident Assistant and Resident Assistant of the Month!

At the end of each month the Office of Residential Programs honors a Senior Resident Assistant (SRA) and a Resident Assistant (RA) who have gone above and beyond the call of duty for that month. For September, SRA of the month is Andrew Schuetz of the Netherlands and RA of the Month is Joe Moncada of Stuyvesant Hall!

Name: Andrew P. Schuetz
Nickname: Andy P. Shoots
Hometown: Kennewick, WA

What is your favorite….?
Food: Steak and noodles. Yum.
TV Show: The Apprentice – “You’re fired!”
Movie: The Italian Job
Band / Singer / Group: Miley Cyrus
Hobby / Activity: Arts and crafts. Yeah, I’m that guy.

Andrew is a second year Senior RA of the Netherlands. This year he has established the Hall Council, giving them autonomy to run their own meetings and is teaching them methods of organization to keep meetings running smoothly. He encourages staff bonding among the Netherlands RAs and attends many RA programs to show his staff support!


Name: Joseph Moncada
Nickname: Joe
Hometown: Elmont, NY

What is your favorite….?
Food: Meat Lovers Pizza (pepperoni, sausage, bacon)
TV Show: Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory
Movie: Tallaega Knights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
Band / Singer / Group: Coldplay
Hobby / Activity: Running
Joe is a first year RA who has worked to develop strong relationships with his residents through many spontaneous programs. He works to build great working relationships with his staff as a major positive force on staff as well as the Office of Residential Programs.

Student Spotlight: Honors College Dean's Cup

For the past three years, during the fall semester, the Honors College and Liberty/Republic Halls hold the Dean's Cup competition. Although divided teams spend the week working to win the glory of the Dean's Cup, the week is really more about friendly competition, increasing neighborly friendships and showing your overall PRIDE as an Honors College student.

This year was no exception! Both teams came out in great numbers with spirit and pride to support their teams. To share the spirit of this event, please enjoy "A Week In Pictures!"

Liberty Hall shows off their banner and team spirit during the opening Dean's Cup ceremony!

Team VanPublic shows off their banner and team spirit during the opening Dean's Cup ceremony!

Team Liberty dominates at Tug-O-War during the opening night festivities!

Team VanPublic fighting for glory on the first night of Dean's Cup week!

Team representatives racing in the "Puddin Pie" competition to earn points for their teams. Liberty won by a HAIR.

Iron Chef Night - Residents compete in cooking challenges to earn points towards their Dean's Cup!

Iron Chef Night - Residents compete in cooking challenges to earn points towards their Dean's Cup!

Iron Chef Night - Residents compete in cooking challenges to earn points towards their Dean's Cup!

Iron Chef Night - Residents compete in cooking challenges to earn points towards their Dean's Cup!

Iron Chef Night - Residents compete in cooking challenges to earn points towards their Dean's Cup!

Iron Chef Night - Judges taste the hard work of both teams to determine who will win big!

Dean's Cup 5K Run at the end of the week-long competition. Extra points if you beat the Dean!

HUHC Staff and Faculty attend the closing BBQ in the Liberty/Republic courtyard.

Two Resident Assistants attend the closing BBQ in the Liberty/Republic courtyard.

Residents attend the closing BBQ in the Liberty/Republic courtyard.

Residents attend the closing BBQ in the Liberty/Republic courtyard.

Residents and Resident Assistants attend the closing BBQ in the Liberty/Republic courtyard.

Residents attend the closing BBQ in the Liberty/Republic courtyard.

HUHC Faculty, Liberty/Republic staff and residents attend the closing BBQ in the Liberty/Republic courtyard.

Liberty celebrates the Dean's Cup WIN, announced after the annual BBQ!

Spotlight: Theme Housing Communities

Within Nassau Hall, there are six themed housing communities that provide students who share common educational, social, or extracurricular interests an opportunity to live together in campus housing. Students can create a new one, or look to join an existing community.

This year, the themed floors are as follows:

Math, Science and Engineering
Health Sciences
Civic Engagement
Generation to Fix America
Cultural Cooking
Dress for Success

All communities have an average of 20-30 students living within them and all communities have a housing coordinator, a volunteer leader to serve as a liaison between the themed community and the Residential Programs staff. This person will be responsible for ensuring the community is meeting all expectations and goals, assists with housing logistics, and other administrative tasks. In addition, there is funding allocated to these communities for programming to be carried out within the residence hall and the entire Hofstra community. Each community is responsible for putting on programs throughout the year that coordinates with its theme.

So, are you interested in joining a Theme Housing Community? You can apply during the spring semester prior to the room selection process. You will be notified before then whether or not you have been selected to take part in your desired community.

If you have any questions regarding theme housing, or if you would like to start a new community next year, please contact Chris Muller, Director of Residential Living and Learning Communities in Residential Programs (244 Student Center)!

Just a Friendly Reminder....

...About Illegal Items!!

The following is a list items that are not permitted in the residence halls:

Halogen lamps
Air conditioner
Refrigerators larger than 5 cubic feet
Hunting equipment
Pets (other than fish)
Extension Cords
Cooking Appliances
Curtains / Tapestries
Toaster ovens
Microwaves
Foreman Grills
Dart Boards
Neon Lights
Candles
Cinder Blocks

If you have any of these items in your room, please take them home, as they can carry hefty fines if found! Refer to the Living Factor for additional items, or, when in doubt, check with your RA!

Happy Birthday Hofstra!!

The University held its 75th anniversary celebration this past weekend to commemorate 75 years of quality academics, exciting student life and commitment to another 75 excellent years.

The first event, on Thursday September 23, was the convocation held in Adams Playhouse. The convocation, featuring award-winning journalist Ted Koppel was a moment to reflect on Hofstra's history and provided quite a few laughs as well.

It was truly inspiring to sit in a theater full of students, staff, alumni and family while learning how much Hofstra has done, celebrated and attempted in such a short time.


The next event of the week followed immediately after the convocation. Singing "Happy Birthday" to Hofstra at the cake cutting was energetic, but what I still can't believe is that the cake was made by Charm City Cakes, featured on the Food Network's Ace of Cakes. I'm a huge fan of the show and was beyond excited to see Geoff, who is one of my favorites, and to see that a cake that large actually can taste quite good!! I know that it's a moment in Hofstra's time that students, staff and family members will look back on with fondness.

Saturday was another full day of fun, events, music, food, fireworks and comedy. People gathered early in the day for the annual parade of floats and to catch a glimpse of the homecoming court.

Followed by the parade and performances, students gathered on the intramural fields for the Live at 75 carnival. With live music, good food, rides and beautiful weather - it really was the perfect way to celebrate such a special occasion!

While all of the musical acts did a great job, I was especially excited that I was able to see Public Enemy.I grew up listening to my brother's PE music collection, and my guilty pleasure used to be watching Flavor of Love, so I couldn't miss this once in a lifetime opportunity!!

Hofstra ended the day with a dazzling firework display that rocked every building on campus. I had an excellent view and, following the display, enjoyed Jimmy Fallon's stand up act. I wasn't sure what to expect, but was rather surprised with how funny he was. And, as funny as he was, I was also quite impressed with how talented his two opening acts were. It's nice to see our own Hofstra students participate in campus events and thought they did an excellent job. I hope Jimmy was nice enough to give them some talent advice for the future, because they might have a career in entertainment on their hands!! 

 I hope that everyone enjoyed Hofstra's birthday celebration as much as I did. I assure you, this weekend will be one that you reflect on when you have children in college and look back on your youthful  years filled with Pride and Purpose.

Hofstra Turns 75-Years-Old!

This is a special week here at Hofstra University. This week we celebrate Hofstra University's 75th birthday. No doubt you've seen the timeline of our history on the unispan, jumped on the 75-cent specials across campus and heard about the upcoming Diamond Weekend.

Seventy-five years of something is an incredible challenge and it feels good to know that I work at a University that has provided quality education and service to students for such a long time. The excitement on campus and the buzz in my residence hall is amazing and I'm very much looking forward to celebrating Hofstra's birthday over the course of the upcoming weekend.

I'm especially looking forward to the kick off celebration with cake made by Charm City Cakes, featured on the Food Network's Ace of Cakes. I'm a huge fan of Duff and can't wait to see if he's the one who drops off the cake, which I know will be amazing!

Saturday is going to be a full day of events that I'm also looking forward to. Homecoming floats and skits; Live at 75 with live music, food and great weather; Jimmy Fallon. These are all events that I know will be a huge hit and really give me that happy fall feeling of being on a college campus.

So I know how I'm going to help Hofstra celebrate their 75th birthday - How will you help Hofstra celebrate?

Spotlight: Your RSA Executive Board!

Your RSA (Resident Student Association) Executive Board are students on campus who enjoy working together improve the quality of life of Hofstra residential students through programs based on students' interests, as well as promoting a safe, supportive and welcoming community. These students are elected into their positions be other RSA members each Spring for the next academic year. The following is an introduction of the board!


Jaclyn Catania- President

Hi everyone!
My name is Jaclyn Catania, my friends call me Jackie. I'm a sophomore, and my major is still undecided - but I have a minor in Spanish. I'm originally from Raynham, Massachusetts and on campus I live in Enterprise Hall. My favorite part about being president of RSA is planning great events that I know my peers will enjoy. I'm thrilled to be the RSA 2010-2011 president, and I look forward to a great year.


Erin Starke- Vice-President

I'm Erin Starke, your RSA Vice-President! I am a sophomore and I live in Enterprise Hall. I enjoy being on the RSA Executive Board because in my role, I help to create a warm and welcoming environment for Hofstra residents.


Nicole Gargano- Secretary

Hello! I'm Nicole and the RSA Secretary. I'm a senior community health major who lives in Bill of Rights. I love being a board member for RSA because I get a chance to improve residential life on campus.


Zach Dane- Treasurer

My name is Zach Dane. I am currently a Junior, History Education Major
from Syosset, New York. I am a Resident Assistant in Utrecht House in
the Netherlands Complex. My favorite part about being on the Executive
Board of the Resident Student Association is the leadership
opportunity as well as the chance to make a difference within the
residence halls at Hofstra.


Hannah Linder- SGA Representative

Hello! My name is Hannah Linder and I am the RSA SGA Representative. I am a sophomore and I live in Nassau Hall. The best part about being a part of the RSA Executive Board is that we get to put on programs that integrate and inform the resident life and I love influencing the community.




Caitlin Stolzenberg- Publicity Chairwoman

I'm Caitlin and the Publicity Chairwoman for RSA! I am also an RA in the Netherlands Complex in Breukelen House. I love being an RSA board member because I get the opportunity to improve residential life at Hofstra.


Lawrence Daves- Programming Chair


My name is Lawrence Daves, a lot of my friends call me Larry. I'm a sophomore
VIdeo/Television major with a minor in Drama. I'm originally from Medford, Long Island and on campus I am a Resident Assistant in the Netherlands Complex. May favorite part about being the Programming Chair of RSA is being able to come up with programs that all of the resident students will enjoy and the time I get to spend with the E-Board and our advisors!

A New Year; A Fresh Start

The start of a new academic year is always an exciting time. Fall is approaching; new school supplies; reuniting with friends and even meeting new ones. It's a refreshing time that still excites me, even though I am past the age of  reading lists and meal plans. 

What excites me most is the promise that each year holds. Maybe this is the year you set (and achieve) that goal of a perfect GPA. Or, maybe it's the year that you branch out to meet new people or get involved in something new. Regardless of what each of you have in mind for the coming year, there's no doubt in my mind that it's a hopeful and passionate desire to have the best year you can.

Welcoming our first-year students to the campus with a week of picnics, New York City excursions, late-night breakfasts and free movies is the best part of the year for me.We have the opportunity to meet and greet the newest class of Hofstra students; get to know you individually and help you transition into what we know will be an exciting journey for you.


Welcoming the upperclass students back to campus is also a unique experience. It's refreshing to see students return with new goals and new excitement in their eyes for their second, third or final year at Hofstra. I cherish those relationships because that is an opportunity for me to help students daily. From the day you arrive as a first year student to the day you need help adjusting your robe at graduation - we are here for you.

It's this hope, passion and excitement that makes administrators love this time of year. It is my genuine hope that you have all enjoyed your first week of this academic year as much as we have enjoyed having you back. The year is sure to be filled with many programs, opportunities to learn and much excitement; and we're happy that you've chosen us to help you have that experience!!

Check out the newly created floor lounges in Nassau Hall!

Understanding the Role of Your Resident Assistant

It's getting to be that time of year where the staff in Residential Programs is getting ready for your return to campus! The Resident Assistants (RAs) are due to return to campus in just a few weeks!

Your RA is an upper class student leader who is a representative of the Office of Residential Programs. RAs have gone through an extensive selection process and training to be resources within the residence halls. There is one located on every floor. Your RA will put on programs for you in your building that provide social and educational opportunities for you and your fellow residents.

Your RA is a resource for you. Feel free to speak with them about any problem, from academic concerns to issues with your roommate, as they are more than happy to help you or point you in the right direction. In your residence hall, there is an RA on duty every night to help with any issues that may arise, as well as maintain safety in the residence hall.

There are a few opportunities to become a resident assistant throughout the year. The next application process beginning in October. Look for advertisements and of course, speak with your RA!

Your New Roommate: BFF or PopTart Thief??

My first year living on a college campus was 2001. I was excited to be living on campus and had imagined my experience to be exactly what I'd watched on Dawson's Creek (so, I'm dating myself). New friends; a cool room; no parents. My new campus life was going to be perfect and, for the first few weeks, it was.

A few weeks into the semester, my roommate started dating a guy in her English class. He was nice, so I told her it wasn't a problem for him to visit but he was ALWAYS in our room. He'd come early on the one morning I was able to sleep in; stay late to play video games when I had a test the next morning. It really started to get irritating, but I didn't say anything because I didn't want to be mean. Her boyfriend was nice, so why should I complain?

The fact that I didn't say anything finally blew up in my face. I'd held in my feelings for so long that I lost it one afternoon when I came home to find him lounging on my bed. After my little tantrum, my roommate and I talked about the issue and she pointed out one very important point: I had never told her what I was feeling.

I should have spoken up about how I felt, or initiated a conversation about what boundaries we would have when dealing with guests and personal space. It wasn't that I didn't like him, but who doesn't want some space and personal time in their own room.

I tell you my story in hopes that you'll learn from my experience. Talk to your roommate(s). Set some boundaries. Discuss guests, study habits, cleaning responsibilities, when you like to sleep, how loud you like your music, what food you can (and can't) help yourself to, your favorite television show schedules and who gets dibs on the TV.

You'd be amazed at the little things that can get under your skin if you never talk about them and most of them can be avoided by simply having a conversation. A little respect, communication and compromise can go a long way in a roommate relationship!

If you're feeling a little intimidated or don't know how to approach that conversation, your Resident Assistant will be able to help you. At your first floor meeting, you'll get information for how to start roommate conversations and they can guide you through sticky situations and give you tips on how to handle your concerns.

My RA helped my roommate and I quite a bit after having my initial tantrum and I realized that it's okay to have different styles/personalities/approaches - as long as you're clear and communicate. :)

Nassau Hall Renovations

Check out these pictures of the Nassau Hall renovations! Check back for more updates throughout the summer!

Welcome Week News!

Welcome Week is full of great events to celebrate new students coming to campus as well as welcoming back all returning students. For new students, after you check in at the intramural fields, head to your residence hall to move in and get settled. That afternoon, attend the President's Welcome, followed by meeting your Welcome Week Leader. Your Welcome Week Leader will be your guide throughout this first week on campus. They will take you to the New Student Barbecue on the intramural fields. That evening, you will have a floor meeting with your Resident Assistant (RA) in your residence hall. Your RA is a resource for you throughout the entire year. You can go to them with any concerns you may have, whether personal or academic, and they can point you in the right direction. Your RA and your Welcome Week Leader will then walk you to the play house for the Class of 2014 Celebration with different activities. Then end your day with the Late Night Breakfast, a Hofstra tradition that usually takes place right before finals.

For returning students, Saturday and Sunday events include Hofstra's Got Talent, a late night movie, Rec Center Sports Club Skills Competition and Showcase, and a Night at the Hofstra Museum is in the works!

Also, keep in mind, Explore Next Door trips will take place Saturday 8/28 and Sunday, 8/29. Thes trips will allow you to see different aspects of New York City!

Stay tuned for more on Hofstra's Welcome Week 2010!

An Adventure Awaits!

Living on campus is an adventure.  Meeting new friends; late-night movies; fun programs; close proximity to NYC. All of these things, and so much more, are going to ensure that living within the residence halls is a great experience.

As excited as you are to come to campus, there are some things you should know before you arrive. By now, you should have received your housing assignments letter from the Office of Residential Programs. This letter includes details on your housing assignment, check in information and roommate information. If you haven’t received your assignment letter yet, please reach out to the department so that we can help you.

Once you’ve received your housing information, take the time to reach out to your assigned roommates. These are the people you’ll be sharing your first year with, and starting out with good communication is the key to having a great relationship throughout the year. While Facebook and other social networking sites are a good way to have fun and touch base, it shouldn’t be your only method of communication. Sometimes status messages, text messages and “crazy” pictures can be misunderstood, so a phone call, skype session or an in-person conversation is really the best way to go.

If you’ve never shared a room before, it’s easy to overlook the types of things that roommates need to discuss. Share your interests, sleep habits, decoration ideas etc. It’s also a great idea to negotiate who will bring what (cause who wants double of everything, right?!) and remind each other that there are prohibited items that residents aren’t allowed to bring.

Although the entire list of prohibited items is on our department website, some of those items include extension cords, curtains, candles, coffee pots and pets. So, fluffy has to stay home. BUT – you are encouraged to bring belongings that will make your room feel like home. Favorite posters, pictures of family/friends/fluffy, a nice area rug and your postcard collection are great ways to spruce up your room and feel cozy in your home away from home.

I am confident that living on campus will make an impression on each of you. A taste of independence and the ability to learn about myself while living with other students really helped me grow to love my undergraduate experience. It’s our goal at Residential Programs to help you enjoy yourself on campus and make some of the same lasting memories that we made as residential students.

As we get closer to check-in, be sure to check our blog, Facebook page and department website. We’ll have lots of helpful, and exciting, information to share with you. 

Jessica Havery ~ Resident Director of Liberty/Republic Halls 

What's New in the Neighborhood?

Happy summer! I hope your time away from campus has allowed you to relax over the past few weeks. Our staff has been hard at work preparing for your return to campus in just a few short weeks. I wanted to take the opportunity to update you on some of the latest facility additions/improvements that have been happening throughout our residence halls.

In Nassau and Suffolk Halls, overhead lighting is being installed, patch and paint will occur in all bedrooms, hallway carpeting is being replaced, and fully furnished lounges are being created. In addition, all Nassau Hall bedrooms are being refurnished. The Alliance Hall kitchen area is being fully renovated and refurbished. Finally, all residence hall elevators are being refurbished. Throughout the summer, you will continue to receive updates regarding the progress of these projects.