Wednesday, September 22, 2010

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?

Saturday, September 18, 2010

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!

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

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!!

Thursday, August 5, 2010


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!

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

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. :)

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Nassau Hall Renovations




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