PARENT AND FAMILY NEWS. 

Hofstra Parent and Family Council welcomed new freshmen and transfer parents at orientation. 

The Hofstra Parent and Family Council (PFC) is an active council of parents and families with current, registered Hofstra students.  The PFC mission is to share new ideas and suggestions to improve student programs and services. We are a resource for Hofstra Parents.  We aspire to become the primary voice of Hofstra parents and families.  We were officially recognized with the addition of our bylaws several years ago.

Hofstra has an ongoing tradition of hosting new incoming freshman and transfer students over the summer during the scheduled weeks of Orientation. Parents were invited to attend their own Orientation at the same time, on the first day of their students Orientation, with information and presentations by Hofstra staff and the Department Dean's. 

Students spent three days and two nights on campus learning about the Hofstra University experience and exploring their new campus prior to moving in. 

Parents had the opportunity to meet with Parent and Family members, and Officers to ask questions and receive answers from the parent perspective.  The new families were encouraged to join the council and were made welcome as they spoke to council members. 

The PFC is a strong, supportive network of parents led by their advisor, Branka Kristic, Assistant Dean of Students at Hofstra and is a welcome resource to all student families on campus.

The PFC Officers and members spoke to many of the 1750 new incoming freshman and transfer families to relieve their fears, anxieties, and concerns, as we offered the parents tips and suggestions along with the council's continuing support. Parents after speaking with the Council members were invited to join the council to continue building our support network, with many requesting to sign up. They received a link to a Zoom meeting with the Board members to continue making personal connections with the Council and to learn about upcoming parent events at Hofstra, and how they can volunteer. The Parent and Family Council is off to a great start with 2024 - 2025 year, under the leadership of President Kepke and the board. 

Prior to Freshman move-in day, council members and parents volunteered their time to reach out to those that signed up with a personal  phone call to answer any last minute questions and welcome them to the Hofstra community!

These small personal steps help make Hofstra supportive and welcoming to the new families and their students.

by Susan Heilig,

Hofstra Parent and Family Council PR Chair