By Samantha Manning

The University will implement a new approach towards assisting students in their college experience through a widespread on-campus campaign entitled “Focus on Students.” The development of the campaign has resulted in the reorganization of the Office of Student Affairs.

The need for a change in the department was prompted by research on student experiences, as well as input from faculty members. Surveys were conducted on student satisfaction levels in different programs in order to interpret feedback from students. Staff members also discussed their own experiences with students and specified the particular function that they provided to the office of Student Affairs. It was determined that creating a collaborated effort within the department will make faculty members more accessible to students, explained Sandra Johnson, vice president of Student Affairs.

The New Student Support Services and Advisement Office will merge in order to provide students with sufficient support throughout their academic career at the University. Faculty members have been reassigned to different positions within the department in order to suitably fulfill each new position. Dean of Students, Gina Crance, has been reassigned to an advisory role.

Each new student will be provided with an academic advisor, as will rising sophomores and juniors. After a major is declared, students will also have a faculty advisor for specified assistance in their field of choice. Each student will ultimately have a number of personal advisors for different areas in need of assistance. For example, each student will be assigned a financial aid counselor.

Included in the new “Focus on Students” program, will be the development of the Office of Orientation and New Student Programs. The office will provide orientation programs throughout the year, rather than strictly during summer sessions. Many of the programs will take place in the Netherlands Core building, which will undergo renovations. There will be class-based programs as well, in an effort to give students a sense of connection with their peers.

Also new to campus is the Parent and Family Programs, which provide services for families throughout a student’s academic career.

Vice President Johnson has also initiated hosting informal dinners at her home in which residential assistants, Student Government Association senate representatives, and other undergraduate students may attend. Johnson has already hosted nine dinners that have helped her to communicate with students first hand.

Students can access the department’s Web site through either the Hofstra portal or through Hofstra.edu/focus. There will be a virtual suggestion box for students to express their views to the organization.

The Focus on Students program will be in full effect in the Fall 2007 semester.