August 2008

As a member of the Hofstra Law School community, you will receive this monthly update with noteworthy news, developments in and around the Law School, and responses to common student questions. This newsletter is important to read in full because we will also use it to announce policy changes. This month, I will also introduce you to the team in the Dean's Office and provide contact information for important departments around the University.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Free Coffee on Mondays
We all know how hard it is to move past the weekend and back into our regular week schedule. To help with the transition, I am delighted to continue providing free coffee every Monday morning and evening. This program started last year and I really think it helped students gear back up for the week. The coffee is in the Student Lounge on the second floor of the Law School. Help yourselves weekly and enjoy!

Application Amendments for New Students
Every student has an obligation to amend promptly his or her application for admission to the Law School to correct any inaccuracy or omission as of the commencement of the student's first semester of classes. If your application for admission has inaccurate or omitted information, you must notify Elaine M. Bourne, the Senior Assistant Dean for Enrollment Management & Student Services within 60 days. A failure to do so shall constitute a violation of the Code of Academic Conduct. It is important for the information on your application to be accurate and complete when seeking admission to the bar. States require a thorough review of the application during the character and fitness portion of the admission process.

Presidential Debates on October 15, 2008
As a forewarning, all classes on October 15, 2008 are canceled due to the Presidential Debate. The University and Law School will remain open, and all other operations are scheduled to continue as usual. More information will be distributed, but evening classes are to be made up on October 12th and day classes on December 2nd.

Academic Support Programs Coverage
Professor Hillary Burgess has recently joined Professor Gloade in our Academic Support Programs. Professor Astrid Gloade is on leave for part of this fall semester. Please direct all communication to Professor Burgess until Professor Gloade returns. You can reach Professor Burgess in room 220 or email her at hillary.burgess@hofstra.edu

STUDENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Laurel McNeill Wins New York Bar Writing Competition The New York State Bar Association's Special Committee on Animals and the Law presented Laurel McNeill of Huntington Station with its first-place award in its inaugural Student Writing Competition. Laurel received a cash prize of $500 and her paper will receive consideration for publication. Her submission, entitled "Giant Steps: The African Elephant and the United States' Effect on The Survival of The Species," examined U.S. laws and agencies responsible for preventing the extinction of the elephant and suggested ways of doing more. She will graduate from Hofstra Law School in 2010 and was noted for exhibiting the highest quality of research, the most accurate and clear analysis, and the best technical writing. Congratulations!

Luz Gonzalez Appointed ABA 2nd Circuit Executive Lt. Governor Luz Gonzalez, a member of Hofstra Law School's class of 2009, was appointed Executive Lieutenant Governor of the 2nd Circuit. In this capacity she will play a significant role in the advancement and success of the American Bar Association Law Student Division. She was chosen to serve in such a respected and influential leadership position because of her exemplary discipline, maturity, determination, and responsibility. Luz will serve as the liaison between the Governor and the Lt. Governors from the 15 schools located in the 2nd Circuit. Please join me in wishing Luz the best of luck in her new role!

DEPARTMENT CONTACT INFORMATION:

Below are some important phone numbers and email addresses that you might find helpful. Please feel free to always ask for help from these departments and others, at any point.

Academic Records Office
Functions: Class Schedules, Registration, Transcripts
(516) 463-5917 or lawregistrar@hofstra.edu
Law School, Room 114

Academic Support Programs
Functions: Academic Advisement & Support
(516) 463-6568
Law School, Room 219 & 220

Card Services
Functions: ID Cards, Meal Plans
(516) 463-6942 or hofstracard@hofstra.edu
Student Center

Career Services Office
Functions: Career Guidance
(516) 463-5871 or lawcareer@hofstra.edu
Joan Axinn Hall

Enrollment Management Office
Functions: Admissions, Financial Aid
(516) 463-5916 or lawadmissions@hofstra.edu
Law School, Room 250

Health & Wellness Center
Functions: Health Insurance
(516) 463-6745 or wellnesscenter@hofstra.edu
Republic Hall

Information Systems Office
Functions: Computer Support, Email Accounts
(516) 463-4192 or lawhelp@hofstra.edu
Law School, Room 223

Public Safety
Functions: Emergencies, Escorts to Cars, Parking
(516) 463-6789
Information Center on California Ave. & Hempstead Turnpik

Residential Life
Functions: Housing
(516) 463-6930 or reslife@hofstra.edu
Student Center

Student Accounts
Functions: Paying Fees & Tuition, Refund Checks
(516) 463-6828 or studentaccounts@hofstra.edu
Memorial Hall, Room 205

Student Affairs Office
Functions: Academic Advisement, Counseling, Discipline, Disability Needs, Exam Accommodations, and Student Organizations
(516) 463-5771 or 1awstudentaffairs@hofstra.edu
Memorial Hall, Room 205

University Bookstore
Functions: Buy Books & Supplies
(516) 463-6654
Student Center

MEET THE DEAN'S OFFICE

I could not run Hofstra Law School without an outstanding team of administrators. In every Dean's Report I will introduce you to a different department of the Law School's administration. Below is information on the Dean's Office. I hope this information gives you a sense of who does what around Hofstra.

Miriam R. Albert
Vice Dean for Administration

Dean Albert oversees the budget process, long range planning, physical plant issues and human resources. She is assisted by Colleen Scully, available at lawcms@hofstra.edu

Jennifer Gundlach
Vice Dean for Academic Affairs

Dean Gundlach works closely with the faculty on academic related matters, like the curriculum, academic standing and course scheduling. She is supported by Maria Filotti, available at lawmaf@hofstra.edu.

Jeffrey A. Dodge
Assistant Dean for Administration & Operationsand Director of CLE Programs

Dean Dodge oversees the Communications and International Programs departments and works closely on special projects for the Dean's Office. He is assisted by Joanne Masci, available at lawjzm@hofstra.edu.

Laura Pronesti
Executive Assistant to the Dean

Ms. Pronesti provides administrative support, controls the Dean's schedule and oversees the day to day operations of the Dean's Office.

I am excited about this academic year. I know it will be one of Hofstra Law School's best. See you all around the building! Best regards, Nora V. DemleitnerDean and Professor of Law.

Nora V. Demleitner
Dean and Professor of Law