For general questions about the academic year, please refer to the Academic Calendar. For a schedule of class meetings per year, please refer to the left-hand menu on the Office of Career Advising page.
Absences
How do I report an absence?
Please refer to the Attendance Policies for the First 100 Weeks and Second 100 Weeks. A link to the absence reporting form can be found on the Attendance Policies page or the forms page.
Bills
When/ How do I receive my bills?
Information about billing, deadlines, and disbursement can be found on the Zucker School of Medicine website under the Office of Student Finance.
Conferences and Funding Application
How do I obtain funding to attend a conference through the school?
The Office of Student Affairs has a Conference Funding and Attendance Guideline. The Office of Student Affairs offers up to $1,500 for MD candidates that meet the requirements stated in the policy, and other funds for PhD candidates. Please fill out the form noted in the policy to be considered for this funding. Applications are reviewed and approved on a weekly basis.
I’m a current student leader and would like to host a conference at the school. Who should I speak to?
When planning for a conference, it’s important to consider a few logistical details such as available dates, resources, and legal agreements . In addition, students must obtain prior approval before submitting a bid for any conference. Please schedule an appointment with the Office of Student Affairs and review these points prior to see if your organization is eligible.
Emergency Response Plan
Does the School of Medicine have an evacuation plan in case of an emergency?
The Office of Student Affairs encourages all students to make themselves familiar with the different sites they will rotate through and both Hofstra University and Northwell Health's emergency response plans. The School of Medicine buildings are located on Hofstra University's campus and Hostra's Emergency Response Planis available on their website. Students are strongly encouraged to wear their medical school ID cards at all times while present in the building. Fire drills and active shooter response workshops will be held throughout the academic year and advertised to the student body.
Event Planning
I’m a student leader. Where can I find the Event Form?
Current student leaders should visit the Event Management page on the Student Council website to start planning their event.
Forms
Where can I find a list of student forms (such as an LOA form)?
Links to updated versions of most student forms can be found by visiting the Student Forms page on the Student Life section of the Zucker School of Medicine website.
Health Compliance, Appointments, and Flu Shots
Where can I schedule an appointment for health clearance or a flu shot? How do I schedule an appointment with EHS?
The Office of Student Records coordinates an annual flu shot clinic at the SOM. An email will be sent out from somregistrar@hofstra.edu in late September/early October with details on the date and how to sign up for a flu shot.
To schedule an appointment for your annual compliance, follow up, or receive a flu shot, please call Employee Health Services (EHS) at (718) 470-5350. Please identify that you are a current medical student and bring identification with you to all appointments.
To request a copy of your medical records, please email EHS@northwell.edu and copy medicine.students@hofstra.edu.
To submit documents for your health compliance (such as TB results), email EHScompliance@northwell.edu and copy medicine.students@hofstra.edu
I received my influenza vaccination at a site other than Employee Health Services. How do I go about letting them know?
Please upload documentation containing proof of Influenza vaccination to the Employee Health Portal. Once this documentation has been approved by Employee Health Services, you will receive an email notification and will be given the option to either pick up your flu badge from the Office of Student Affairs or have one mailed to you. Please note that the declination of the vaccine is also completed in the portal.
Questions regarding access to the Employee Health Portal, or any additional questions related to this process should be directed to: SOMRegistrar@hofstra.edu.
I need to have my PPD (TB) test read. Where can I do this & what do I do when I’m done?
PPD readings can be done during annual health compliance visits, at Hofstra’s Wellness Center (with an appointment), at Employee Health Services (with an appointment), or by any clinician who has been trained. We suggest that whoever attests to this documentation be a practicing clinician and not be a Zucker School of Medicine faculty member to avoid conflicts of interest.
Is there a list of recommended physicians?
The Office of Student Affairs links to a list of recommended physicians for both physicians and mental health services each week at the bottom of each class council’s weekly email under “Student Support Services.” Please contact the Office of Student Affairs if you cannot locate these services.
Lost ID Cards
How do I get a new Zucker School of Medicine (Hofstra ID) card?
Current students who have lost their Hofstra ID should obtain a new card by Campus Access and Security Systems Office in the Hofstra Student Center. There is a fee for lost ID cards and students will need their license to obtain a new one. Current students are expected to have their Zucker School of Medicine ID cards on them at all times.
Insurance
For more information about insurance, visit the Student Health Insurance Requirements page. Information on the current Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) offered by Hofstra University can be found here.If you decide to enroll in this plan, please fill out this form. For any other questions please contact the Office of Student Affairs.
Northwell Access(Second 100 Weeks)
I lost my Northwell ID. Where can I get a new one?
Current students can visit the Northwell Security Office at 1991 Marcus Ave, Suite 301 in Lake Success to get a new ID. Hours are 9 AM - 3 PM. Please call beforehand (516) 472-6034 to make an appointment and let them know you are a current medical student. Please bring your medical student ID, a letter of enrollment, and a driver’s license with you to the appointment. To obtain a letter of enrollment, please reach out to the Office of Student Records.
How do I access the Northwell Virtual Portal?
Virtual Portal access is granted for students participating in summer research or at the beginning of your third year. If you are a current student participating in summer research, please email medicine.omsr@hofstra.edu. If you are beginning your third year and need help with access, please email SOMCLINICAL@hofstra.edu.
How do I go about changing my name in the Hofstra/Northwell systems?
In order to change your name with both Hofstra University and Northwell, please visit the Student Records website and fill out the appropriate form. Unfortunately, at this point, neither Hofstra University or Northwell will be able to change your email addresses. Display names on your ID badges and portals will be updated to reflect your new name in both institutions. Please plan to obtain a new Northwell and SOM ID badge. Please allow 5-7 business days for these changes to take place.
New Student Inquiries
I’m an accepted/deposited student. What do I need to do prior to my arrival?
Congratulations! We’re excited to welcome you to the Zucker School of Medicine community. Please log on to your my.hofstra portal to view the pre-matriculation requirements (released in March and updated through July). These items may include but are not limited to orientation dates, registration authorization, health requirements, insurance requirements, housing and more. The Office of Student Affairs will also send correspondence to your personal email and your Hofstra Pride email to notify you of upcoming deadlines.
Please note that all financial aid forms, health forms, or other personally identifiable information should be sent using the instructions provided on your portal. These documents must be uploaded through a secure data collection platform.
If you have any questions about this information, please contact us by calling (516) 463-7347 or emailing medicine.students@hofstra.edu.
I am currently enrolled in another institution and plan to finish my degree after I have started medical school. Is this something that I can do?
The Zucker School of Medicine does not allow students to matriculate while maintaining active matriculation in another degree-granting institution. If you are currently enrolled in a degree-granting program, we suggest that you defer completion until the summer between your first and second years of medical school or confirm program completion prior to your arrival. During those free months, you are free to matriculate as a student in another institution and complete it by the time your second year starts. If you have additional concerns, please reach out to our office.
My transcript will arrive later than the anticipated due date. What should I do?
The Office of Student Affairs requires that students send a completed transcript prior to their matriculation. We understand that some institutions may require several weeks to process this information and suggest you request this early. Digital versions can be sent directly to somregistrar@hofstra.edu.
If you think the transcript will not be sent in on time, please email somregistrar@hofstra.edu to let us know.
Do I have to complete my health clearance(EHS) forms prior to my arrival?
Yes, even if you plan on completing your pre-matriculation health requirements with a personal care physician, your forms need to be filled out and submitted. Please fill these out by the due date and send them to the email listed on the form.
How should I note the school's health insurance on EHS forms?
Please put “Zucker School of Medicine Health Insurance” or provide the carrier and group name if it is available to you.
Do I need to include my New York address on the EHS forms?
No, you can leave this blank or put your home address and update it upon your arrival.
I’m an incoming student and currently on my parent’s/spouse’s health insurance plan. Can I remain on this plan?
There are several health insurance plan requirements that a personal plan must meet in order to be accepted. Details of these requirements can be found here. If you have comparable coverage elsewhere, you must complete a student health insurance waiver process by the end of July. Any students who does not receive an accepted waiver will automatically be enrolled and billed for Hofstra University Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). Information on how to waive the SHIP Plan will be provided on your portal when the waiver period is active
What textbooks do I need to start? What supplies do I need to start? Is there any pre-work for me to do?
Please log onto your myHofstra portal and review the information in the Pre-Work Requirements (posted in July), including a letter from the Office of Curriculum Support, a textbook list and supply list.
I am not sure what size to put down for my EMS Uniform/Scrubs. Can you offer some guidance?
The scrubs are your own personal pair to use in our Structure lab. The scrub sizes are unisex and tend to run large (approximately 2 sizes up). The temperature in the Structure Lab is normally cold and you are permitted to wear layers underneath your scrubs. Please take this into account when ordering sizes.
EMT uniforms are unisex. EMT shirts are a short sleeve, button down shirt and will have to be tucked into your pants during the shift. EMT pants sit high at your natural waist. Please refer to the EMT forms for references.
What are my housing options?
The Office of Residence Life is pleased to offer a comfortable living environment geared towards meeting the diverse needs of our medical students. All medical students who wish to reside on campus live in the Graduate Residence Hall. The Graduate Residence Hall is a five-story residential facility composed of 58 fully furnished suites. Some suites offer three, or four single bedrooms, while other suites have two double bedrooms where students share a bedroom with a roommate. For more information about living on campus please visit Hofstra.edu/reslife.
The Office of Student Affairs has provided several resources (listed on your myHofstra portal) to find available living spaces off campus. In addition, your class Facebook page is a place where roommates have found each other prior to matriculation. The Office of Student Affairs can provide general guidance about the rental process on Long Island. The Office of Student Finance is available to discuss budgeting and what works for your personal financial situation.
I am looking for additional information on Hofstra’s insurance plan and don’t see any listed. When will this be available and what do I need to do to sign up?
Additional information on Hofstra’s insurance plan effective 8/1/2021 will be released over the summer when Hofstra University confirms its contract with the insurance carrier. We anticipate this information will be available around July 1st. The current healthcare plan can be viewed here. This will be the plan that you will use for July 2021. New plan coverage begins on August 1st. Plan coverage and rates subject to change from the current plan for the 2021-2022 academic year. If you decide to enroll in our plan, please fill out this form. Please put your NY address if available; if not, we will ask you to update this after you arrive.
I am a linkage student and have not taken my MCATs yet. Should I still submit my forms?
Yes, we are aware that your MCAT scores are still pending but would like to collect your information. Please submit your pre-matriculation information (listed on your myHofstra portal) on time. In addition, we suggest that you delay larger expenses, such as supplies, textbooks and laptop purchases until your enrollment is confirmed
Am I required to have a car or personal vehicle for medical school? Do I need a license?
Students travel between different site locations as part of the educational experience as soon as the first year of medical school.
Please review the transportation policy found here. Hofstra University offers campus shuttles and ZipCars. Shuttle schedules and train information can be found here.
Students are required to have a valid driver’s license. You will be asked to upload this information on your portal.
Where do I pick up my Northwell ID? Will I have parking privileges at Northwell Health sites?
Your Northwell ID will be distributed by the Office of Student Affairs upon matriculation. Students will receive access to park in the employee parking lots at certain Northwell sites.
Poster Printing
Are there funds available for students to print posters for conferences/Scholarship Day?
The Office of Student Affairs will print posters for approved student conferences at no cost to the student. Please email a final version of your poster in PDF format to medicine.students@hofstra.edu two weeks prior to the date needed.
Registrar Requests
How can I request a letter of enrollment, good standing, or one for jury duty stating that I'm a full-time student?
Please visit the Student Records website and fill out the appropriate form. Email the Zucker School of Medicine Registrar (somregistrar@hofstra.edu) for any questions or concerns. Please note that these requests normally take about 72 hours.
Who can help complete my registration forms for USMLE Step 1?
Instructions for USMLE Step 1 registration can be found on the Student Records website.
Who can help complete my registration forms for USMLE Step 2?
Instructions for USMLE Step 2 registration can be found on the Student Records website.
White Coat
I would like to purchase an extra/replace my white coat. How do I go about getting a new one?
If you would like to order a new or additional white coat, please email medicine.students@hofstra.edu with your white coat size and if you would prefer a male or female coat. Additional coats cost $30.00. Orders can be paid for in cash or personal check, made out to Hofstra University. Orders take approximately 3 weeks to be delivered.
Please keep in mind that students will receive two additional coats when they transition to their third year. One coat will be personalized with your name and the other will only include the ZSOM and Northwell logo.