The search for a new dean, free menstrual products and Black History Month celebrations
BY: Leah Wrazin and Lex Besecker
Your insider guide to the Hofstra Pride. What students really need to know.
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1. HCLAS Dean Search Committee
A search committee composed of department heads and administrators is currently looking for a new dean for the Hofstra College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Benjamin Rifkin, the former dean and professor of the department of comparative literature, languages and linguistics, left in July 2022 for Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey. Since Rifkin’s departure, Daniel Seabold of the department of mathematics has filled the role as acting dean. This past week, candidates Max Friedman and Kiho Kim, both from American University, gave presentations on campus. Two more candidates will be giving presentations on Monday, Feb. 13, and Friday, Feb. 17, and Hofstra students are encouraged to attend at the Cultural Center Theater at 1 p.m. In an email to the Clocktower, Julie Byrne, the chair of the religion department and a member of the search committee, stated that the names of the other two candidates will not be released until 48 hours prior to their presentations due to confidentiality.
2. Free menstrual products in the Student Center
This semester, a new Student Government Association initiative to provide free menstrual products is in effect in six bathrooms in the Student Center. The products can be found in the women’s restrooms in the Student Center basement, the women’s restroom next to the Commuter Student Lounge, both of the gender neutral bathrooms near the SGA office and the women’s restroom on the second floor of the Student Center. Student Government senator and chair of SGA’s Wellness and Campus Safety Committee Kayla Stadeker spearheaded the initiative, collaborating with the organization Aunt Flow, the vice president for Student Enrollment, Engagement and Success Jessica Eads and the director of Student Leadership and Engagement Severino Randazzo to place dispensers in the restrooms. In a video released on SGA’s Instagram page discussing the program, Stadeker said that this is currently a trial run throughout the semester and that she is hoping to expand the program to other bathrooms throughout campus in the near future.
3. Hofstra celebrates Black History Month
February is Black History Month, and Hofstra is hosting several events around campus to celebrate the history and legacy of Black innovators, activists and leaders. Events will be held throughout the month and are detailed on Hofstra University’s events calendar, as well as in an email sent to the student body by Jessica Eads. Some featured events include the Hofstra University Museum of Art’s “When We All Stand” exhibition; the Black History Valentine’s Bash that will be hosted by the Black Student Union, NAACP, Commuter Students Association and the African Student Association on Friday, Feb. 10, in HofUSA; and the Black @ Hofstra event during Common Hour on Wednesday, Feb. 15.
