hofstra brand messaging

The Hofstra brand is one of the University's most valuable assets. It is key to advancing our institution and building strong bonds with students, alumni, faculty, donors, and prospects. Hofstra's brand includes both its visual identity and its messaging and language.

Hofstra's mission defines why we exist and reminds both employees and students of what drives us forward.

Values are the core beliefs that guide our behavior. Just as we all have personal values that define us as individuals, at Hofstra, we have values that define us as an institution.

“A strong brand requires that we align to a sense of who we are and how that distinguishes us from competitors.” 

                                                                                                                                 – Hofstra’s Brand Guidelines, 2025

BRAND MESSAGING/BRAND PROMISE

Who we are and how we want to be perceived

• Create opportunities

• Engage with the community

• Foster meaningful relationships

• Drive change

• Build momentum

• Empower students

• Start of something special

• Experiential learning

• Bridging disciplines

• Transfer-friendly

• Legacy of distinction

• Feels like home

• Global perspectives, personal connections

• Small classes, big support

• Big ideas, big opportunities

• Best of all worlds: welcoming campus community, nearby beaches, easy access to NYC

GENERAL MESSAGING TO PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

• Take the next leap

• Make an impact

• Discover where you belong

• Shape your future

• Explore boldly

• Think critically

• Lead confidently

• Amplify your ambitions

• Make your mark

• Create your own path

• Explore new ideas, challenge conventions

• The future is yours

• Stretch, explore, make big moves

• Discover the possibilities

• Welcome home!

• Join the Pride

• Your time to shine

• Feel the energy

• Get ready for greatness

• Theory gets you started. Action gets you mastery.

• Explore. Connect. Flourish.

HOFSTRA MISSION

Situated at the nexus of urban, suburban, and coastal communities, Hofstra University prepares students to thrive in the complexity of life and work in our global society by:

• Cultivating an inclusive, diverse, learning-centered scholarly community, where free inquiry can flourish. 

• Producing original research, scholarship, knowledge, and creative work. 

• Providing excellent teaching in an extensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs with unique opportunities for interdisciplinary study. 

• Empowering students to use their education to realize their dreams and ambitions and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

HOFSTRA VALUES

BELONGING  

We build affirming, resilient relationships based on mutual respect and kindness that exemplify our commitment to diversity, equity, and justice. 

COMMUNITY

We value meaningful, mutually beneficial collaboration with local, regional, national, and global communities.

CREATIVITY

We bring a creative growth mindset to everything we do.

DISCOVERY

We pursue excellence through the generation, acquisition, and application of knowledge.

INTEGRITY

We embrace a culture of mutual respect and ethical behavior and a commitment to civil discourse and the free and open exchange of ideas.

MESSAGING PERSONALITY

Catalyst (Hofstra helps you achieve more. Working together, we push you, we guide you, and we are determined to see you flourish.)

MESSAGING TONE

Encouraging (Hofstra is life-changing. We provide real understanding and support, always with an optimistic, friendly outlook. We do not minimize concerns or deliver platitudes.)

Active (We are catalysts, helping students out of their comfort zones into new exciting opportunities. We engage, we encourage, we convey energy and momentum.)

Collaborative (We foster dialogue and always communicate a desire to help. We are there for our students. We speak to and with our audiences, not at them.)

Bold (We are fearlessly pursuing a bold path with passion. Our deep experience and the breadth and depth of our solutions enable us to be inspiring and confident.)

MESSAGING THEMES

• Action and Opportunity: innovative programs, new offerings, interdisciplinary learning, internships, personalized support

• Relationship Building: meaningful relationships with faculty, inclusive culture, friendships with other students, belonging, integrity, community, identity

• Strength from all sides: coming together of interdisciplinary learning, location, school size, breadth of offerings, welcoming atmosphere; strong teaching and scholarship; confidence that Hofstra offers academic richness, cultural options, and a secure and inclusive campus

PROSPECTIVE UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT MESSAGING

• Boldly chart your own course

• Hofstra nurtures creativity and discovery

• We provide all the support you need

• Hofstra’s interdisciplinary programs foster new ways to problem solve, new ways to think, and new opportunities for career readiness

• Hofstra’s strong partnerships with industry leaders provide students with collaborative experiences and unmatched opportunities.

PROSPECTIVE GRADUATE STUDENT MESSAGING

• Advance your career at Hofstra

• Prime location, where industry and career growth intersect

• Learn from leaders who are experts in your discipline

PROSPECTIVE PARENT MESSAGING

• Every student is seen, heard, and empowered to achieve their goals.

• Culture of support

• “Hofstra feels like home.”

• We provide tools, guidance, and unique learning experiences to ensure that students exceed their goals.

DONORS/ALUMNI MESSAGING

• Your journey with Hofstra doesn’t end at graduation! The Hofstra community always has your back.

• Once a part of Hofstra, always a part of Hofstra.

• Continue to shape Hofstra’s future – a legacy that grows stronger with each generation.