Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where will the seminar be held?
A. The seminar will take place at St. John’s University located at 8000 Utopia Parkway, Queens, NY 11439.
Q. When will the seminar be held?
A. The seminar will take place starting 7:00 AM Friday May 30 – 2:30 PM Sunday June 1, 2008. You must be present for the entire seminar, including overnight stay.
Q. Where should I go when I arrive on Friday May 30?
A. Please report to Donovan Hall on the St. John’s University campus for registration. Registration will remain open from 7:00 AM – 8:30 AM on Friday May 30.
Q. Where can my parents / guardians pick me up on Sunday June 1?
A. On Sunday June 1, your parents are invited to attend a Parent’s Luncheon Fundraiser at 12:00 PM and the Closing Ceremonies at 1:00 PM. However, if your parents cannot attend the luncheon or the closing ceremonies, they can pick you up at 2:00 PM at Donovan Hall.
Q. What can I expect from the seminar?
A. You should expect to experience a dynamic, energetic, and fun weekend! During your HOBY Leadership Seminar, many leaders—all volunteers from the fields of business, education, government, and other professions—will address aspects of our changing world and the challenges future leaders will confront. The program will not promote any specific political party, religion, or way of thinking; but is designed to develop critical thinking skills by actively involving participants in discussions and informal debate. You will have the opportunity to interact with these leaders, participate in leadership challenges and team building exercises, and meet other passionate students in the New York metro area. There will be over 150 schools represented across New York City, Long Island, and Westchester and Rockland counties.
Q. Am I required to sleep on campus?
A. Yes. Since your day will begin at 8:00 AM and end at 10:00 PM, we require students to stay on campus during the entire seminar.
Q. What are my accommodations like?
A. You will be assigned to dorm rooms with two to three ambassadors per room on floors reserved exclusively for the seminar. Dorm rooms are furnished with beds, dressers, and an air conditioner. St. John’s University will not be providing bed linens, blankets, towels, or pillows. Please bring these items with you to the seminar.
Q. What do I need to bring to the seminar?
A. Please bring with you clothing, sleepwear, toiletries, bed sheets and blanket (twin bed) or sleeping bag, towel, pillow, alarm clock, and any other personal items you will need during the weekend. All other supplies and materials that you will need during the day will be provided to you. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will also be provided (except breakfast on Friday May 30). However, feel free to bring additional snacks or beverages to have in your dorm room at the end of the day.
Q. What if I need to take medication while I am at the seminar?
A. Please provide information about your medication on the Medical History Records Form and bring the Physician Medication Verification Form with you to the seminar (documents are included in the Seminar Registration Packet). Make sure to read and comply with the Policy for Use of Medication During a HOBY Event.
Q. What is the dress code?
A. Please wear comfortable, casual clothing as you will be participating in leadership and team building exercises and workshops throughout the day. On Sunday, you may choose to “dress up” but it is not required.
Q. What is the cell phone policy?
A. While you are allowed to bring a cell phone with you to the seminar, cell phone usage should be limited to the end of the day when you return to the dormitories or during meal breaks. We will not tolerate cell phone usage during any other time.
Q. If necessary, how may I be contacted during the seminar?
A. We encourage you to call your parents / guardians at the conclusion of each day or during meal breaks. Parents, friends, and family members are strongly discouraged from calling students during the seminar due to the disruption to panels and activities. In case of emergency, your parent(s) or guardian may call Ann Marie Hollywood at 347-409-9169 or Resa Macalisang at 917-209-8653. The seminar will be chaperoned by qualified adults who will be staying at the facility 24 hours a day.
Q. Who pays for the seminar?
A. Your school or parent has paid $150 Registration Fee. All costs for meals, lodging and training materials have been generously provided by sponsors, including businesses, foundations, individuals, and service organizations wishing to support leadership education.
Q. What about religious services?
A. Services will be available for ambassadors on Sunday; there will also be provision for a non-denominational service in the schedule. All ambassadors must sign up for one of the Sunday morning options.
Q. What transportation arrangements have been made?
A. You are responsible for your transportation to and from the seminar. Please include all details of your itinerary on the enclosed Participant Confirmation Form. If you have last minute transportation problems up to Wednesday May 28, please notify Ann Marie Hollywood at 347-409-9169.
Q. What if I am unable to attend the seminar?
A. If circumstances arise that prevent you from attending the entire seminar, including overnight stay, we would like to give another student the opportunity to attend. Please return these forms to the person at your school who selected you, and follow up with a call to Ann Marie Hollywood at 347-409-9169 or Resa Macalisang at 917-209-8653.
Q. What action should I take now?
A. With your parent or guardian, carefully review, complete, sign, and return the seminar registration forms to HOBY NY Metro no later than April 15, 2008. If you did not receive the seminar registration forms please Download Seminar Registration Forms here.