Frequently Asked Questions
HOBY is a unique, exciting, life-enhancing opportunity for our student ambassadors. Since HOBY is unlike any other leadership or high school program, we anticipate students, parents, and schools will have several questions. Please review the answers to the most frequently asked questions below. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact us.
Where and when will the seminar be held?
The HOBY NY Metro Leadership Seminar will be back in-person this year and will take place at Adelphi University in Garden City, New York. The Seminar will take place on June 2-4, 2023.
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What kind of program is planned?
During your HOBY Leadership Seminar, many dynamic 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. During the seminar, you will be asked to undertake a community service project(s) involving at least 100 hours during the year following your seminar, to make a difference in your school, community, place of worship, or other environment where you see a need. The program also includes outstanding speakers, leadership activities, social events, and a special closing ceremony to which your parents are invited.
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What if I am unable to attend the seminar?
If circumstances arise that prevent you from attending the entire seminar, including overnight, 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 an email to Rachel Fisher (r.fischer@hobynymetro.org), Director of Recruitment and Ambassador Relations
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What is the dress code for the seminar?
Dress is casual throughout the weekend. Sunday is “dress-up”, but it is not required. Please wear sneakers or comfortable footwear as there will be a lot of walking. At registration, you will be given a HOBY t-shirt which you will be required to wear on both Friday and Saturday. Since you will be wearing the same t-shirt on back-to-back days, you may want to pack an undershirt or tank top to wear underneath the HOBY t-shirt.
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Where should I go when I arrive on Friday?
Registration runs between 7:00 AM and 8:15 AM on Friday June 2, 2023 at Adelphi University in Garden City, NY. Enter the facility and proceed to the Earle Dormitory where the HOBY volunteer committee members will greet you and check you in. Click here to view a map of the campus. Additional information can be found in the Seminar Registration package, which will be emailed to you no later than May 2023.
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Where can I be picked up on Sunday?
You can be picked on Sunday June 4, 2023 at 12:30 pm at Earle Hall.
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Who pays for the seminar?
Your school or parent has paid a Registration Fee and will provide transportation to and from the seminar. All costs for meals, lodging and training materials have been generously provided by sponsors throughout our state, including businesses, foundations, individuals, and service organizations wishing to support leadership education.
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What are the accommodations like?
You will be assigned to a dorm room with one or two other student ambassadors. Communal bathrooms and showers are available on each floor and wing of the dormitory. Ambassadors are responsible to bring sheets, pillows, blankets, and towels. You are encouraged to bring these items with you to the seminar.
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Will meals be served?
Yes. Everyone will receive nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. However, breakfast will NOT be served on Friday morning so please plan accordingly and bring a snack and/or eat breakfast before arriving at HOBY that day. Additionally, Lunch will NOT be served on Sunday as the seminar will conclude at 12:30pm. Your first meal at HOBY will be lunch on Friday. On the Medical History Records Form, please indicate any special dietary considerations, including vegetarianism, and we will do our best to accommodate you. Also, please feel free to bring additional beverages or snacks you may want to consume between meals or at night when returning to the dormitory.
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What about religious services?
Due to a variety of reasons, we are unable to provide religious services opportunities.
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What transportation arrangements have been made?
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 Thursday, June 1st, 2023, please notify Daniele Baierlein at danielebaierlein@gmail.com.
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What should I pack and bring to the seminar?
All seminar supplies and meals will be provided, so you only need to pack items for an overnight stay. This may include, but is not limited to casual appropriate attire (e.g., jeans, shorts, etc.), sunglasses, sunblock, sheets, pillows, blankets, towels, toiletries, hairdryer, mobile phone, camera, and any medication you require. Also, please feel free to bring additional beverages or snacks to consume in between meals or at night when returning to the dormitory. While you will not need money at the seminar, you may want to bring some change or small bills to use for the vending machines. Ambassadors are also encouraged to bring a small fan as the rooms are not air conditioned.
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What if I need to take medication while I am at the seminar?
Please provide information about your medication on the Medical History Records Form and bring the Physician Medication Verification Form with you to the seminar. Make sure to read and comply with the Policy for Use of Medication during a HOBY event.
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What is the COVID protocol for the seminar?
For the safety of our student ambassadors, staff, and hosting university, this year we will require all HOBY New York Metro ambassadors and staff to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Fully vaccinated is defined as either (1) the full primary vaccine and/or an additional booster were received prior to the seminar date or; (2) the full primary dose must be received at least two weeks before the seminar date. Additional recent boosters are strongly encouraged for the safety of student ambassadors and staff. Due to the unpredictability of COVID-19, we may need to put in place other safety measures as the seminar draws near. We will also strongly encourage all ambassadors to have a negative COVID test 72-hours before the start of the seminar.
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If necessary, how may I be contacted during the seminar?
Parents, friends, and family members are discouraged from calling students during the seminar due to the disruption caused to panels and activities. In case of emergency, your parent(s) or guardian may email Sixto Ivan Arias, Leadership Seminar Chair, at s.arias@hobynymetro.org with a call back number. The seminar will be chaperoned by qualified adults who will be staying at the facility 24 hours a day.
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Who may I contact should I have additional questions?
Additional questions or concerns should be directed to Rachel Fisher (r.fischer@hobynymetro.org), Director of Recruitment and Ambassador Relations