
Frequently asked questions
A: 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, and after being equipped with the tools necessary, you will be asked to undertake a community service project (or projects) within your own community involving at least 100 hours of service during the year following your seminar. The purpose is to make a difference in your school, community, place of worship, or any other environment where you see a need.
A: Most of the meetings will be held in Smith Hall on the campus of Troy University in Troy, Alabama. Most meals will be prepared by Troy staff and served in the on-campus dining hall. Everyone will receive breakfast, lunch, dinner, and healthy snacks. Participants will be assigned to on-campus dorm rooms. Dorms are separated by gender and HOBY Ambassadors will stay on floors reserved exclusively for the seminar. While the dorm rooms are fully furnished, you will need to bring the following: bed sheets, blanket, pillow, towels, wash cloths, soap, shampoo, and any other toiletry items.
A: Parents, friends, and family members are discouraged from calling students during the Seminar due to the confusion created when meetings are interrupted. However, Ambassadors are free to use their phones in their dorm rooms at the end of each day. In case of emergency, your parent(s) or guardian may call the Troy University Police at (334) 670-3215, Monday thru Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All other times please call (334) 670-1999. The Seminar will be chaperoned by qualified male and female adults who will be staying at the facility 24 hours a day.
A: Attire is casual throughout most of the weekend. Shorts, jeans, and skirts are perfectly acceptable for Friday and Saturday. You will be provided a HOBY t-shirt to wear on Saturday. Attire for Sunday is business casual. This typically means a collared shirt and slacks, a dress, or a shirt and skirt.
A: You are responsible for transportation to and from the seminar. Ambassadors who drive themselves to HOBY are required to turn in their car keys to HOBY Staff at registration. No Ambassadors should leave campus during the three-day seminar without the Leadership Seminar Chairperson’s permission.
A: If circumstances arise that prevent you from attending the seminar, 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 the Alabama Leadership Seminar Chairperson (LeighAshton Nuss, at questions@alabamahoby.org) so we may adjust our records and obtain an alternate student from your school to attend the seminar.
A: Additional questions or concerns should be directed to LeighAshton Nuss, HOBY Leadership Seminar
Chairperson. LeighAshton can be reached by email at questions@alabamahoby.org
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