{Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where will the seminar be held?
University of Richmond. The school is located at 39 Westhampton Way, Richmond, VA 23173.
When will the seminar be held?
The seminar will be held June 4 – June 6, 2010. Registration will be between 9-11AM. Due to liability, and fairness to all students, all participants must be present for the entire seminar, including overnight. Closing ceremonies will be at noon on Sunday June 6, 2010 at the Cannon Chapel on the University of Richmond campus. Parents are more than welcome to attend this event!
Where should I go when I arrive?
Registration for the VA HOBY Seminar will take place in Gray Court Residence Hall on the University of Richmond campus. The hall is listed as number 39 on this campus map and located on Lakeview Lane. Signs will direct parking and signify the registration area. Registration will start at 9AM and go until 11AM on Friday, June 4, 2010.
What kind of program is planned?
HOBY students, to whom we refer as “Ambassadors,” participate in interactive activities that build their already inherent leadership skills. The seminar’s emphasis on service motivates the Ambassadors to make positive contributions to their schools and communities, thus making them more active, aware, and responsible citizens. All discussions, activities, and presentations center on the theme “Leadership Through Service.” During the HOBY VA 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. Ambassadors will be asked to undertake a community service project(s) involving at least 100 hours during the year following their seminar to make a difference in their school, community, or other environment where they see a need. The program also includes an outstanding keynote speaker, fun social events, team building exercises, and a special closing ceremony to which families are invited.
What are the accommodations like?
Participants will be assigned to a dormitory room shared with another ambassador on floors reserved exclusively for the seminar. You will share a bath with the second of two rooms in your suite. YOU NEED TO SUPPLY ALL NECESSARY BEDDING (I.E., SHEETS/SLEEPING BAG, PILLOW CASE, BLANKETS, ETC.) AS WELL AS A TOWEL(S) AND TOILETRIES. While the U. of Richmond will provide a pillow, you may want to bring your own pillow. Everyone will receive a nutritious breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. The dining hall offers a wide variety of choices in food so it can accommodate anyone's special dietary requirements. Your first meal will be lunch on Friday so it is important that you eat breakfast before you arrive on campus.
What are the transportation arrangements?
You are responsible for your transportation to and from the seminar. Please include all details of your itinerary on the Participant Confirmation Form. There is detailed transportation information in the pre-seminar packet of material.
Will I need any cash during the seminar?
No. Your housing, meals, and snacks will all be provided. There will be a HOBY Store set up on Friday during check-in and again Sunday during check-out. If you would like to purchase HOBY items, you can do so at these times. Cash or checks are accepted (NO credit cards).
Can my parents attend on Sunday?
Your family may attend our closing ceremonies on Sunday, June 6, 2010 beginning at noon. Closing ceremonies will be held at the Cannon Memorial Chapel on campus.
What if I am unable to attend the seminar?
If circumstances arise that prevent you from attending the entire seminar, we would like to give another student the opportunity to attend. Please return the forms you received to the person at your school who selected you and follow up with a call to Ann Shelton, 804-598-4694.
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. These forms will be made available shortly. Make sure to read and comply with the Policy for Use of Medication during a HOBY event. A paramedic and EMT will be available during the entire seminar just in case any emergencies do arise.
If necessary, how may students 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, parent(s) or guardian(s) may call the seminar phone number provided to them at registration. The seminar will be chaperoned by qualified adults who will be staying at the facility 24 hours a day. Students will be required to leave cell phones in the dorm during all seminar activities. The seminar will also be providing real-time updates for parents and family members via Twitter. Please consult the information you receive at registration to follow the seminar on Twitter.
Who pays for the seminar?
Students' schools, parents, or sponsors 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 Virginia, including businesses, foundations, individuals, and service organizations wishing to support leadership education.
What should students wear at the seminar?
Dress is casual and comfortable throughout the weekend; however, please be respectful of the fact that we will have professional speakers visiting the seminar. Ambassadors will be provided a HOBY t-shirt upon arrival and will be asked to wear that t-shirt on Saturday. We recommend jeans, slacks or shorts rather than skirts, as we are involved in some physical activities. Dress for Sunday's closing activities is "dress-up" or "Sunday best." The following attire is not permitted at any time: strapless shirts/tube tops, tops with spaghetti straps, tank tops, bare-midriffs, exposure of undergarments, short shorts, mini skirts, clothing with profane or offensive language or graphics, torn clothing, and clothing with holes.
What about religious services?
HOBY VA does not provide religious services for ambassadors. Students are not allowed to leave campus to attend services on Sunday. We suggest that students wishing to attend services the week of the HOBY seminar plan to do so before the seminar or Sunday evening after the seminar, if at all possible.
What transportation arrangements have been made?
Ambassadors are responsible for their transportation to and from the seminar. The University of Richmond is located conveniently in the center of Virginia, so travel should not be too time-consuming from any one part of the Commonwealth.
Who may I contact should I have additional questions?
Additional questions or concerns should be directed to Stephen Lewia, Volunteer Leadership Seminar Chairperson, at slewia@vahoby.org. During the seminar, you can call (804) 662-3622 for any questions or concerns.