Frequently Asked Questions

For Students, Parents, and Schools

 

  1. The student who registered can’t be there on time/has to leave early or has an event in the middle of the seminar, what should I do?
      • We generally try to avoid having a student arrive late or leave early except for a specific, unavoidable reason – i.e. AP Exams, family obligations, etc. Reasons like a sports event, prom, etc. are not good reasons. If something like that pops up, please ask the school to send the registered alternate student.  If a student needs to leave and return in the middle of the seminar for a reason that cannot be avoided, please inform the Leadership Seminar Chair in advance. A parent/guardian will have to complete paperwork with details of the student’s plan to leave and return.

     

  2. How should a school select a student?
      • There is no one right answer to this question. Some schools choose a student they think would be a good fit; some ask students to write essays, and some select a person who does a lot of volunteering. Leadership comes in many forms, and HOBY helps guide all types of leaders!
      • The people who get the most out of HOBY are those who approach it with an open mind and a desire to better themselves, their communities, and those around them.
      • Selecting a student for the first time, and want some guidance or information from our team? Contact the Director of Recruitment (contact information in #18)!

     

  3. I’m an ambassador attending the seminar- where should I go when I arrive? 
      • Registered ambassadors will receive information about seminar arrival time and location from the Recruitment Team prior to the seminar. Please be on the lookout for this information, and direct any questions to the Director of Recruitment (contact information in #18).

     

  4. What kind of program is planned? 
      • During your HOBY 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 hands-on activities. At HOBY, we help teach Ambassadors how to think, not what to think.
      • During the seminar, you will participate in multiple community service projects that benefit the local area. After the seminar, you will be asked to seek out and complete at least 100 hours of community service during the year following your seminar, to make a difference in your school, community, place of worship, or another environment where you see a need. (Learn more in the Alumni tab!) 
      • The program also includes outstanding speakers, leadership activities, social events, and more. On Sunday, there will be a special closing ceremony, which your friends and family are invited to attend.

     

  5. What are the accommodations like? 
      • Participants will be assigned to dorm rooms with a minimum of two ambassadors in each room on floors reserved exclusively for the seminar. Please plan to pack everything you need for a weekend in a dorm setting, and see #6 for more information.
      • Everyone will receive nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. The majority of meals will be served cafeteria-style or buffet-style, with a salad bar available. The first meal served will be lunch on Thursday afternoon.
      • On the Medical History Records Form, please indicate any special dietary considerations or restrictions, whether due to allergy or choice, and we will do our best to ensure that all meals and snacks will accommodate you. Our University Dining partners will make options available for your specific needs!

     

  6. What should I pack to attend the seminar?
      • Seminar accommodations will be in a college residence hall setting, and items such as towels, twin-size bedding, pillows, shower shoes, and toiletries will not be provided.
      • Click here to view the HOBY Oklahoma Suggested Seminar Packing List for an idea of what to bring.
      • We highly recommend bringing a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day and between meals! Fill stations will be available in the facilities and during meals.
      • If any other items are required or recommended, Ambassadors will receive additional information from the Recruitment Team before the seminar.
      • Ambassadors will be provided shirt(s) to be worn on specific days of the seminar. Sunday closing service attire is snappy casual.

     

  7. 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.  This form will be available when the required Pre-Seminar Materials are sent out in the spring. If you need another copy or have any questions about this form, please contact a Leadership Seminar Chair (contact information in #18). Make sure to read and comply with the Policy for Use of Medication During a HOBY Event.

     

  8. Why should I consider bringing spending money?
      • There will likely be opportunities to use vending machines on campus, or opportunities to use spending money for similar items. However, all meals and some snacks will be provided.
      • HOBY-branded merchandise will be available for purchase during the seminar, and payment methods include Venmo, Cash App, PayPal, cash, or check.

     

  9. I have specific dietary restrictions or food allergies- will there be food available to meet my needs?
      • Yes, when the Pre-Seminar materials are sent out in the spring, please indicate any food accommodations or restrictions you have.  We will alert your senior staff member and SWOSU to ensure that there are available options for everyone.
      • Most meals will be served either cafeteria-style or buffet-style, and will include a salad bar, providing many options for your preferences and needs. University Dining will make arrangements for alternative, allergy-friendly items for all participants with an allergy or dietary restriction.
      • Contact a Leadership Seminar Chair (contact information in #18) with any questions or additional information.  We will work with you, your parent/guardian, HOBY Staff, and University Staff to make sure you have been accommodated accordingly.

     

  10. I have specific medical needs that require special accommodations- who should I contact?
      • When the Pre-Seminar materials are sent out in the spring, please indicate that on the form and follow up with a Leadership Seminar Chair (contact information in #18).  We will work with you, your parent/guardian, HOBY Staff, and SWOSU staff to make sure you have been accommodated accordingly.

     

  11. 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. Ambassadors will have access to phones during free time and in the evenings.
      • In case of emergency, your parent(s) or guardian may call Leadership Seminar Chair Brooke Burnett, brooke.hobyok@gmail.com, 580-548-7221. If the call is not picked up, please leave a message with your name, your Ambassador’s name, and your phone number so a return call can be made as soon as possible.
      • The seminar will be chaperoned by qualified adults who will be staying at the facility 24 hours a day.

     

  12. Who pays for the seminar? 
      • Your school, a local organization, or a parent has paid a Registration Fee and will provide transportation to and from the seminar.
      • All costs outside of those registration fees (such as speaker fees, service project supplies, program materials, and more) have been generously provided by sponsors throughout our state, including businesses, foundations, individuals, and service organizations wishing to support leadership education.

     

  13. Why does the seminar cost so much? 
      • For current seminar registration fee, see the “Registration” tab
      • $185 of each Ambassador’s seminar registration fee goes to HOBY Headquarters as a licensing fee, allowing our site to operate and use the HOBY materials, curriculum, and brand
      • The remainder of the fee covers the Ambassador’s meals, housing, and all the keepsakes they take home with them (like the program book, handouts, crafts, HOBY shirts, and more).

     

  14. What should I wear at the seminar? 
      • Ambassadors will be provided t-shirt(s) to be worn on specific days of the seminar. Please bring school-appropriate clothing to be worn with the seminar t-shirts. A dress code will be provided with the Seminar Pre-Seminar materials a few weeks before the seminar begins.
      • Bringing at least one pair of closed-toe shoes is recommended. All other shoes should be comfortable to walk in!
      • Sunday closing service attire is snappy casual.
      • A rain jacket or umbrella is recommended.

     

  15. Can I use my cell phone or other electronic devices during the seminar?
      • Yes, you can bring these devices to the seminar.  We will ask that you put it away during all speakers and activities.  If it becomes a distraction, you may be asked to surrender your device during these times.
      • A cell phone or other wifi-enabled device will be used during certain points of the seminar to complete surveys, join groups, engage with content on the presentation screen, and more.

     

  16. What transportation arrangements have been made? 
      • You are responsible for your transportation to and from the seminar. Please include all details of your travel in your Pre-Seminar Materials. If you have last-minute transportation problems, please notify a Leadership Seminar Chair (contact information in #22).

     

  17. What if I am unable to attend the seminar? 
      • If circumstances prevent you from attending the entire seminar, including overnight, we would like to give another student the opportunity to attend. Please contact the person who nominated you (a school representative or community member) to let them know you will be unable to attend. If there is not another student to take your place, please cancel your registration so a space at seminar can be opened up to the waitlist. 

     

  18. Who may I contact should I have additional questions? 
      • Leadership Seminar Chair – Brooke Burnett, brooke.hobyok@gmail.com
      • Leadership Seminar Chair  – Jenifer Lopez,  jenifer.hobyok@gmail.com
      • Director of Recruitment – Taylor Ellis, oklahobyrecruitment2025@gmail.com
      • Need something else? Check out the Contact tab for more options, or send us a Contact Form there!