Frequently Asked Questions
Ambassador Frequently Asked Questions - Print this page for future reference.

Q: Where will the seminar be held?
A: The seminar will take place at Graceland University in Lamoni, IA. Lamoni is located on I-35 South Exit 4, approximately one hour south of Des Moines. [Directions] Please check-in at the Memorial Student Center (building 14 on map).

Q: When will the seminar be held?
A: The 2008 Iowa HOBY Leadership Seminar will be held Friday, June 6 through Sunday, June 8. You must be present for the entire seminar.

Q: When should my ride arrive to pick me up after the seminar?
A: Parents/Guardians are invited and encouraged to attend our Parent Orientation on Friday morning and Closing Ceremonies on Sunday. Also, we invite you to attend our Parent Luncheon before the ceremonies. More information will be posted on the Iowa HOBY website in spring, 2007. All student ambassadors and staff will be present at the luncheon.

Q: Is it possible to arrive prior to Friday morning's registration?
A: For more information, please contact RJ Holmes.

Q: Where should I go when I arrive on Friday?
A: Male ambassadors should park behind Graybill Hall in Lot C. Female ambassadors should park behind Tess Morgan Hall. [Graceland University Map] All should proceed to the Student Memorial Center [MSC] Main Room through the north door for registration. A HOBY staff member will greet you and a junior facilitator will escort you to the residence halls.

Q: What kind of program is planned?
A: During your HOBY seminar experience, many dynamic leaders - all volunteers from the fields of business, education, government, and the professions - will address numerous aspects of our changing world and the challenges future leaders will confront. The program will not promote any specific political party, business, religion, or way of thinking; rather, it is designed to develop an awareness of present and future issues by actively involving seminar participants in discussions and informal debate. You will have the opportunity to ask questions of the discussion leaders throughout the weekend, which leads to a fuller understanding of topics presented. This high-energy program also includes social events such as a dance and talent show.

You will be asked to become part of HOBY's commitment to "Leadership for Service." The program includes outstanding speakers, entertainment, and a special closing ceremony to which your parents are invited.

Q: What are the accommodations like?
A: Participants will be assigned to residence hall rooms with two ambassadors in each room on
staffed floors reserved exclusively for the seminar. Graceland and HOBY staff will be available in the residence halls twenty-fours hours per day. Everyone will receive nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Breakfast meal will not be provided upon arrival. You may request special
dietary needs up to a week prior to seminar (i.e., vegetarian, Kosher, etc.) Ambassadors will
need to bring their own linens (i.e. towels, blankets, sheets, pillows, etc.) and toiletries.

Q: What are things I need to bring?
A: 1. Linens, pillows, blankets, toiletries
2. Old clothing and shoes for service project
3. Dress clothes for Sunday banquet
4. Alarm clock
Optional items: Fan, clothes for the dance, instrument or props for the Talent Show [if you pre-register], camera and film, an extra pen, umbrella and/or raincoat.

Q: If necessary, how may I be contacted during the seminar?
A: Parents, friends, and family members are discouraged from calling students during the seminar due to the confusion created when meetings are interrupted. No beepers, cell
phones or pagers are allowed. In case of emergency, your parent(s) or guardian may use the University switchboard to contact you at (641) 784.5000. The seminar will be chaperoned by qualified male and female adults who will be staying at the facility 24 hours a day.

Q: Who pays for the seminar?
A: All costs except travel expenses have been paid by sponsors throughout Iowa, including businesses, foundations, individuals, and service organizations wishing to support leadership education in Iowa.

Q: What should I wear at the seminar?
A: The dress attire for Friday should be casual. Keep in mind that you will be representing your school while meeting with leaders of our state; therefore, no halters, baseball hats, t-shirts with inappropriate wording or graphics, cut-off shorts, short-shorts or blue jeans with holes. Dress for Sunday is "dress-up" Ex: Women may choose to wear a sundress, skirt/skort or pants suit. Men could wear Dockers and a shirt and tie. You will also be provided a HOBY t-shirt and there will be an announcement as to when you will wear the t-shirt during the weekend. Old clothes and shoes are highly recommended for the community service project on Saturday morning.

Q: What about religious services?
A: There will not be a religious service at the seminar.

Q: Do I need any money?
A: There is a $20 room deposit that is due at check in that will be fully refunded at check out. There also will be group pictures taken during the seminar, which will cost $6 if you plan to purchase a copy. There will also be a HOBY store (featuring various HOBY apparel and merchandise) and a HOBY Alumni fundraiser. You may also purchase HOBY 'hugs' (Hershey's Hugs) for 50 cents each.

Q: What transportation arrangements have been made?
A: The only cost we are unable to cover is transportation to and from the seminar. Please include all details of your itinerary in the Travel Itinerary section of the online registration. The seminar staff will ensure that you are met at the facility. Please contact RJ Holmes for more information on carpooling.

Q: What if I am unable to attend the seminar?
A: If circumstances arise that prevent you from attending the seminar, we would like to give another student the opportunity to attend. Please contact the person at your school who selected you and follow up with a phone call to RJ Holmes, Leadership Seminar Chair, at (319) 895-4574. This is so we may adjust our records and obtain an alternate student from your school to attend the seminar.

Q: Whom may I contact should I have additional questions?
A: Additional questions or concerns should be directed to: RJ Holmes, rjholmes@iahoby.org.

Q: What action should I take now?
A: With your parent or guardian, carefully review and complete the Online Registration.