Seminar Information

Seminar participants may arrive any time between 7:30 – 8:45 a.m. on June 5. The seminar will begin with Ambassador Orientation at 9:00 a.m. and conclude with Closing Ceremonies on June 7 at 12:00 p.m. You must be present for the entire seminar, including overnight.  Please see the Schedule Overview for more information.

You may enter through the main gates at John Carroll University, and signage will direct you to the Murphy Hall drop-off. Once at the drop-off point outside of Murphy Hall, HOBY volunteers will greet you and check you in.  See more

While it is encouraged and we prefer you attend all 3 days, we do understand that there are circumstances where you might have to miss some of the conference.  Please notify the seminar chairs via email of your circumstances at: seminarchair@hobyohionorth.org.

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.  See more

Students will hear from speakers each day on individual leadership, group leadership and service leadership. Additionally, students will be placed in small groups led by one adult facilitator over the age of 21 and one junior facilitator. In those groups, students will participate in leadership-building activities and discussions of the topics covered by speakers and the activities. Students will also participate in a community service project.

Yes, all students MUST stay onsite for the duration of the conference. They are closely monitored in their small groups at all times by adult chaperones. Girls and Boys are in different wings and/or floors of the provided John Carroll University dorms. Staff members are spread out through the floors to monitor.

Yes, students are divided into groups of around 12 students. Each group has an adult (over 21) in charge of them as well as a junior volunteer.

Participants will be assigned to Murphy Hall rooms with 2-4 participants per room/suite on floors reserved exclusively for the seminar. Participants should expect to bring bedding including pillows, blankets, and twin XL sheets as well as towels and toiletries to utilize in the community bathrooms. Everyone will receive nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Our first meal together will be lunch so please eat breakfast prior to your arrival. In the Health and Safety section, please indicate any special dietary considerations, including allergies, and we will do our best to accommodate you. The packing list has a more comprehensive listing of the recommended items to bring.

Parent(s)/guardian(s), friends, and family members are discouraged from calling participants during the seminar due to the disruption caused to panels and activities. In case of emergency, your parent(s) or guardian may call Keith Rocheck at 216-856-1377.  A call or text message is encouraged since email inboxes are not as actively monitored during the seminar.  The seminar is chaperoned by adults who will be staying at the facility 24 hours a day.

The Registration Fee covers housing, all meals and snacks, and all program materials. Transportation to and from the seminar is not provided.

Please provide information about your medication in the Health and Safety section of the Pre-Seminar forms. Make sure to read and comply with the Policy for Use of Medication During a HOBY Event.

You are responsible for your transportation to and from the seminar.

Dress is casual throughout the weekend.  Friday you are encouraged to wear t-shirt from your high school.  Sunday is “dress-up.” You will be provided a HOBY t-shirt and there will be an announcement as to when you will wear the t-shirt during the weekend. Please note that all shorts and skirts should be approximately fingertip length, and midriffs may not be exposed.  Please see the packing list for more information.

Due to a variety of reasons, we are unable to provide religious services opportunities. However, we do respect any student that must observe their religious beliefs at certain times of day or on certain days. An interfaith prayer space will be made available in the main conference space.

It is highly recommended for parents and guardians to attend closing ceremonies. Students will be in their Sunday best and they’ll get a sneak peak into the weekend you had.  See more

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 notify the HOBY contact at your school, and follow up with an email to A.J. Comer at ohionorthdr@gmail.com.

Additional questions or concerns should be directed to the Leadership Seminar Co-Chairs:

• Emily Sherwood ’08 | 330-949-9766
• Keith Rocheck ’02 | 216-856-1377
• seminarchair@hobyohionorth.org