| HOC Program – Frequently Asked Questions
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Participation | Collaboration | HOC Network | Logistics
Participation
I am affiliated with more than one university, organization, or institution and I would like to be a Humboldtian on Campus. How can I participate? / I am retired or am not affiliated with a university. How can I participate?
We encourage all interested Humboldtians to participate. Please e-mail Virginia Barth, Program Director for Alumni Relations and Development, giving your university/universities and/or institutions. If you are not affiliated with any organization, but are active in a professional organization or society, please provide that information. Ms. Barth will follow up with you.
There is already an HOC at my university. Can I still participate?
Yes. We encourage participation of multiple HOCs on campus, because each Humboldtian brings particular knowledge of his or her research field and a different range of contacts within the university.
Does it matter which fellowship I received?
No. The HOC program is open to alumni of all Humboldt fellowship and award programs.
Collaboration
What are my responsibilities as an HOC?
The main responsibility of an HOC is to promote the fellowships and awards of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in his/her professional community, university or organization, and field. Specifically, this can be:
- Contacting university chairmen, deans, and senior administrative personnel to share information about Humboldt fellowships and awards.
- Encouraging other Humboldt alumni on your campus or in your field to promote AvH programs.
- Arranging informational meetings, either on campus or in alternative professional venues, as appropriate.
- Identifying promising prospective applicants in your field from any university or institution in the United States and working with American Friends to inform them about AvH programs and/or German research networks and partners.
- Keeping American Friends informed about activities on an annual basis.
Do you want a report of my activities as an HOC?
Yes. We would love to hear about the event(s) and you are welcome to send along photos. We are interested in any contacts made, meetings held, and potential applicants with whom you were in contact. If possible, please forward the names and contact information of potential applicants so that American Friends can follow up with them.
How do I hold an informational meeting on my campus?
Holding an informational meeting on your campus is one way to promote the fellowships and awards of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. An information meeting may be targeted at researchers university-wide, or limited to the departments that might be most interested in research in Germany (if you have questions about possible target departments, please speak with American Friends). You should begin your planning by deciding whom you will invite and where you want to hold the meeting. Perhaps a department chair or dean will sponsor the meeting, providing space and modest refreshments.
After you have secured sponsorship or support, you can arrange meeting space at your university (such as a faculty club, university center, conference room, etc.) and begin to publicize the meeting by contacting potential applicants, faculty, university chairs, deans, and senior administrative personnel (via email, campus communications, campus newspapers, etc.). American Friends provides material describing AvH fellowships and awards on its website. This material can be downloaded, printed and copied or simply forwarded via email.
There may be expenses for an informational meeting. Will American Friends cover these expenses?
Small grants from the Alumni Council are available upon request to cover expenses related to the promotional event. We ask that you apply at least 30 days in advance of the event to allow time for the request to be processed.
To request a grant from American Friends, send a request by e-mail at least 30 days prior to the event to alumni@americanfriends-of-avh.org. You may request a grant of any amount that will cover the expenses. Receipts are required. A short decription of the type, size and scope of the event is helpful.
The Alumni Council will also consider grants for larger events. These must be approved in advance by the Alumni Council which meets quarterly to consider proposals. For further information about this program and proposal requirements please send an e-mail to alumni.council@americanfriends-of-avh.org.
Do my duties as an HOC extend outside of my campus?
We encourage Humboldt alumni to talk about their experience in Germany with colleagues in their field, including at professional meetings and conferences. In the HOC program, this may include providing advice and support to prospective applicants for the Humboldt Foundation fellowships and awards, or perhaps information on German research facilities, institutions, or individual researchers. By agreeing to have your email address on the American Friends website, you may be contacted by prospective applicants from any university or institution in the U.S.
What should I do if I am asked a question I cannot answer?
If you encounter a question outside the scope of the printed materials, we will do our best to find an answer for you. Send the question to American Friends at alumni@americanfriends-of-avh.org and we will promptly reply with an answer. If we can’t answer the question, we will forward it to the staff at AvH Bonn.
HOC Network
How do I know if there is another HOC on my campus?
A list of HOCs is available here. We encourage Humboldt alumni to work together and to support each other in promotional activities.
I know of a Humboldtian who is interested in becoming an HOC. How does he or she join?
Have him or her contact Virginia Barth. We are happy to discuss the HoC program as well over the phone at 202-783-1907.
Logistics
What is my term as an HOC?
We ask participants to make a commitment to promote the Foundation although we do not have specific terms. We welcome any Humboldtian to participate for the time frame they are able to commit.
May I renew my HOC commitment?
We welcome continued participation and loyalty.
How will I get the information and materials for HOC?
Program information and flyers are available on the American Friends website. You can print, photocopy, and distribute this information.
I lost my Humboldtian tie or scarf and I would like to wear it to events. How can I get a new one?
Please contact alumni@americanfriends-of-avh.org and request a replacement.
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