| 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 fill out the HOC agreement 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. Then sign the form and return it via email, fax, or mail.
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.
I can only make a one-year commitment. Can I participate?
Yes. We encourage participation of all enthusiastic Humboldtians. You may write in “one year commitment” on the form, complete the form, sign it, and return it via email, fax, or mail.
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. You may send an email or letter at any time. Or, if you prefer, the Program Director for Alumni Relations will speak with you annually about your activities. 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 are available upon request to cover expenses related to duplication of promotional materials or for modest refreshments.
To request a grant from American Friends, send a request by e-mail after the event to alumni@americanfriends-of-avh.org. You may request a grant of up to $100.00 to cover the expenses. Receipts are not required.
The Alumni Council will also consider grants for larger events. These must be approved in advance by the Alumni Council which meets biannually. 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 promotion activities.
I know of a Humboldtian who is interested in becoming an HOC. How does he or she join?
Have him or her complete the HOC agreement on the website and return it to the American Friends office by email, fax, or mail. 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 two-year commitment; however, if you would like to join the program but are unable to make a longer commitment, please talk to us. We welcome any Humboldtian to participate. On the application please include the dates you are able to participate.
May I renew my HOC commitment?
We welcome continued participation.
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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