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HOC Program – Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Links:
Participation | Responsibilities | 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.
Responsibilities
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.
- Arranging an informational meeting on campus each academic year for prospective applicants to the Humboldt Research Fellowship.
- Providing advice and support to prospective applicants for the Research Fellowship in your field from any university or institution in the United States.
- Encouraging other Humboldt alumni on your campus or in your field to promote AvH programs.
Do you want a report of my activities as an HOC?
Yes. You may send an email or letter at any time, but at a minimum we want to receive a report at the end of the academic year. We are interested in any contacts made, meetings held, flyers distributed, 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.
We will include a sample report on the website in the spring and will send you a reminder email requesting the report.
How do I hold an informational meeting on my campus?
Holding an informational meeting on your campus is one of the best ways to promote the fellowships and awards of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. 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 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 report after the event with a copy of the invitation, a list of invitees or a description of who was invited (which department, grad students, post-docs, etc.), the number of people who attended, and an assessment of the event. You may request a grant of $50.00 or $100.00 to cover the expenses. Receipts are not required.
Do my duties as an HOC extend outside of my campus?
We strongly encourage Humboldt alumni to talk about their experience in Germany with colleagues in their field. In the HOC program, this may include providing advice and support to prospective applicants for the Research Fellowship. 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 info@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.
Logistics
What is my term as an HOC?
The term of the HOC coincides with the academic year. For simplicity, the two-year term of HOCs who sign up for the program before December 31, 2007 will end August 31, 2009.
May I renew my HOC commitment?
If you have been active and wish to continue, we will welcome your 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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