Culture and Inclusion

Hampden-Sydney College is a welcoming and inclusive community that supports both diversity and freedom of speech. The College values diversity as the expression of human similarities and differences. An educational environment favorable to learning, respect, acceptance, understanding, and global awareness is vital to our mission: to form good men and good citizens in an atmosphere of sound learning. Actions and words, whether written or spoken, that embarrass, target, or threaten others because of their race, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, occupation, national origin, physical or intellectual ability level, socioeconomic status, or ethnic group hurt all of us. Insensitivity to any individual or group betrays the spirit of the liberal arts. Hampden-Sydney College is committed to an inclusive structure that is coordinated and integrated, that celebrates all forms of diversity, and that ensures equitable educational and social benefits for all.

The Office of  Culture and Inclusion serves as the campus hub for positive interactions with people from all cultures and backgrounds. Our mission is to equip all students to cultivate meaningful and diverse relationships, to support students from minority groups, and to promote a culture of inclusion and respect on campus. We coordinate educational, cultural, and social programs throughout the academic year that

• advocate for and support the development and achievement of underrepresented students,
• encourage the development of academic, leadership, and cultural identity competencies among members of the Hampden-Sydney community, and
• promote inclusivity and respect for issues pertaining to race, class, religion, gender, and sexual orientation.

Intercultural Affairs Committee (IAC)

The IAC is made up of faculty, student, and staff representatives for the purpose of facilitating discussion of issues related to diversity on campus. The goals are to provide a campus forum for the discussion of intercultural issues, programs, opportunities, and problems; to identify the needs of and provide institutional support to minority students both individually and as a group; and to sponsor on-campus programs and other vehicles to help educate all students as to the nature of the changing world about us.

• Tara Stephan, Chair
• Noemí Martín Santo
• Alex Werth
• Lisa Burns
• Daniella Widdows
• Melissa Wood

Diversity, Culture & Inclusion Feedback

The Office of Culture and Inclusion is committed to fostering an inclusive environment in our classrooms, residence halls, offices and all interactions among community members on-campus. We invite anyone to submit feedback that will support the active process of achieving an environment where campus community members and guests feel heard, seen, and validated. Please share your perspectives of and experiences at H-SC. Your feedback will help identify what is going well, concerns that need attention, and what efforts need to be clarified or expanded in our programming including policy changes and ways we can foster and create a more inclusive climate.

Feedback Form

Culture and Inclusion Annual Event Guide

• First-generation student dinner (by invitation): August
• SafeZone trainings: annual
• Hispanic Heritage Month: September 15-October 15
• Native American Heritage Month: November
• Martin Luther King Day: January
• Black History Month: February
• Minority Alumni Mentorship Weekend: spring
• Hampden-Sydney Pride Month: April