Equity and inclusion logo at H-SC

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.

  • Mark Celeste, Chair
  • Desiree Washington
  • Saint Blizzard
  • Helena von Rueden
  • Daniella Widdows
  • Lisa Burns
  • Patrick Jourdain
  • Students: Ryan Nicholson (president of UA), MSU Representative

Culture and Inclusion Annual Event Guide

  • SafeZone trainings : Annual
  • MLK Day: January
  • Black History Month: February
  • MSU Alumni Mentorship Weekend (MAM): March
  • H-SC Pride Month: April
  • Womens History Month: March
  • Hispanic Heritage Month: Sept 15- October 15
  • Native American Heritage Month: November
  • Autism Acceptance Month: April

Gender and Sexual Orientation

SafeZone
A SafeZone is a space dedicated to ensuring that people can be their authentic selves without fear of judgment or exclusion, with an emphasis on the LGBTQ+ community. Many faculty and staff on campus have gone through SafeZone training and have turned their offices into SafeZones. The following is a list of faculty and staff who are SafeZone trained and display the SafeZone logo, as well as their office locations:

  • Lisa Burns (Bortz Library 231)
  • Sue Carter (Cabell House 201)
  • Maryska Connolly-Brown (Bortz Library 415)
  • James Frusetta (Maples Hall 6)
  • Ivo Gyurovski (Bagby Hall 223)
  • Shaunna Hunter (Bortz Library 201)
  • Stephanie Joynes (Brown Student Center 209D)
  • Kate Lynch (Bortz Library 238)
  • Victor Szabo (Brinkley Hall 007)
  • Alfonso Varona (Bagby Hall 314)
  • Jennifer Vitale (Atkinson Hall 301)
  • Helena von Rueden (Brinkley Hall 015)
  • Renae Mancastroppa (Brown Student Center 307)
  • Daniella Widdows (Bagby Hall 203)
  • Tamara Wright (Bagby Hall 204)

Unity ALLiance
Founded in 2006, the Unity Alliance is a Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, and Ally (GLBTQA) group. The UA works on leadership development, creating a support program, and establishing a safer, more inclusive GLBTQA-friendly campus.

International Students

Hampden-Sydney College welcomes international students from all over the globe. We can help you obtain information about international student on-campus activities and groups, student visas, employment, and other immigration issues and policies.

International Club
The International Club was founded to enrich and cultivate a sense of cultural diversity within the Hampden-Sydney Community.  Its goal is to foster good relationships through cultural awareness. The club is open to all regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, or sexual orientation. International Club Contact: Rachel Goodman

International Student Contact
Daniella Widdows, Director of Global Education (Bagby Hall 203)


International Students

Mentorship & Support Groups

Brother4Brother Mentorship Program
Brother4Brother is a mentoring program comprised of upperclassmen who provide personal, academic, and social mentoring for freshman students at Hampden-Sydney College.

Step Up!
This is a national bystander intervention training program to help students learn strategies and techniques to intervene directly and indirectly in emergency and non-emergency situations. Contact Renae Mancastroppa

Minority Groups

Minority Student Union
The Minority Student Union is a group that has open membership to all students of Hampden-Sydney College. It works to bring to campus programs that address diversity issues. The MSU consistently sponsors educational, cultural, and social events that offer enrichment to the community. Contact Abigail Horne

Religious and Spiritual Organizations

Hampden-Sydney College welcomes students of all faiths. We encourage you to strengthen your own faith tradition, ask tough questions in a safe environment, explore the traditions of others, and serve in ways that make our college, community, and world a better place.

Spiritual Life

Students with Disabilities

Please visit the Office of Culture and Inclusion for information about the College's Disability Services and accomodations for students.

Contact
Dr. Melissa Wood, Director of Title IX, Access, and Inclusion

Disability Services

 

Culture


Culture at Hampden-Sydney College encompasses the rich tapestry of beliefs, customs, traditions, and values that shape the collective identity of our campus community. It reflects the diverse array of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives represented among our students, faculty, and staff. Cultural diversity extends beyond observable characteristics to include nuances of thought, expression, and worldview. It encompasses the myriad expressions of human creativity, from art and literature to music and cuisine. Culture at H-SC is both a product of and a catalyst for intellectual inquiry, social engagement, and personal growth. It fosters an inclusive environment where individuals are empowered to celebrate their unique identities while also embracing the common bonds that unite us as members of a vibrant and dynamic community.

Inclusion


The quality of the College's climate and culture that welcomes and respects everyone, that encourages growth and success in members of the community, and that embraces and celebrates differences across individual members. Inclusiveness is reflected in the cultural values and norms of the College; the individual attitudes and behaviors of members of the campus community; and the policies and procedures of the College to ensure that all members are supported equally and equitably. An inclusive organization respects everyone and achieves excellence, at least in part, by building upon its diversity.

Contact


Dean of Culture and Inclusion
Desiree Washington
Brown Student Center 301 | Hampden Sydney, VA 23943
dwashington@hsc.edu | (434) 223-6719

Coordinator of Athletic Diversity and Inclusion  
Saint Blizzard III
Kirby Field House, 201 |Hampden Sydney, VA 23943
sblizzard@hsc.edu | (434) 223-6402

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