Save the date:

Commencement 2025 is Saturday, May 10

  • graduates processing in front of the bell tower

    Hampden-Sydney College Commencement 2024

  • Commencement 2024 graduates in regalia

    Hampden-Sydney College Commencement 2024

  • Commencement 2024 faculty in regalia processing at the ceremony

    Hampden-Sydney College Commencement 2024

  • the commencement ceremony audience

    Hampden-Sydney College Commencement 2024

  • students attending the commencement ceremony at Venalble Hall lawn

    Hampden-Sydney College Commencement 2024

  • commencement commissioning officers

    Hampden-Sydney College Commencement 2024

  • excited graduate smiling at commencement

    Hampden-Sydney College Commencement 2024

  • excited graduates leaving commencement

    Hampden-Sydney College Commencement 2024

  • family taking a selfie after commencement

    Hampden-Sydney College Commencement 2024

  • excited graduates leaving commencement

    Hampden-Sydney College Commencement 2024

Travel and Accommodations

If you haven't already, please make your travel arrangements now. The Visit H-SC page will help you find accommodations, dining, and local attractions.

Visit H-SC

Student Regalia

Regalia (cap, tassel, and gown) is required for Final Convocation and Commencement. No purchase required. Pre-order regalia online no later than March 1.

Pick up regalia at Senior Fair on April 17, 2025.

Questions about regalia should be addressed with the Office of College Events via email to ccary@hsc.edu.

Regalia Order Form

Photography and Videography

Photography
The College will again utilize local photographers to capture images of our graduates. You may purchase your son’s images for one set price.

  • Formal cap and gown photos will be captured during the Senior Fair on Thursday, April 18. These are optional. If you would like these images of your son, please encourage him to participate. He does not need to register in advance. We will have pre-steamed gowns, hats, etc. for use during the fair.
  • Photographers will be on-hand on Commencement day to capture your son’s graduation. Each graduate will be photographed during the diploma hand-off on stage and as he leaves the stage for a more celebratory shot. However, we also photograph them from line-up to champagne toast, so there may be additional images.
  • The College agrees to provide digital copies of these specific photos to you for a set price of $75, which includes two potential batches of images (cap & gown, and Commencement day).
  • To purchase your son’s pictures, please submit the following form:

Commencement Photography Request

The College will release a public photo gallery of images after Commencement. This gallery includes broad imagery across the day and is free of charge.

Videography
Memories Videography provides our videography services, including the live broadcast. The video will include footage not found anywhere else, to include graduate interviews during lineup. If you would like to order a copy of the video (download, dvd, or blu-ray) please make your request:

Memories Videography Request

Traffic And Parking Information

Parking will be directed by Campus Police and event staff.

Accessible Parking And Special Services
The College will provide golf carts to transport guests with mobility or health issues to the Commencement Day ceremony, reception, and parking areas. Upon arrival, you may request accessible parking.

ASL services available by request to: ccary@hsc.edu

Hampden-Sydney Campus Map

Inclement Weather

Annual Pronouncement Of Weather: "...And there shall be no rain."

Commencement will be held outdoors on the Venable Lawn. Guests should arrive prepared for weather conditions to include umbrellas (clear) or ponchos, and weather appropriate attire. All are encouraged to bring bottled water.

Please monitor the College website and student email Friday afternoon and early Saturday morning for updates in case of inclement weather.

Rain locations:
• Baccalaureate: Kirby Field House
• Senior Reception: Snyder Hall, Kirk Athletic Center
• Commencement Ceremony: Kirby Field House
• Commencement Reception: Snyder Hall, Kirk Athletic Center

Livestreaming Service

Family and friends who are not planning to attend in-person are able to watch the Commencement ceremony live, at no cost, using the following link: Ceremony Livestream

Ceremony Livestream

Obligations of Seniors

Business Office
Students must have all financial obligations settled with the College before they may receive their diploma or have transcripts released. Please contact the Business Office at (434) 223-6223 if you have any questions regarding financial obligations.

Room Check-Out and Key Return

  • Check-out: Office of Residence Life, Brown Student Center
    • Rooms must be clean, free of debris and personal property
    • Students will be charged for the cost of any debris removal or damages
    • Failure to complete check-out process results in fines of up to $50
  • Saturday, May 10, 2025: all college-owned student residences will be closed, locked, and vacated by 4 p.m.
    • Keys must be returned to 2nd Floor, Brown Student Center by 4 p.m.
  • Housing questions should be addressed by contacting Dean Schrader at jschrader@hsc.edu