This Is Hampden-Sydney College
Hampden-Sydney is one of the South’s outstanding
liberal arts colleges. Nestled in the gently rolling
countryside of south-central Virginia, H-SC is the
oldest of the country’s few remaining men’s colleges.
Hampden-Sydney is committed to the belief
that a liberal arts education provides the best foundation
not only for a professional career, but also
for the great moral and intellectual challenges of
life. Students learn that the pursuit of truth is a lifelong
endeavor, requiring clarity and objectivity of
thought, a sensitive moral conscience, and a dedication
to responsible citizenship.
As the College’s mission statement says, liberal
education aims to assist students to free themselves
from ignorance, malice, prejudice, and superstition;
from the tyranny of intellectual selfishness; and
from impotence in judging the claims and values
of experts. It teaches students to gather evidence
patiently; it educates them to write and speak with force,
precision, and clarity; and it encourages them to seek
refreshment and inspiration in the fine arts.
ONE QUALITY REIGNS SUPREME: LEADERSHIP
From the beginning, the College’s intent has been to educate
the whole individual “in an atmosphere of sound
learning.” The College’s history speaks eloquently of the
powerful and enduring character of the ideals of self-reliance
and service, and of its own two-hundred years of
commitment to the value of self-reliant, disciplined intellect
in public life.
In proportion to its enrollment, Hampden-Sydney consistently
is in the top five percent of all colleges and universities
in graduates listed in “Who’s Who in America.”
Since 1776, the College has provided the educational
experience necessary to produce leaders in every field of
endeavor, including one U.S. President, 12 senators, 32
congressmen, 12 governors, well over 100 state representatives,
and a host of ministers, attorneys, doctors and judges.
The College offers the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor
of Science degrees, preparing students for direct entry
into the world of business or for further professional training
in law, medicine, business, government, teaching, or the
ministry. Basic to the success of its program is a dedicated
faculty, over 90% of whom hold earned doctorates in their
fields and all of whom devote their principal energy to
teaching. The student-faculty ratio is 12:1.
STUDENTS RUN THEIR OWN ACTIVITIES
Student life is considered an integral part of the education
process at Hampden-Sydney. Students conduct their own
affairs through a student government elected by them and
composed of members of all classes.
A student-enforced honor code is a Hampden-Sydney tradition
that continues to flourish, upholding the atmosphere of
personal integrity, trust, and mutual respect essential to the
operation of a dynamic academic community. Responsibility
for maintaining the system is taken so seriously that
students enjoy one of the freest campuses in America,
where books and bikes can be left unattended and professors
can leave their classrooms during tests and exams.
Student activities are numerous and diverse, including
publication of a newspaper, yearbook, and literary magazine,
and operation of a radio station and volunteer fire
department along with a wide variety of clubs and other
organizations.
Whether they like drama, music, classical debate,
hiking, and canoeing, or even electronics and short wave
radio, students can find campus organizations that cater to
their interests. Many student programs involve a strong
commitment of service to the community, such as the tutoring
program for area high school students.
The social life of the College is centered around 11
national fraternities and a strong organization of independents.
Concerts, mixers, movies, and a variety of unusual
programs are planned and carried out through a student-run
college activities committee.
Affiliated with the NCAA and competing in the Old
Dominion Athletic Conference, Hampden-Sydney fields
varsity intercollegiate teams in football, soccer, cross country,
basketball, baseball, golf, lacrosse and tennis.
The athletic department offers a comprehensive program
in intramural activities, with thirteen sports throughout
the year, in which over 80% of the students participate.
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