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Fall Orientation Schedule

Unless specified, all events are mandatory for new and transfer students. Personal plans and other activities must yield to this schedule.

Dress Code
Please note that several events on the Orientation schedule require certain dress code requirements.

Business Attire/Coat and Tie: There will be several coat and tie events, defined as a sports coat or blazer, khaki pants, and shirt and tie. A suit and tie are also permissible.
Business Casual: Long pants required and an open-collared shirt (button-down or polo style). No jeans, no shorts, no t-shirts.
Casual: Comfortable dress. T-shirts and shorts are acceptable.

For questions or concerns, please contact Sandy Cooke, Director of Student Affairs Operations, Orientation, and Civic Engagement, at (434) 223-6340 or scooke@hsc.edu.

August 20-26, 2026

Thursday, August 20

9 - 11:30 am - Matriculation for all New Students (Attendance Mandatory)
Brown Student Center
Matriculation is the process of officially enrolling at Hampden-Sydney College. All new students will check in and meet with staff from Financial Aid, Business Office, Computing Center, Student Health, Student Affairs, Library, and H-SC Police Department. The process should take 15-20 minutes.

9 - 11:30 am - Reception for Families and Friends
Tiger Inn, Brown Student Center
Families are invited for refreshments while their new students complete the Matriculation process.

9:30 am - 1:30 pm - Residence Halls Open for New Student Move-In
Cushing Hall, Whitehouse Quadrangle, and Carpenter Residence Halls
All residential students should report to their assigned residence hall following Matriculation. There they will pick up their room key, meet their RAs and check into their rooms.

11 am - 12:45 pm - Lunch Provided by the Office of Student Affairs
The Dining Hall, Pannill Commons
Students are invited to eat their first meal in “The Commons” with their families.

1 pm - 1:45 pm – The Purposes of Hampden-Sydney College
For New Students, Families, and Friends
Venable Lawn (RAIN SITE: Snyder Hall, Kirk Athletic Center)
Dr. Larry Stimpert, President of the College

Introduction to Academic Advising (Attendance Mandatory for Students and recommended for Parents)
2 - 3 pm - Parent Session (Free Time for Students)
3 - 4 pm - Student Session (Free Time for Parents and Family Members)
Students and their family members will meet with advisors for a brief discussion about the role of the advisor and general academic requirements. There will be an opportunity to ask questions about the academic program, and each student will sign up for an individual session with their advisor for Friday to discuss their specific academic plan. During free time, students and family members are encouraged to explore the Brown Student Center, visit the Esther Atkinson Museum, browse the Campus Store, or meet with their RA and Student Life staff.

Mr. Vinton Bruton, Wilson Center, 201
Dr. Richard Burke, Lake Chalgrove - behind Pannill Commons
Ms. Lisa Burns, Burns House
Dr. Kevin Chrisman, Brinkley Hall, 101
Dr. John Coombs, Gilmer Hall, 212
Dr. Michael Dale, Bortz Library, 4th Floor Lecture Area
Dr. Dylan Domel-White, Pauley Science Center, 105
Mr. Matthew Dubroff, Johns Outside Patio
Dr. Caroline Emmons, Bortz Library, 219
Dr. Jacob Euteneuer, Gilmer Hall, 223
Dr. Stephen Ferguson, Pauley Science Center, 117A
Dr. Rachel Goodman, Pauley Science Center, 302
Dr. Kristian Hargadon, PCRC 107, Pannill Commons Ground Floor
Dr. Jorge Hernandez-Lasa, Bortz Library Cabell Room, 4th Floor
Ms. Connie Hicks, Bortz Library OWL Patio, 2nd Floor Outside Patio
Dr. Abigail Horne, Bortz Library, 207
Dr. Matthew Hulbert, Maples, 201
Ms. Shauna Hunter, Bortz Library, 219
Dr. Jonathan Keohane, Pauley Science Center, 405
Dr. Matthew Locey, Pauley Science Center, 222
Dr. Samuel Mead, Johns, 207
Dr. Nicholas Nace, PCRC 105, Pannill Commons Ground Floor
Ms. Lynde Roberts, Bortz Library, 4th Floor
Mr. Hugo Rodriguez, Wilson Center, 102
Dr. Miranda Rouse, PCRC 106, Pannill Commons Ground Floor
Dr. Matthew Schueller, Brinkley Hall, 004
Mr. Carter Shotwell, Bortz Library, OWL Patio, 2nd Floor Outside Patio
Dr. Scott Starr, Pauley Science Center, 223
Dr. Tara Stephan, Bortz Library DuPont Room, 2nd Floor
Dr. Michael Strayer, Pauley Science Center Atrium, 1st Floor
Dr. William Tolley, Pauley Science Center, 100
Dr. Michael Utzinger, Maples, 101
Dr. Jeffrey Vogel, Brown Student Center, 203
Dr. Michael Wolyniak, Pauley Science Center Atrium, 1st Floor

4:15 - 5 pm - Liberal Arts Education at Hampden-Sydney College
Venable Lawn (RAIN SITE: Snyder Hall, Kirk Athletic Center)
Dr. Tim Diette, Provost and Dean of the Faculty
Learn what it means to receive a liberal arts education, to think critically, and what is unique about Hampden-Sydney’s educational program.

5 pm - Class of 2030 Student Ring Off
Watkins Bell Tower
Dr. Richard Pantele ‘13, Dean of Students
Please join us at the Watkins Bell Tower, in the center of campus, as we ring the bell 30 times to mark the start of the Class of 2030’s first year at H-SC.

**New Students Say Good-Bye to Family Members**

5:30 - 7 pm - Dinner with Your Academic Advisor (Attendance Mandatory)
Advisors will let you know the dinner location at your Introduction to Academic Advising Session earlier in the day. Most of them will use the rooms you met in this morning, but listed below are some room locations that will differ. If you are unsure of the location, please contact your Academic Advisor or Sandy Cooke at (434) 547-6662.

Mr. Vinton Bruton, Wilson Center, 201
Dr. Richard Burke, Lake Chalgrove - behind Pannill Commons
Ms. Lisa Burns, Burns House
Dr. Kevin Chrisman, Brinkley Hall, 101
Dr. John Coombs, Gilmer Hall, 212
Dr. Michael Dale, Bortz Library, 4th Floor Lecture Area
Dr. Dylan Domel-White, Pauley Science Center, 105
Mr. Matthew Dubroff, Johns Outside Patio
Dr. Caroline Emmons, Bortz Library, 219
Dr. Jacob Euteneuer, Gilmer Hall, 223
Dr. Stephen Ferguson, Pauley Science Center, 117A
Dr. Rachel Goodman, Pauley Science Center, 302
Dr. Kristian Hargadon, PCRC 107, Pannill Commons Ground Floor
Dr. Jorge Hernandez-Lasa, Bortz Library Cabell Room, 4th Floor
Ms. Connie Hicks, Bortz Library OWL Patio, 2nd Floor Outside Patio
Dr. Abigail Horne, Bortz Library, 207
Dr. Matthew Hulbert, Maples, 201
Ms. Shauna Hunter, Bortz Library, 219
Dr. Jonathan Keohane, Pauley Science Center, 405
Dr. Matthew Locey, Pauley Science Center, 222
Dr. Samuel Mead, Johns, 207
Dr. Nicholas Nace, PCRC 105, Pannill Commons Ground Floor
Ms. Lynde Roberts, Bortz Library, 4th Floor
Mr. Hugo Rodriguez, Wilson Center, 102
Dr. Miranda Rouse, PCRC 106, Pannill Commons Ground Floor
Dr. Matthew Schueller, Brinkley Hall, 004
Mr. Carter Shotwell, Bortz Library OWL Patio, 2nd Floor Outside Patio
Dr. Scott Starr, Pauley Science Center, 223
Dr. Tara Stephan, Bortz Library DuPont Room, 2nd Floor
Dr. Michael Strayer, Pauley Science Center Atrium, 1st Floor
Dr. William Tolley, Pauley Science Center, 100
Dr. Michael Utzinger, Maples, 101
Dr. Jeffrey Vogel, Brown Student Center, 203
Dr. Michael Wolyniak, Pauley Science Center Atrium, 1st Floor

7:30 pm - Meet Your RA at Your Residence Hall (Attendance Mandatory - Coat and Tie Required)
Residence Halls
All new students should be in their rooms and ready by 7:30 pm for their RA to meet with them briefly, and to take them to Honor Code small group discussions. From the small group sessions, students will head straight to the Honor Convocation at 9 pm.

8 - 9 pm - Small Group Discussions before Honor Convocation (Attendance Mandatory - Coat and Tie Required)
RAs will lead their groups to the location.

9 - 10 pm - The Hampden-Sydney College Honor Convocation (Attendance Mandatory - Coat and Tie Required)
Johns Auditorium
Mr. Joseph Weinstein ‘27, Student Court Chairman
Dr. Larry Stimpert, President of the College
Dr. Tim Diette, Provost and Dean of the Faculty
The most important event during Orientation, Honor Convocation will teach students what the Honor Code means at Hampden-Sydney. After the event, every new student will sign the Honor Code Pledge before being formally welcomed into the Hampden-Sydney College Brotherhood.

10:30 pm - Brotherhood Bonfire at Cushing (Attendance Mandatory - Casual Attire)
Dean Dwayne Bowyer ‘92, Associate Dean of Students for Student Conduct and Character, and Director of Greek Life
Put on some casual clothing and join us for some pizza and fellowship at Cushing. This is where new students will receive their Class of 2030 challenge coins.

Friday, August 21

7:30 - 8:30 am - Breakfast
The Dining Hall, Pannill Commons

8:30 - 9:30 am - Group Advising Meetings
Same locations as “Introduction to Academic Advising”

9:30 - 11 am
Individual Advising Sessions (By Appointment Only) (Attendance Mandatory)
Before or after your advising session, please join us for one or more of these adventures for some fun! Representatives will be at the Fitness Center at Kirby Sports Center to check out discs for the Disc Golf Course and give directions to the High Ropes Challenge Course. Representatives will also be at the Wilson Trailhead to guide you through the 2.5-mile loop of scenic forest!

Hike the Wilson Trail (Attendance Optional)
11 am - Noon - Session #1
1 - 2 pm - Session #2
The Wilson Trailhead is located behind Hampden Units in the back parking lot near the woods.

Play Disc Golf or Experience the Challenge Course! (Attendance Optional)
11 am - Noon - Session #1
1 - 2 pm - Session #2
Fitness Center, Kirby Sports Center

11 am - 1 pm - Lunch
The Dining Hall, Pannill Commons

1 - 2:30 pm
Individual Advising Sessions (By Appointment Only) (Attendance Mandatory)

2:30 – 3:15 pm - Research Programs and Rhetoric Studio Orientation (Attendance Mandatory)
Johns Auditorium
Dr. Jacob Euteneuer, Elliott Associate Professor of Rhetoric
Dr. Miranda Rouse, Assistant Professor of Rhetoric
Dr. Michael Wolyniak, Director of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity, and McGavacks Professor and Chair of Biology
All incoming freshmen will attend a brief session introducing student research opportunities and an orientation to rhetoric at H-SC including the Rhetoric Program and the Rhetoric Studio. Topics will include how to make an appointment, resources and spaces available for students, the RPE and first-year rhetoric classes, and how to find faculty mentors for research.

6 - 8 pm - Dinner and the Value of Our Brotherhood (Attendance Mandatory - Business Casual)
Snyder Hall, Kirk Athletic Center
Join us for dinner and discussion with H-SC student leaders and alumni. At this event, new students will have the opportunity to discuss and learn from current and past leaders about the uniqueness of H-SC’s student-led and executed government, justice system, clubs and organizations. They will better understand the value of the H-SC Brotherhood, and how they can enhance the brotherhood experience through leading, serving, and seizing opportunities. All new students will hear from prominent alumni about their brotherhood experiences that shaped their character and refined their approach to leadership empowering successful careers as good men and good citizens. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions during an interactive dinner and panel discussion.

8:30 pm – Live Band at the Tiger Inn!
Join some of your new brothers from the College Activities Council at the Tiger Inn located in the Brown Student Center for a live band, corn hole, pool, and ping pong!

Saturday, August 22

10 - 11 am - Brunch
The Dining Hall, Pannill Commons

11 am - Noon - Language Study Introduction (Attendance Mandatory)
Dr. Julia Palmer, Associate Professor of Modern Languages
Dr. Paul Hay, Assistant Professor of Classics
All students signing up for language study are required to attend one of the sessions listed for Spanish, French, German, and Latin/Greek. Students will hear a short introduction to the study of languages at the College.

Spanish 100 - 200: Bortz Library, 4th Floor Lecture Area
Spanish 300: Bortz Library Cabell Room, 4th Floor
French 100 - 300: Bortz Library DuPont Room, 2nd Floor
German: Bortz Library, 218
Latin and Greek: Brinkley Hall, 004

Pre-Law Information Sessions (Attendance Optional)
Noon – 12:30 PM (Session #1)
12:45-1:15 PM (Session #2)
1:30 – 2:00 PM (Session #3)
Pauley Science Center, Room 100
Mr. Nilesh Sinha, Assistant Professor of Government and Foreign Affairs
Hampden-Sydney College has a strong tradition of placing students in top law schools, and many of our alumni go on to prestigious and important careers in law. The Pre-Law Session will explore the wide range of possibilities and opportunities for students interested in a career in the legal field as well as the steps to get there while at the College.

Pre-Health Information Session (Attendance Optional)
Noon – 12:30 PM (Session #1)
12:45-1:15 PM (Session #2)
1:30 – 2:00 PM (Session #3)
Pauley Science Center, Room 105
Dr. Kristian Hargadon ‘01, Trinkle Professor of Biology
Students interested in careers or graduate education in the health sciences (including medical school, dental school, and other professional programs in the health sciences) should attend this information session to learn about the exciting programs and opportunities that H-SC offers its pre-health students. Information about the course and extracurricular requirements that must be completed during the freshman year and beyond to pursue these paths will also be provided.

Pre-Engineering Information Session (Attendance Optional)
Noon – 12:30 PM (Session #1)
12:45-1:15 PM (Session #2)
1:30 – 2:00 PM (Session #3)
Pauley Science Center, Room 104
Dr. Trey Thurman III, Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy
The Cooperative Program in Engineering with the University of Virginia and the Dual-Degree Program in Engineering with Old Dominion University will be reviewed. Educational opportunities at the College supporting these programs will be discussed.

National Security Studies & Leadership in the Public Interest Minors (Attendance Optional)
Noon – 12:30 PM (Session #1)
12:45-1:15 PM (Session #2)
1:30 – 2:00 PM (Session #3)
Pauley Science Center, Room 201
Mr. Vinton Bruton IV, Director for the Wilson Center for Leadership
This session provides an opportunity for freshmen to learn more about the opportunities available through participating in the National Security Program at H-SC.

ROTC Program Information Sessions (Attendance Optional)
Noon – 12:30 PM (Session #1)
12:45-1:15 PM (Session #2)
1:30 – 2:00 PM (Session #3)
Pauley Science Center, Room 200
Dean Dwayne Bowyer ‘92, Associate Dean of Students for Conduct and Character, and Director of Greek Life
This session provides an opportunity for freshmen to learn more about the opportunities available through participating in the Army ROTC Program at H-SC.

Pre-Tech Information Sessions (Attendance Optional)
Noon – 12:30 PM (Session #1)
12:45-1:15 PM (Session #2)
1:30 – 2:00 PM (Session #3)
Pauley Science Center, Room 402
Dr. Sarah Loeb, Associate Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science
Students interested in technology-related fields and careers such as data science, software development, information security, computer science, and more should attend this information session. The discussion in this session is also for those students interested in opportunities and careers not directly in the technology field but having technological components. This session will highlight the opportunities and programs offered across H-SC's curriculum.

Economics and Business Majors Information Session (Attendance Optional)
Noon – 12:30 PM (Session #1)
12:45-1:15 PM (Session #2)
1:30 – 2:00 PM (Session #3)
Pauley Science Center, Room 407
Dr. Justin Isaacs, Professor of Economics and Business
Each of the majors in the Economics and Business department fits squarely in the traditional liberal arts. As a social science with its roots in things like political science, history, psychology, cultural studies, etc. it provides students insight into individual choice in a wide variety of circumstances. Each of the degrees will prepare you for a variety of choices after graduation and our graduates have gone on to great success in a wide variety of endeavors. The department has a proven track record of placing students in graduate programs in variety of disciplines including multiple professional schools. In this session students will learn about the Mathematical Economics major and the five tracks within the Economics and Business major and the necessary steps required to successfully complete each of these majors.

Finance and Tiger Fund Information Session (Attendance Optional)
Noon – 12:30 PM (Session #1)
12:45-1:15 PM (Session #2)
1:30 – 2:00 PM (Session #3)
Pauley Science Center, Room 223
Dr. Gregory Dempster, Roach Professor of Economics and Business
Dr. Yuchen Lin, Assistant Professor of Economics and Business
H-SC has a strong network of alumni in the financial services industry. Some of the more competitive opportunities require students to take specific steps during their first year on campus. The information session will share how, regardless of major, students can pursue careers in finance and participate in the Tiger Fund.

Flemming Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Information Sessions (Attendance Optional)
Noon – 12:30 PM (Session #1)
12:45-1:15 PM (Session #2)
1:30 – 2:00 PM (Session #3)
Pauley Science Center, Room 222
Dr. Michele King, Director of the Flemming Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Entrepreneurship is inherently interdisciplinary, and it thrives at the intersection of creativity, strategy, and technology. Whether you're studying fine arts, music, physics, business, or economics, entrepreneurial thinking empowers you to transform ideas into impact. Come learn how to launch podcasts that blend storytelling with market research, design prototypes with CAD machines, build immersive experiences through gaming computers and VR/AR, and use diverse skill sets to solve real-world problems. You’ll hear about our many programs from Rocket Pitch (win funding) to Forge on the Hill (get matched with an alum mentor). Innovation doesn’t belong to one discipline; it belongs to those willing to connect the dots across many.

Environmental Studies Minor Information Session (Attendance Optional)
Noon – 12:30 PM (Session #1)
12:45-1:15 PM (Session #2)
1:30 – 2:00 PM (Session #3)
Pauley Science Center, Room 302
Dr. Rachel Goodman, Elliott Professor of Biology and coordinator of the Environmental Studies minor
Dr. Mark Celeste, Elliott Assistant Professor of English
A good man and a good citizen should be a responsible guardian of the environment. Come learn about the interdisciplinary Environmental Studies minor, which prepares students to understand and respond to the critical environmental challenges of the twenty-first century. The ES minor draws connections between studies in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences, and students think critically and strategically about sustainability, policy, and our environmental values. The minor is open to all students, and it can fit into the four-year plan for every major at the College.

3 – 3:30 pm – Find Your Fit (Attendance Mandatory)
Snyder Hall, Kirk Athletic Center
Dean Desiree Nicholson, Dean of Culture and Community

3:30 - 5 pm - Active Threat Safety Training (Attendance Mandatory)
Snyder Hall, Kirk Athletic Center
Chief Mark Fowler, Chief of Police

5 – 6:30 pm - Dinner
The Dining Hall, Pannill Commons
Students pick up their WWTTH t-shirts at dinner in Pannill Commons.

5 – 7 pm – Soccer Scrimmage vs. Richard Bland
Hellmuth-Gibson Field (Lacrosse/Soccer Field)
Cheer on your fellow Tigers before WWTTH!

7 - 9 pm - Who Will Take the Hill?
Meet your RA at 7 pm and proceed to your first location.

7 - 8 pm
Cushing - Report to outside Basketball Courts/Vollyball Court near Kirk Athletic Center
Whitehouse and Carpenters - Report to Hellmuth-Gibson Field (Lacrosse/Soccer Field)

8 - 9 pm
Cushing - Report to Hellmuth-Gibson Field (Lacrosse/Soccer Field)
Whitehouse and Carpenters - Report to outside Basketball Courts/Vollyball Court near Kirk Athletic Center

9 pm - All meet at Cushing for THE FINAL TUG OF WAR CHALLENGE

Sunday, August 23

10 am - 12:30 pm - Brunch
The Dining Hall, Pannill Commons

11 am - Noon - College Presbyterian Church (Optional)
418 College Rd, Farmville, VA 23901
The College Presbyterian Church service is on campus at 11 am.

12:30 pm - Meet Your RA at Your Residence Hall (Attendance Mandatory – Casual Attire)
Residence Halls
All new students should be in their rooms and ready by 12:30 pm for their RA to meet with them briefly to take them to the Alcohol Skills Training Program (ASTP), (Gentle)Man Up Against HDSM, and Ferguson Career Center Workshop Sessions.

1 - 6 pm – Alcohol Skills Training Program (ASTP), (Gentle)Man Up Against HDSM, and Ferguson Career Center Workshop Sessions. (Attendance Mandatory - Casual Attire)
Pauley Science Center (Please refer to your Resident Advisor for room assignment)
Dean Renae Mancastroppa, Associate Dean for Student Development and Well-Being
Substance Education information will be presented on alcohol and other drug effects, risk factors, and intervention guidelines.

Dr. Melissa Wood, Director of Title IX, Access and Student Advocacy
(Gentle)Man Up will help our students identify different types of harassment and discrimination and describe how harassment and discrimination diminish the campus community and are contrary to the College’s mission and values. Students will learn the purpose, steps, and parties involved in Harrassment, Discrimination, and Sexual Misconduct (HDSM) policies and processes, as well as be able to recognize warning signs and troubling behaviors common to situations of harassment and discrimination. Sexual misconduct is a type of harassment and discrimination; therefore, we will also focus on reestablishing the meaning of consent. Finally, our students will prepare for appropriate and safe bystander intervention, and harassment and discrimination prevention techniques.

Ferguson Career Center Workshop Sessions
Mr. Scott Crawford, Director of the Ferguson Career Center
Mr. Patrick Jourdain ’88, Associate Director of Career Education
Ms. Emily Sadler, Assistant Director for Alumni and Employer Engagement
Ms. Ashley Crute, Assistant Director of Experiential Programs and Student Employment
Ms. Emilee Farabaugh, Assistant Director for Programming and Partnerships
Bring your computers and/or phones to kickstart your career preparation with The Career Draft. You will meet with the Career Center team to sign into Handshake with your Hampden-Sydney user ID and password and complete your Profile, complete your Career Launch: Career Readiness Inventory, and create your first college resume so you have the opportunity to receive a limited-edition Career Draft Hat. Here you will also receive a schedule of the Career Draft events and activities for the fall semester. Once completed, you will be ready to attend the Career Fair, connect with alumni and more.

6:30 - 8 pm - Dinner with President and Mrs. Stimpert for all New Students (Attendance Mandatory - Casual Attire)
Middlecourt (Rain Site: Snyder Hall, Kirk Athletic Center)
Dinner will be served to all new students at the home of President and Mrs. Stimpert.

Monday, August 24

Wednesday, August 26

Campus Facilities Special Hours of Operation

an aerial photo of Hampden-Sydney College

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Explore our 1,300 acre campus.

Take the virtual tour to get familiar with our beautiful campus before you arrive for a visit, or if you prefer, download the printable map.

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