Dress Code

A Dress Code is fundamental to the Hampton University education for life experience. The Dress Code is based on the theory that learning to use socially acceptable decorum and selecting attire appropriate to specific occasions and activities are critical factors in the total educational process. Understanding and employing these behaviors not only improves the quality of one’s life, but also contributes to optimum morale, as well as embellishes the overall campus image. They also play a major role in instilling a sense of integrity and an appreciation for values and ethics.

The continuous demonstration of appropriate decorum and dress ensures that Hampton University students meet the very minimum standards of quality achievement in the social, physical, moral and educational aspects of their lives – essential areas of development necessary for propelling students toward successful careers.   Students will be denied admission to various functions if their manner of dress is inappropriate. On this premise, students at Hampton University are expected to dress neatly at all times. The following are examples of appropriate dress for various occasions:

1. Classroom, cafeteria, Student Center and University offices – neat, modest, or casual.
2. Formal programs in Ogden Hall, the Convocation Center, the Little Theater, and the Memorial Chapel – business or dressy attire.
3. Interviews – business attire (black, dark grey and blue suits or pants are appropriate).
4. Social/Recreational activities, Residence Hall lounges (during visitation hours) – modest, casual or dressy attire.
5. Balls, Galas, and Cabarets – formal, semi-formal and dressy respectively.

Examples of Inappropriate Dress and/or Appearance Include:

1. Do-rags, stocking caps, skullcaps, bonnets, scarves and bandanas (prohibited at all times on the campus of Hampton University except in the privacy of the student’s living quarters);
2. Head coverings and hoods in any building;
3. Baseball caps, head coverings, and hoods in any building. This policy item does not apply to headgear considered as a part of religious or cultural dress;
4. Bare feet;
5. Shorts that reveal buttocks;
6. Shorts, all types of jeans at programs dictating professional or formal attire, such as musical arts, Fall Convocation, Founder’s Day, and Commencement;
7. Clothing with derogatory, offensive and/or lewd messages either in words or pictures;
8. Undershirts and sleepwear of any color worn outside of the private living quarters of the residence halls;
9. Sports jerseys without a conventional tee-shirt underneath; and
10. Clothing that shows personal undergarments;

All administrative, faculty, and support staff members will be expected to monitor student behavior applicable to this dress code and report any such disregard or violations to the Office of Judicial Affairs for the attention of the Vice President for Administrative Services.

Dress Code: Procedures for Cultural or Religious Head Coverings

1. Students seeking approval to wear headgear as an expression of religious or cultural dress may make a written request for a review through the Office of the Chaplain.
2. The Chaplain will forward the recommendation to the Vice President for Administrative Services for final approval.
3. Students who are approved will then have their new ID card picture taken by University Police with the headgear on.

Revised Dress Code Policy, Approved July 14, 2009; Revised August, 2022