HAMPTON, Va. - Afros are OK but cornrows and flowing dreadlocks are not for business administration students at Hampton University.
The hair code is part of a strict academic and dress doctrine for combined business administration students at the private, historically black university. The program allows students to receive a bachelor's degree and a master's in business administration in five years.
In addition to the hair rules, students must maintain a B average after their sophomore year, heed a conservative dress code, complete two internships and meet regularly with business leaders. We don't have problems with Afros," business Dean Sid Credle said Friday. "A nicely tapered Afro - that's fine."
Credle said the dress, grooming and behavior rules are intended to prepare students for the starched business world.
"When we look at the top 75 African Americans in corporate America, we don't see any of them with extreme hairdos," he said.
With the requirements, "they'll get very comfortable wearing a suit over a five-year period. When they get into corporate America, the transition will be easier," Credle said.
Aaron Wells, a junior from Fairfax, put away his earrings when he enrolled. He's got no complaints.
"It really gives us a very good model of what we should be doing in corporate America," said Wells, who hopes to pursue a career in finance. "We need to look the part as professionals."
Credle said only one or two students per year have not complied.
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