A blue rectangular shaped device with a blue arced scroll attached above and below, all edged with a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) white border, the scrolls separated from the central device by a 1/16 inch (.16 cm) white border, the overall dimensions 3 1/2 inches (8.89 cm) in height by 2 1/2 inches (6.35 cm) in width, in the center portion a yellow open book surmounted by a representation of the Chapel on the university campus, in white, detailed blue; on the upper scroll the inscription "HAMPTON" and on the lower scroll "UNIVERSITY" in white letters 5/16 inch (.79 cm) in height.
Blue and white are the colors of the University. The open book alludes to knowledge. The Chapel, the tallest structure on the campus, located near the center and the focal point of the numerous events in the daily activities of campus life, alludes to the dedication of the cadets to their endeavors and the lofty ideals of the University.
The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved for Hampton Institute on 29 August 1980. It was authorized for wear by Hampton University and amended to update description, cable numbers and to provide artwork and manufacturing drawing on 3 February 1997. (TIOH Drawing A-10S-140)