Should Universities Have Dress Codes?

I spend a great deal of time when I conduct workshops on classroom management talking about first impressions in building credibility with your students.  Some of the workshop participants resist the idea of having to "dress" for class--they believe that the content of what they are saying should override what they are wearing.  However, others are agreeing with me that there is a dress code expected, even if it is unwritten.

Santiago Iniguez, Dean of the Instituto de Empresa Business School, states on the BizDeans Talk weblog that "formal dressing shows respect for others."  He mentions Patrick Harker, Dean of the Wharton School, who recently "announced the adoption of some measures at his school to strengthen etiquette and discipline, which included respecting a basic dress code..."

Teppo at OrgTheory.net agrees that "formal dress (anything close to business casual suffices) for class creates a more respectful learning atmosphere. "

Gavin Heaton of Sydney, Australia, discusses his university experience in directing students in plays.  As he notes, there was a "difference in the style, presentation and effectiveness of the performances based on how I dressed. When I dressed in a blazer the performance was better than when I turned up in ripped jeans. It was pretty clear to me that if I wanted to achieve a high level of team performance, I needed to dress a certain way."

Mike Wagner, a national expert on branding, states, "If you agree that nothing important is going to take place in your classroom, then don’t pay any special attention to your appearance. But then don’t complain when your students get your message and respond in kind. Show your class how important this is to you and you’ll make the right impression."

Our students need us to both act and look the part of someone who is credible.

technorati tags: Dress codes Tips for teaching Building credibility Classroom management

Comments

[Michael Wagner]

I sent this link to a marketer for a major land grant university.

Your reach is extending.

Good summary, good post, have a good weekend.

[Delaney Kirk]

Thanks, Mike. As you know, this is an area that you and I are both interested in...that of personal branding.

[Gavin Heaton]

I have another one ... when a woman who worked for me moved to the US she turned up on her first day in the same clothes that she wore in our office (business suits, consulting environment). Her new colleagues immediately presumed she was their new boss.
Guess what? Three months later she was. She was dressing for the role she wanted.

[Delaney Kirk]

Great example Gavin! Perception is reality...

[www.pernikkehidupan.com]

It’s very important to maintain dress codes in an office. Young boys and girls often dress shabbily without bothering what the world has to say. A compulsory dress code can keep them under control and maintain a decent image in public.