It's difficult to imagine what Tufts would look like if students traded in their Jumbo hoodies and flip flops for sports coats and Moc toes. But at some business schools, pre-professional college students are getting head-to-toe glimpses of the corporate world that awaits them - in the form of dress code.
According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, Illinois State University (ISU) caused controversy this year when its business school enacted a "draconian" dress code for its students. The code required students to wear "acceptable business casual attire," according to a letter sent to students by the business school's chairperson, such as button down and polo shirts for men and sweaters, knit shirts and tailored blouses for women.
Students who dressed inappropriately could receive a zero for any work turned in that day. Among inappropriate garments, the code listed "short, tight skirts," clothing that shows "excessive cleavage," "tops with bare shoulders" and "shirts with potentially offensive words, terms, logos, pictures, cartoons or slogans," according to the letter. It also forbid "athletic shoes, flip-flops, slippers" as inappropriate footwear.
ISU has since relaxed the standard, according to a Sept. 20 article in the Chicago Tribune, but still requires that students dress professionally or risk losing up to 10 percent of their grade.
ISU officials said in the letter that the code was meant to promote "professionalism" that would lead to a better learning environment and prepare students for the business world.
According to Dean of Undergraduate Education James Glaser, though, the trend won't be coming to Tufts anytime soon.
"Truthfully, I can't imagine a dress code at a college campus like this one," Glaser said. "Who would enforce something like this, particularly if it applied to some students and not others? I don't think it's a good idea."
But while Jumbos are in no danger of having to suit up to get good grades, college students may benefit from a habit of dressing well, according to Pamela Goldberg, Director of Entrepreneurial Leadership at Tufts' Gordon Institute. Goldberg said that outward appearance plays a large role in today's world.
"Unfortunately, physical appearance affects impressions," she said.
While attire may influence perception, junior and economics major Naeema Campbell said that a business wardrobe is unnecessary for college students who have years of dressing up ahead of them.
"Each person should know how to dress before they get employed," Campbell said. "But dressing for class everyday is a bit extreme."
Campbell agreed that a closet full of pumps and loafers may give pre-professional students an appropriately attired foot in the door, but questioned the efficacy of mandating a certain dress code.
"I believe a level of professionalism is always needed," Campbell said. "However, a mandatory dress code won't necessarily create it."
According to Goldberg, it is critical for university students to have the choice to express their individuality in every facet of their life.
"I disagree with mandatory dress codes other than military," she said.
Goldberg said that having the freedom to choose what they wear is important for students, even during those occasions when dressing like a businessperson is necessary.
"My class and most entrepreneurial leadership classes - when students have presentations - are expected to dress like business professionals," Goldberg said, adding that while most students do tend to dress up for presentations, what they wear as business attire is strictly up to them.
Senior Aaron Harris, an economics major and entrepreneurial leadership minor, agreed that there is a time and a place for dressing up, but was largely against instituting dress codes in schools.
"With the exception of some student presentations, I do not consider the classroom one of those places [where mandatory dress codes should exist]," Harris said. "No matter what is being taught."
Harris also worried that a dress code for people with certain majors would unfairly single out those members of the Tufts community.
"It would be unfair because we would not have the full privilege of wearing what makes us comfortable and happy," Harris said. "A dress code would make us stand out from other students."
Campbell said that there are alternatives to mandatory dress codes that would be less oppressive, and would allow students from other majors to learn to dress for success.
"If Tufts were to want us to be more professional, Career Services should then take a more active role in preparing students and giving us the resources to be professional," Campbell said.
