Editor’s Note: This post was inspired by a conversation on the WCenter listserv in November about dress code in writing centers. In this post, current tutors share their perspectives on dress codes within their writing centers and their personal considerations when they choose what to wear to work.
Shannon Henesy- Shannon is a junior studying English and Creative Writing at Salem College in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA. She is the Assistant Director of Salem College’s writing center.
In Salem College’s Writing Center, “appropriate dress code” does not constitute particular wardrobe pieces, per say, but rather takes into account the preferences of the individuals who work there. Prior to opening in the fall, all of the writing center consultants discussed with our director, Dr. Katie Manthey, how strict dress codes are inherently problematic. The question which arises from assigning a dress code asks who gets to make the decision as to what is appropriate and what is not; additionally, this ordinance can cause discomfort or disassociation in certain individuals. We all consider ourselves equal in our writing center, and we collectively came to the decision to not enforce a rigid dress code. Instead, we choose to present ourselves in clothing in which we feel comfortable. We believe that the attitudes we put forward contribute to “professionalism” more than the clothes we wear.
That being said, I am certain to have different considerations I take into account than the rest of the consultants. Personally, I prefer to dress in a manner that makes me feel confident, approachable, and put-together. An outfit which adheres to these qualifications can vary depending on my mood. Overall, I want to wear clothes that do not set me apart from the students which come in to be tutored; I want the consultant and the student to be on equal footing, including what we wear.
Zubayr Chohan– Zubayr is currently working on an Education After Degree (Secondary) at the University of Alberta in Canada and has previously earned a BSc. He is a tutor at the University of Alberta Centre for Writers.
I think that as a male, my decisions on what I wear are less motivated by questions of safety, and instead stem from a desire to be professional. Although we work in a Peer Writing Centre, I still try to dress in a way that might make me seem older, more “professional” in an attempt to be regarded as more of an authority in the field.
I find that the days I wear a t-shirt or hoodie rather than a collared shirt are the days I feel like I may be deemed as less capable or knowledgeable on my subject. That is not to say I wear a suit and tie to the centre, however I have found myself making a conscious decision to dress myself accordingly on tutoring days.
I’d also like to comment that I don’t feel that clients themselves should have a dress code.
Naomi Sweo- Naomi is an MA student in Writing, Rhetoric, & American Cultures at Michigan State University in the United States. She is the Media Coordinator at the MSU Writing Center.
We have literally never had a conversation about appropriate dress code since I’ve worked [in the Writing Center]. It’s a pretty comfortable environment to work in. I wear what I want, but my university is in East Lansing, Michigan, so it doesn’t exactly lend itself to summery outfits where bare midriffs or cleavage would be a possibility. Although, after watching Broad City, I’ve definitely considered wearing a doggy sweatshirt as a shirt to work.
I’m a graduate student, so I dress I would say “semi-professionally,” not because I’m told to but because I want to so that I give off a certain impression of slight authority but also approachability. My outfits have to go from work, to TAing a class, to going to a recruitment event, to a bar afterwards, so they have to work in all those settings. I think about the weather first of all, because in the dead of winter in mid-Michigan, survival is actually somewhat of a concern. Mostly I want to feel cute and composed, because when I feel good about what I’m wearing, my demeanor reflects that. It makes working easier.
D.J. Cloete- D.J. is an Honors BA Afrikaans and Dutch student at North-West University, South Africa and a consultant at the North-West University Writing Lab.
My dress code depends on the day’s activities since I am still an active student on campus. I participate in activities that require a certain dress code outside the sphere of the Writing lab.
We do not really discuss the way we as male consultants are supposed to dress but we have had an idea of getting a more formal buttoned shirt for both the men and women working at the Writing lab.
As previously stated I dress according to the day’s activities, which may include but is not limited to shorts (these do not include sports shorts), jeans, chino, etc. for a pant and sometimes a buttoned shirt, T-shirt, gholfer etc. I’ve never worn a suit to the Writing lab or to the other activities I have on campus. It may be that I also sometimes wear a sweat pant and a hoodie. It depends on the weather and again on the activities I have that day. The Writing lab environment, however, doesn’t limit me with a certain dress code and allows me to express my individuality in that sense. It is comfortable for me as a consultant to not have to dress according to a certain dress code. This also creates a comfortable environment between the student and the consultant since he/she is not intimidated by a formal dress code.
Rena Perez
Rena Perez, Janine Colon Vasquez and Vicki League- Rena, Janine and Vicki seniors at the University of Central Florida in the United States and work as Mentor Undergraduate Peer Writing Consultants at the University Writing Center. They are currently working on an inquiry project about dress code in writing centers and will present their findings to their colleagues this spring. Rena is a English Language Arts Education major, Janine is a Human Communication major, and Vicki is an English Literature major.
The only time that dress code is even mentioned is during Orientation, and it isn’t a topic that is truly discussed. Most of the time, at least one person asks about it, but it isn’t a planned topic of conversation among writing center staff to talk about and come up with any solid guidelines or answers to. When a new tutor asks, the directors encourage us to wear what we would wear to class and that we are not required to dress professionally, but appropriately. Therefore, there has always been an uncertainty around what dress code exists in our writing center, if any.
Janine Colon Vasquez
When we dress for work, tutors are usually dressing for our whole day, which includes class and other jobs. This usually consists of lots of walking and moving so we dress comfortably for that. Some considerations we have, besides comfort, are hot Florida weather, professionalism, and appropriateness. We usually don’t focus on “modesty,” and more on what would make us look “put together.” If we have to ask ourselves if something is okay, we don’t wear it.
Much of the information or guidelines we are given about dress code is subjective and we think that is why a lot of the issues or questions about dress in our writing center exist. Using terms like “appropriate” or “what you wear to class” is different for every individual.
Vicki League
Dress code for writing centers is a really tricky issue, and we are discovering how difficult it is to create an effective policy that considers all of the factors influencing dress decisions. It would be great if writing center directors and tutors were less afraid to talk about dress code together; there could probably be some really productive and insightful conversations if we were all open. It’s also important to consider each writing center’s role in its community, and how dress code choices reflect or affect that role. What is our purpose, and how can we reflect that in our dress?
Thank you so much to all the tutors who participated! To other tutors and writing center professionals reading: what does a writing center “dress code” mean to you? Let us know in the comments!
For what it’s worth, this is the statement about dress code that we publish in our consultant guidebook:
○ Wear appropriate attire. Please be respectful of the diverse group of writers we serve by wearing appropriate attire to work. Feel free to look like a college student, though: jeans and T-shirts are just fine.
I should have added: at the Sweetland Center for Writing at the University of Michigan!
I am a third semester tutor in our school’s writing center. we don’t have a dress code, nor do I think we should ever have one. We have a diverse group of students and non students come through; we are a community resource. People of all walks of life come through our door. All a dress code would do is hammer into our customers that appearance is paramount, and that they needed to be seen at a certain level themselves. In an ever more corporatizing atmosphere, style over substance, can we really reach and teach a student if we are telling them appearance is paramount? Can we truly say we treat the writer not the paper? Why are we concerned about surface matters when we try to reach beneath the surface? What are we telling them? As long as the tutors clothing is neat & clean, is there anything else that matters? I want a student I aid to listen to my words, not get caught up in the fact I am may or may not be wearing Louis Vuitton.