Share this story. 
|
Seismic Changes at ORU
President alters dress code
| |
| |
|
ORU has had a dress code since opening its doors in 1965; minor modifications have been made in recent years.
In chapel that day, following a big build-up, Roberts announced the biggest changes yet: year-round, male students could go tie-less and wear sweatshirts and "neat" jeans at will, while female students could also wear jeans--and capris. Footwear options expanded to include athletic shoes and flip-flops.
The faculty and staff also benefited from these less-restrictive rules: no ties required for men, and women would be allowed to wear pants (not jeans) year-round.
Before making the announcement--which was met with joyous cheering, yelling, and clapping--Roberts talked about "rules at ORU and why we have them."
Rather than rules-for-rules'-sake, he said, ORU rules are in place to help students "develop character, dependability, self-control, and honesty." He lauded alumni who learned such lessons well at ORU and have gone on to serve in the federal government, with the United Nations, and in numerous other well-respected professions. He also patted students on the back for their community outreach work and for the many awards they have won at academic competitions such as the Psychology Bowl, Tri-Beta, and Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature.
"Since October," he said, "I've been meeting with students in the dorms, on the wings," and in other campus venues. What he learned in their talks, Roberts said, is that he and the administration "have not always done a good job of explaining the reasons behind the rules at ORU. Some are based on the Bible. Some have nothing to do with the Bible. The Bible doesn't say, 'Thou shalt have a curfew.' Some rules are based on common sense and judgment."
Curfew, he said, "is a matter of safety and security. We want you to get your rest and keep your GPA and graduate." The honor code is a matter of "integrity and credibility."
One student asked him why ORU needs a class attendance policy. "So you can get an education!" Roberts told him.
And why chapel? "To build up your spirit man, and (give you) a complete education."
It was at this point that Roberts made the dress code announcement, stressing that there would be one code for classrooms, chapel, and the library, and another for the cafeteria. The aforementioned rules would apply in the first three venues. In the cafeteria, the code would be even more relaxed, allowing for T-shirts, sweatpants, and hats. As Roberts said, "When you're coming back from the Aerobics Center, and you're hot and sweaty, you don't want to take the time to go back to the dorm and shower and get into dress code so you can go to dinner." It was time, he added, that local fast-food restaurants stopped getting all the students' business.
In the past, dress code enforcement was the job of the resident advisers. This responsibility has now shifted to the faculty.
"We need to honor God and this university," Roberts explained. "We want you to make God proud, yourself proud, and your family proud. ORU is a place for you to develop a lifestyle and a worldview that will serve you for the rest of your life. It's a molding place, and sometimes that's hot, and uncomfortable.
"I have to do a better job," he concluded, "of explaining the heart behind the rules and regulations."
The Standard for Men in Class/Chapel/Library: In addition to suits, ties, and other dress clothes, the following options are open for men to choose from:
- Collared shirts (tucked in or shirts designed to be worn untucked)
- Knit shirts/cropped turtlenecks/turtlenecks
- Sweatshirts or sweaters
- Slacks/corduroys/khakis/neat jeans
- Dress or casual shoes, including athletic shoes and flip-flops
- Knit shirts or non athletic T-shirts (shirts must have straps of at least 1 inch or wider)
- Slacks/corduroys/khakis/capri pants/neat jeans (the length of all pants should be mid-calf or lower)
- Dress or casual shoes, including athletic shoes and flip-flops
The Standard for Men and Women in the Cafeteria: In the cafeteria, a relaxed dress code will be in effect at all times. This includes T-shirts, sweatpants, and hats.
Business Dress
for the Faculty and Staff
While at work or representing the university, it is important that each employee dress in a manner that contributes to a professional atmosphere. Regardless of fashion trends, all attire should remain modest and business-appropriate. The guidelines listed below have been developed to maintain a level of consistency and professionalism.
Inappropriate Attire for Men and Women | |
