By Isaac Guttman, ’10, News Editor
Recently announced changes in Upper School dress code and senior privileges policies enacted by the administration have been well received by the student body. These issues have been contentious in the past, and this year marks a significant increase in administrators’ willingness to debate and alter policies. The Upper School Student Council was able to secure the dress code reform, while the senior privileges alterations are credited to an administrative council and specifically to Senior Dean of Students Fred Carey, who was a major advocate for the changes.
As of Friday, Nov. 13, Upper School students have been able to wear sweaters and pullovers, including hoodies, in good condition without a collar underneath on a test-run basis. A similar rule was enacted two years ago but was revoked because too many students abused it by wearing clothes that violated it. The Student Council was able to convince administrators to alter the policy by presenting them with a proposal.
“Believe it or not, nobody I know likes playing the role of dress code cop. So when it was suggested by student leadership that the dress code be adjusted…it seemed like a simple and practicable proposition well worth a test run given its potential to make everyone happier—a true win / win situation,” explained Mr. Carey.
Junior Jamie Huelskamp is very happy with the dress code reforms “because now I have more options, which makes things easier. I really appreciate what Student Council did because dress code is something that’s relevant to every student.”
Chris Magarian, ’12, said the new dress code enhances the “learning environment” in the Upper School because “it helps people feel more comfortable in the classroom.”
Student Council President Xanni Brown, ’10, said she is “really thrilled at how easy it was to present a rational proposal and have faculty and administration debate and institute a policy change. It was a painless process and it bodes really well for future Student Council endeavors.”
Notable “enhancements” to the senior privileges policy have been the alliterative and popular Senior Snooze, Miracle Monday, Welcome Wednesday, and Free Friday.
Since talks began last spring, Mr. Carey has supported a return to a previous policy that allowed eligible seniors who are free during first bell to sleep in. “The process of adjusting senior privileges was a bit more complex, primarily due to logistical considerations… [but] after renewed discussions this fall, it was decided to give it a test run for the last two weeks of the first semester,” Mr. Carey said. “Logistically speaking, it’s gone extremely well so far.”
Other adjustments let seniors stay out during club or advisory times when they are not directly involved or needed. Senior Nichole Lowe said, “Welcome Wednesday is extremely helpful since my schedule doesn’t allow me to leave before lunch, so staying out through my free bell after lunch is really nice.”
Asked what these changes reveal about the Upper School administration, Lowe responded, “It seems like the administration is becoming more willing to work with students and listen to our point of view to make things like senior privileges more accommodating and fun for us.”
Mr. Carey noted, “More than anything, I think it reflects the presence of an extraordinary degree of trust and mutual respect between the administration and the Upper School student body.”
“Some people would say it’s the wrong decision by relaxing rules,” said Upper School Head Stephanie Luebbers. “But for me it’s important that Upper School students have a voice in protocols and rules that directly affect their everyday life because it builds a sense of ownership and connectedness to the school.”
Photo by Ilana Habib, ’11