Dress Code at Academy

This is one of the hottest topics in the pre-Academy questions that I receive. So, I want to break down the dress code for you: It's all about context. DOE's policy is in the packet that you are currently reviewing.  Please pay attention to the guidelines set forth therein.  As with most rules, however, the question is not what they are, but how they will be enforced.  


​Here is what we want the dress code to accomplish: 
1. Distinguish academy from a camp
2. Create academic environment
3. Show respect to lecturers visiting from universities
4. Create a learning community that respects each other's boundaries without imposing them on each other.

To accomplish this, we began to move away from talking about what we don't want to see, and instead reframe it as a discussion about what we do want to see.  The easiest way to describe this is by saying that business casual is the expectation for classes and lectures.  What is business casual for GLA?  Business casual is what you would wear to a summer internship in a laidback tech company- basic professionalism with comfort and your personal style in mind.  
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We don't mean to imply that you need to dress a certain way, be gender-conforming, or like a certain style (or be a fashion model). Your Latin t-shirts are more than welcome in class.  We're simply trying to give you ideas about business casual.  
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If you still aren't sure about something, please email and we will be happy to help.
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It will be cold in the buildings we use: long sleeves.

Express yourself.

Jeans are fine.

Comfort is always important.

​What is Business Casual Not?

We probably won't get this messy.

It's not business casual if....
-you would wear it to bed
-you would wear it to the gym/exercise class
-you would wear it to the beach
-you would wear it to a party


​So, if you are wearing anything similar to the pictures here to classes or a lecture,
you will be asked to return to the dorm and change. 
​Not because there is anything intrinsically wrong with these clothes or with someone wearing them,
​but because they do not fit the environment we are striving for.  
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We will get messy in other activities- clay, paint, plaster, and glue are regular features.  So, bring some things you can get dirty.  We will go to the gym, so bring gym clothes.  The gym has a pool- bring a swimsuit.  We will even have a party, so bring at least one party outfit.  

​In the long run, the dress code helps set the tone of the academy; you are the academy.  We want you to be comfortable, express yourselves, feel safe, and be valued as member of the GLA community.
​You are welcome. You are enough.  You matter.