The Gown
The gown represents an exceptional degree of academic dedication inherent to Sewanee’s student body. It sets our University apart from peer institutions because it demonstrates our commitment to excellence and uniqueness. Being inducted into the order of the gown is directly initiated by Academic performance, but results in a commitment to integrity and community. As the Sewanee community wears their gowns to classes and events, it shows the Sewanee student's investment in the Sewanee community. The gown has also been used to protest actions that go against our values, representing laying our pride on the line to protect integrity. It is a tangible tradition that we use to define integrity, pass down integrity, and set our expectations for integrity.
The gown is a wonderful tradition, but it does have an offensive, exclusive history. The tradition of The Gown is so important to us, which is why one of our main tasks on the Order of the Gown is constantly reflecting and evaluating the integrity of associations or symbols that the gown represents. This intentional evaluation is one role and focus of our council members who encourage dialogues between gowned and un-gowned, students and faculty, anyone who wants to participate to examine the gown as a symbol. These questions and discussions consider the gown as an inclusive or exclusive tradition, as a powerful symbol or elitist, and its association to character and values or solely to academics.
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Another active discussion within the Order of the Gown is how the gown can better uphold integrity. How would a student's conduct or honor status affect their gown retention if we are asserting the gown to be a symbol of integrity? This is an ongoing discussion to prepare for a formal plan of action by the Order of the Gown that will be accomplished by the end of this year.
Ecce Quam Bonum
“Behold how good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!”
The Order of the Gown council presides over the inductees of the Order of the Gown, a tradition of Academic achievement and honor, representing commitment to community through integrity and effort. Sewanee is one step of making an impact beyond the gates, and we believe that the Gown represents this education in intentional commitment to community. Our commitment to Ecce Quam Bonum represents the dedication our members have to Sewanee in thought, word, and deed. This honorable membership is upheld by the Order of the Gown council.
Along with the evaluation of Ecce Quam Bonum values within our members, our role is also to uphold EQB within our school to make sure that the code provides equity and protection for our student body in a way that reflects intentional dedication for the care of our community. Our EQB Chair, Pressley Wilson, leads this focus of upholding the standards of Ecce Quam Bonum.
Academic Endeavors
Sewanee's commitment to the Academic experiences of the student body inspires a calling. Academic life and effort on the Mountain is much more than studying to make the grade or fulfill the major. Our Academic layout focuses on how what you're learning is relevant and evident in the world outside of the gates, and the preparation necessary to carry out this training. The Order of the Gown celebrates academic achievement as the effort to contribute to the immediate community and the pledge to be a force for leadership and change in the world outside of the gates.
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The Order of the Gown Council provides student voices that are dedicated to upholding equity in the classroom to provide for a fruitful academic experience that inspires love for one's craft and calling in the world.