Baltimore Polytechnic Institute

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Guidelines for Appropriate Commencement Dress

Click on the headline to see the Commencement dress requirements

GUIDELINES FOR APPROPRIATE COMMENCEMENT DRESS

Since its inception, commencement at Poly has always been a formal occasion. Young men at Poly have always rented formal wear for commencement from commercial establishments. Since the mid-1970s, when Poly became co-educational, female students have been required to select appropriate attire on an individual basis. In the course of choosing your attire for commencement, you MUST adhere to the following criteria:

Males: White dinner jacket, black tuxedo pants and black dress shoes

Females:

DRESS:

unadorned formal full-length (to ankles) or tea-length (hemline must reach mid-calf or lower), WHITE dress appropriate for a daytime formal occasion. Dress should not be cream, off-white, beige, mother of pearl. Straps should not be less than 2 inches wide.

The following will not be permitted: strapless dresses, spaghetti straps, one shoulder halter, low front and/or low back neckline(s), no revealing cleavage, no cut-outs (front or back, waist, stomach, chest, hips, legs), or see through material.

Suggestion: Bridal and formal wear stores

SHOES:

Recommended WHITE leather or patent leather closed toe shoe (pump) (because area under grandstand and on the field can easily soil or stain fabric shoes); soles and style that will permit graceful walk on grass, concrete and cinder track surfaces; easy to walk in; and “broken-in” well in advance. Color of the shoes should not be cream, off-white, beige or mother of pearl.

LINGERIE

A shadow-proof slip is a must so that under garments can not be seen through the dress.

HOSIERY:

Must match skin tone or dress; always have a second pair ready for any special occasion just in case . . . PLEASE NO BLACK!

ACCESSORIES:

appropriate jewelry should be unobtrusive, small pieces, delicate design, white color, pearl or crystal, NO HATS OR GLOVES

HANDBAGS:

are not allowed to be carried onto the field, no cell phones, cameras; leave them with parents or friends

HAIRSTYLES:

select a comfortable style that can survive the outdoor elements (sometimes extreme humidity or wind); use unobtrusive accessories such as pins, clips, barrettes as needed

Once you have selected all of the components of your commencement attire, allow time for any needed changes, alterations or “breaking-in”. The administrative team reserves the right to EXCLUDE from public commencement exercises any student whose attire and/or behavior is/are inappropriate for the occasion. We want every eligible senior to be able to participate, so please follow these traditional Poly guidelines! If you have ANY questions, concerns or problems see Mrs. Williams, Grade Level Administrator in room 113A.