There is a dress code for all seminarians (M.A., M.Div., and Th.M.) in the chapel and the classroom. For an explanation of this policy, students are directed to the Student Handbook. The policy is meant to be reasonable and yet respectful of the seminarian’s vocation and the place where this vocation is shaped.

All male seminarians in all degree programs are required to wear a black cassock during all chapel services and official seminary events. There are no exceptions to this policy. If you currently do not own a cassock, please be sure to purchase one before you arrive on campus.

Chapel attire for male students

Men are required to wear black cassocks in the chapel. Be aware that clothing worn underneath the cassock also ought to be appropriate. This means that students who serve in the altar or read during liturgical services must wear black slacks, black socks, and black shoes. Khakis, corduroy, and other dress pants are allowed when not serving in official capacities, but these items should not be ripped or frayed. Jeans, shorts, sneakers, flip-flops, and five-finger shoes are unacceptable. Sandals worn with socks are allowed when not serving.

Chapel attire for female students

Appropriate attire for women in chapel and during events that require chapel attire includes dresses, skirts, or dress pants with blouses or sweaters. Dresses and skirts must fall either below or just above the knee. Sweatshirts, sweatpants, tank tops, bare midriffs, plunging necklines, and spaghetti straps are not appropriate. Any blouse which is see-through or sheer is prohibited unless worn with an appropriate shirt or blouse underneath. Jeans, as well as anything unusually distracting, excessively tight, tie-dyed, ripped, frayed, or anything that displays inappropriate logos (alcohol, offensive material, etc.) are prohibited. Shoes are limited to dress shoes and sandals.

Classroom attire for male students

Appropriate (casual) clothing in the classrooms and refectory consists of a collared shirt or appropriate T-shirt, slacks, khakis, or jeans, shoes or sandals worn with socks. Classroom or refectory attire does not include cargo or carpenter pants, tank tops, shorts, sweat pants, jogging suits, pajamas or anything that displays inappropriate logos (alcohol, offensive material, etc.). Flip-flops are prohibited in the classroom. Undershirts without a top shirt are not appropriate.

Classroom attire for female students

Appropriate (casual) clothing in the classrooms and refectory consists of dresses, skirts (falling below or just above the knee) or appropriate tasteful pants, jeans, corduroys, or slacks with blouses, appropriate T-shirts, sweaters, shoes or sandals. Classroom attire does not include tank tops, bare midriffs, sheer tops (see above), shorts, pajamas or anything that displays inappropriate logos (alcohol, offensive material, etc.). Flip-flops are prohibited in the classroom.

Personal appearance and grooming.

Hairstyles are to be neat in appearance, not bushy or unkempt. For male students: no earrings or body piercings are allowed.