Far Eastern University (FEU) Office of Student Discipline released the updated School and Civilian Attire Guidelines last February 20. 

The guidelines came after an estimated 7,000 dress code-related violations from the previous semester of Academic Year (AY) 2022-2023.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, Director of Student Discipline Albert Doloiras shared that he had been in constant coordination with the Far Eastern University Central Student Organization (FEUCSO) student leaders and the FEU administration to address potential gaps in ensuring the smooth implementation of the guidelines.

In order to adapt accordingly to the rapidly changing landscape of the University, the new dress code policy takes effect on March 1 for FEU Manila and March 15 for FEU Makati.

To balance out the transition, the University decided upon the implementation of a three-day rotation between school uniforms for Mondays to Wednesdays and civilian attire for Thursdays to Saturdays.

The new uniform guidelines were established to address student requests and concerns while reflecting the University's values of inclusivity, welcomeness, and student-centeredness.

Doloiras also explained that they are shifting away from punitive discipline and towards a more transformative approach when it comes to uniform-related violations or offenses, as they hope to see an improvement in compliance by the end of the semester as the guidelines have been made clearer and simpler.

“Actually one of the observed gaps in the implementation of the previous policies kasi, ang nakalagay dati, is yung kung ano ang pinapayagan. Which can be subject to interpretation… Right now, these new policies are pretty straightforward. The FEUCSO and the management agreed to make it pretty straightforward. Instead na ilagay kung ano yung pwede, nilagay natin kung ano talaga yung bawal (Actually, one of the observed gaps in the implementation of the previous policies is that only the ones that are allowed are mentioned. Which can be subject to interpretation... Right now, these new policies are pretty straightforward. The FEUCSO management agreed to make it pretty straightforward. Instead of only including what’s allowed, we decided to include what’s actually not allowed),” he stated.

Doloiras confirmed that the newly implemented policies allow cropped tops with sleeves as well as patterned and cargo pants, after being asked whether the previously prohibited clothing would be permitted.

Instead of the usual ID confiscation, students will be advised to fill out a form in the event that they are unable to follow the attire policy in an effort to ease conflicts and inconveniences in monitoring dress code compliance.

Doloiras further stated that the school will not bar non-compliant students from entering the campus, as the form itself will serve as a deterrent for repeat offenders, along with monitoring habitual violators or those who willfully disregard the policy.

“Mano-note naman namin kung sino yung willfully nagdi-disregard, at dun kami magkakaroon ng intervention… we will apply impediments. That’s why we made it as simple as this one, as liberal, para hindi na mag opt yung students mag violate in the first place. Meron tayong deterrent system, but not actual sanctions or offenses. Wala nang ma s-suspend sa uniform-related violations… We’re more focused on prevention, rather than aantayin nalang namin yung problema saka a-aksyonan. Through these steps somehow, nagiging transformative (We’ll be able to note those who willfully disregard the policies, and that is when we’ll include an intervention… we will apply impediments. That’s why we made it as simple as this one, as liberal, so that students won’t opt to violate it in the first place. We have a deterrent system but not actual sanctions or offenses. There will be no more suspensions for uniform-related violations… We’re more focused on prevention than waiting for the problem before taking action. Through these steps somehow, it becomes transformative),” he added. 

The administration finalized the guidelines back in November 2022, however, they were already drafted and discussed as early as the previous semester of AY 2022-2023.

In addition to the dress code, the policy on prohibited items and the Student Code of Conduct will be updated to incorporate revisions for provisions that have become obsolete.

- Lynette Pasajol