October 7th: The sight was All Saints Chapel, as the new members of the Order of the Gownsmen were inducted into the academic honors society, beaming smiles and heads held high, the pervasive feeling of accomplishment, honor, and integrity abounded. Semesters worth of intense study and nights spent huddled in the ATC until dawn, finally paid off. Students embraced each other, faculty members, parents, and friends, as they reentered the University with a newly formed perspective, apart of something which has been in existence since 1873, and charged to preserve and uphold the traditions of the University of the South.
In the following weeks, what started as faint whispers in hallways, grew into heated debate as to the future of the Order of the Gownsmen. At the October 14th meeting there was a resolution presented which would change the requirements for entrance in the Order. Would there be special circumstances that would allow students of the University to be inducted into the Order, regardless of their GPA, but based upon their ability to fulfill the Order's charge to maintain "the spirit, traditions, and ideals of the University of the South?" Confusion and debate exploded. Gownsmen reminded the Order that there are currently special prizes awarded to those who display an unfailing dedication to school spirit and uphold the spirit of tradition at Sewanee. Further discussion brought up the point the gown was originally awarded for the ability to self govern and that at times people have a great ability to self-govern but do not excel in academics. This was rebuffed by the acknowledgment of the role that both the Honor Council's and the Student Assembly's play in helping to govern the school, and that the role of governance does not carry with it entry into the Order. At the behest of certain Gownsmen, an inquiry will be made looking into the history of, the precedent allowing entrance into, and the traditions of the Order.
In what other walks of University life is the wearing of a gown allowed? Arcadians are encouraged to wear their gowns during their tours to demonstrate some of the traditions that are alive and well on our campus. They either have their gowns from their own merit or can borrow one from the admissions department for the purposes of the tour. Others who wear gowns are members of the Honor Council. They are in a similar position, either their gowns are earned or borrowed. Should membership in these governing bodies, which allow for the donning of a gown, carry with it membership into the Order of the Gownsmen? Of course not.
What would an action like this mean? What would it mean if the Order were allowed to handpick, by a panel of faculty and students, 5-10 individuals who fulfill the charge of the Order. The GPA requirement, although difficult to attain, decreases as students rise in years, and is not an unattainable one. First, it would be contrary to the precedent set in 1873 which changed the former system of allowing all students to don a gown, making it a badge of honor and representative of academic excellence. Second, it would diminish the hard work and dedication which students put forth in order to achieve the required GPA to enter into the Order. The harrowing all nighters spent watching the dawn up from the windows of the ATC, the active participation in class discussion, and dedication to school work and contributions to the academic life of the University would abate in value. Third, it would go against the standing traditions of the University. For a hundred thirty six years the nature of the Order of the Gownsmen has been one routed in academic excellence, and representative of student's achievements in academics, not school spirit. While having school spirit and a demonstrating a passion for the University are excellent qualities to possess, they are by no means indicative of academic achievement, and as such should not carry with them entrance into the Order of the Gownsmen.
Gowning Out or Selling Out?
Maintaining the Academic Integrity of the Order of the Gownsman
Published: Monday, November 2, 2009
Updated: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 20:11
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