Etiquette & Attire

Etiquette

Expectations for etiquette at Oxford will differ from what you're used to at Williams. It's important to remember that you're a student and guest of a very old, historic institution, with hundreds of years of traditions that are important to uphold and respect. We've listed some tips below to help you succeed in this as a member of Exeter College:

• Students must be on time for tutorials. It is seen as massively disrespectful to arrive late. We recommend you arrive a couple of minutes early, and then wait for your scheduled time to knock on your tutor's door before entering. If you are not sure where the tutorial will take place, arrive half an hour early and ask the porter to direct you.

• Rescheduling tutorials is generally not possible. If you're ill and unable to attend, you should give your tutor as much notice of this as possible. The WEPO faculty director can assist with this if necessary.

• You should not expect extra academic support from tutors between tutorials, although you may find that some tutors will make themselves available. Learning at Oxford is largely an independent exercise, and it's important that you prepare yourself well between tutorials with your readings and papers.

• If a tutor attacks or questions your ideas in a tutorial, you're expected to defend them (as far as is reasonable). A lively dialogue is at the heart of the tutorial system. a tutor's criticism is not a sign that your work is sub-standard; on the contrary, it often means that you said something interesting, worth discussing.

• Contesting a grade at Oxford is virtually unheard of. If you truly feel a grade you've received is incorrect, please speak with the WEPO Faculty Director first. You should not contact a tutor to request they change or review your grade at the end of the term.

• Be sure to respect the space. Exeter College's Turl St. location is a medieval complex, and you should maintain your awareness of this. Note that walking on the grass in the front quad is forbidden for undergraduate students. You're welcome to walk on and sit on the grass in the Fellow's Garden.

Attire

There are certain occasions when you'll need to dress formally at the University. These include the signing of the register, formal hall (formal, optional weekly dinners), and other events throughout the year. 'Sub fusc' is the outfit that must be worn under your academic gown at some of these occasions. WEPO will provide you with an academic gown, but you must provide your own sub fusc. You will need to wear your sub fusc outfit during Freshers' week.  Please note that black stockings, tights, or trousers, are required: only face and hand skin may be visible. While you will have some free time if you need to shop, it may be easier (and less expensive) to bring these items with you:

• dark (black) suit for men or dark (black) skirt/trousers for women

• black shoes and socks/tights

• plain white collared shirt or blouse

• white bow tie, black bow tie, black full-length tie, or black ribbon.

There are plenty of shops in Oxford that will sell a black tie or ribbon should you need one, and that will be easy to get before you need to wear your sub fusc outfit. Below are examples of a sub fusc outfit with the academic gown.

There are other occasions when you might need a more formal outfit, such as a gown or tux. These can either be brought from home, purchased (new or thrifted), or rented when you arrive in Oxford. Many events at Oxford require 'smart' attire, so you should plan to bring some outfits that are suitable for these events in all seasons. Examples of attire can be found below.

There are four relevant degrees of formality. 

Smart attire is called Business Casual in the US. Jacket is desirable, but a tie is not necessary. Short sleeves, shorts, jeans, sandals, and running shoes (trainers) are not acceptable. 

Formal/Black Tie attire requires that men wear tuxedos or suits with ties, while women have somewhat greater freedom of choice, but everyone should be avoiding colours other than black, dark brown, dark blue, white and cream. Black Tie is generally more formal than 'formal attire', but they are similar in requirements.

White Tie is the most formal attire: tuxedo for men and a long evening gown for women, with the same colour constraints as for the Black Tie.

Smart Attire

Black Tie Attire