Gown & Attire

Dress Code

Graduands should wear a collared long-sleeve shirt with a tie, pants, and dress shoes (for men), or a collared long-sleeve shirt or blouse with a skirt or pants and court shoes (for women). They are not allowed to make modifications or alterations to the SMU Academic Regalia, and they are required to uphold the tradition and dignity by following the dress code:

• No display of political, religious*, or personal messages or causes, whether in the form of decorations, badges, scarfs, sashes, pins, or symbols, etc.
  *Sikh graduands may wear their turban.
  *Female Muslim graduands may wear their hijab/tudung under their gown, hood, and mortarboard/tam.
• No accessories that are flashy, distracting, or disrespectful (e.g. sunglasses, headphones, necklaces [over the gown]).
• No adornments that are offensive or not in line with the occasion, such as masks or face paint
• No items that drape over the gown, hood, or mortarboard/tam.

Guests are encouraged to dress in business wear, smart casual attire, or traditional dress. Casual or inappropriate attire such as singlets, shorts, bermudas, slippers, flip-flops, or clothing with offensive words or images should be avoided.

SMU staff on the ground have the right to prevent graduands from participating in the ceremony or walking the stage if they do not comply with the rules or are not suitably attired. SMU staff may exercise due judgment on what dressing is deemed not appropriate. If in doubt, graduands should enquire in advance.