Study Review on the Policies and Guidelines on the Wearing of Prescribed School Uniform of the Iligan Medical Center

College: Its Implication to Institutional Policy, Students Welfare and Campus Security Reynaldo O. Mancia

ABSTRACT Taking into consideration the periodic review of institutional policies and guidelines of the Iligan Medical Center College from year 2009-2013, this research study initiated by the office of the Dean of Students Affair (DSA) aims to come up with data and information from students of the different colleges, faculty members and non-teaching personnel regarding policies and guidelines, particularly on the wearing of prescribed school uniform, which shall be made relevant basis in the conduct of the institutional policy review. The objectives of this study are to, 1) determine the different reasons regarding noncompliance of wearing of prescribed school uniform among students in the different colleges; 2) assess and reevaluate the effectiveness and current applicability of polices and guidelines on the Dress Code and Wearing of Prescribed School Uniform as contained and mandated in the Student Hand Book of IMCC; 3) provide information relevant to planning, revising, and designing appropriate polices and guidelines in order to improve the Student Code of Conduct, specifically on the Dress Code and Wearing of Prescribed School Uniform among students of the institution. The primary respondents of this study are Three Hundred One (301) students from the College of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Aide (CONMHA); College of Radiologic Technology (CRT); College of Medical Technology (CMT); College of Education (COE); College of Arts and Sciences (CAS); College of Hotel and Restaurant Management/Tourism; College of Computer Science (CCS); College of Business Administration (CBA) and College of Criminology (COC). Twenty Nine (29) respondents from the faculty and Twenty Eight (28) non-teaching personnel are likewise included in the study. Findings of the study revealed that majority of the respondents, or 98.4 % are in favor of the policies and guidelines on the wearing of the prescribed school uniform, arguing that it will give them sense of belongingness (22.69%); enables them to behave more appropriately and follow school rules (20%); imposes discipline and maintains a sense of decency (18.2%); saves them money (15.2 %); provides equality (12.1%), and provides security (11.9%). On the other hand, only 1.6% of student-respondents argue otherwise saying that wearing of prescribed school uniform is a violation of their freedom of expression (30.6%); wasteful and proved to be futile (19.4%); is a deprivation of their individuality (17.7%); an added financial burden to parents (17.1%), and restricts socialization and encourage competition from other schools. As a matter of policy amendment, however, majority of the respondents (98.4%) suggest that a provision on Wash Day be provided in order to reduce violations and give students the opportunity to wear dress or clothing they like but still under the provision of the Dress Code Policy. A survey questionnaire was used as instrument to generate data and SPSS was also used to process and interpret the results of the survey.