University Staff Opinions on Proposed Academic Gowns for Principals, Deans, and Directors of the University for Development Studies

Abstract

Tertiary institutions across the globe have associated themselves with the use of academic gowns for ceremonial activities over centuries. These gowns have seen changes although not radical as seen in the general fashion cycles. This study aims to propose academic gowns to be designed and produced for selected office holders (Deans, Directors and Principals) within the University for Development Studies (UDS) fraternity to project the status and prestige relevance to their offices during ceremonial occasions. A stratified random sampling strategy was employed to collect data from 104 academic personnel at the University for Development Studies using a well-structured questionnaire. The consistency and reliability of the test items were analyzed using Cronbach’s alpha. Descriptive statistics such as means, standard deviations, charts were applied to explain the results. The results showed that the respondents generally agreed to the design and construction of academic gowns for these officers, with a mean score of 2.35. Additionally, a mean score of 2.30 indicated a positive response that all academic gowns for each official should include a logo and slogan of that official’s centre/faculty/school for proper identification purposes. The respondents concurred that all gowns should adopt the British style (open-front design), as indicated by a recorded mean of 2.11. Respondents also agreed (Mean =1.82) that the panel designs of the stole and chevron should show distinctions within the design for the various officials in question. It is therefore recommended that; university management should consider adopting the concept to provide gowns for this category of leaders when approached for consideration on the matter.