Trinity Monday

Cantab.

Great day today.

I found the service a bit too informal though. The one day in the year where proper academic dress should be worn, and it was a higeldy pigeldy mess. I saw everything from black tie to jeans. I think people should be explicitly told the dress code and the academic hierarchy should be reflected in the seating inside the College Chapel. It's a wonderful event -- the ceremony should be utilised to its fullest extent. There's a definite need for an MC to ussher people into the correct seats and ensure that everyone isn't huddled down the back of the chapel gawking forwards like total plebs who haven't a clue what's going on.

There were a lot of empty seats. I suspect that very few heard the Provost as the speaker was set to a very low volume and also, not many undergraduates/postgraduates were aware of the proceedings and the formal nature of Trinity Monday morning.

There wasn't much advertisement of Commons -- surely if there was one week in the year to go to Commons, it has to be during Trinity Week? Would make for an excellent study break.

Anyway, rant over, I'm looking forward to the rest of this week's events.

HoboJesus

As regards commons, nobody except XXX9 scholars ("scholars of the nine") can go today, no? Or maybe you meant the other four days. Just checking because, y'know, I'm hungry.

Mark200

Cantab. wrote: »

There's a definite need for an MC to ussher people into the correct seats

Weird, I never had you down for someone that was into rap.

tolosenc

HoboJesus wrote: »

As regards commons, nobody except XXX9 scholars ("scholars of the nine") can go today, no? Or maybe you meant the other four days. Just checking because, y'know, I'm hungry.

As far as I'm aware the Scholar's dinner started at eight tonight. I would have loved to have gone, but it think it was for current scholars, and those "of the nine".

antiselfdual

Yeah the Trinity Monday Scholars' Dinner is for newly elected Scholars and Fellows and Scholars elected every ten years previously. It's far fancier than Commons (which is on normally the rest of week).

Mark200 wrote: »

Weird, I never had you down for someone that was into rap.

No he said ussher not usher.

Podge_irl

Cantab. wrote: »

There were a lot of empty seats. I suspect that very few heard the Provost as the speaker was set to a very low volume and also, not many undergraduates/postgraduates were aware of the proceedings and the formal nature of Trinity Monday morning.

Probably because there is no formal nature to Trinity Monday morning.

devinejay

Here's me thinking cantab. was looking for a little Perspective on Trinity Monday

Podge_irl

Podge_irl wrote: »

Probably because there is no formal nature to Trinity Monday morning.

Well the meeting of the Board first thing is pretty formal

Cantab.

Podge_irl wrote: »

Probably because there is no formal nature to Trinity Monday morning.

I believe that at the announcements, all academics and students should wear proper academic dress appropriate to their standing. Especially at the service afterwards. You shouldn't be allowed in if you're wearing jeans; at least have a riff-raff section.

In my opinion, Trinity Monday is the best opportunity for the College to sport the full colours of academic dress; a tradition that's at risk of succumbing to modernism and its minimalist tendencies. I mean, how many people know the difference between the undergraduate, bachelor's and master's gown? How many people know about ribbons, tassels, etc.

There's a facebook page on academic dress if anyone's interested. Well worth signing up to.

Also, I saw a guy playing frisbee in a gown today which I thought was kinda cool. We need more of that!

tolosenc

Cantab. wrote: »

Also, I saw a guy playing frisbee in a gown today which I thought was kinda cool. We need more of that!

Cantab. ?

Podge_irl

Cantab. wrote: »

I believe that at the announcements, all academics and students should wear proper academic dress appropriate to their standing. Especially at the service afterwards. You shouldn't be allowed in if you're wearing jeans; at least have a riff-raff section.

The announcement is not a formal occasion. The Scholars of the Decades dinner is the formal ceremony and all present do indeed wear the appropriate gowns and clothing. It would be a bit much to expect students to dress up to hear exam results, especially when several would (unforrunately) have no need for it past the announcement.

In my opinion, Trinity Monday is the best opportunity for the College to sport the full colours of academic dress; a tradition that's at risk of succumbing to modernism and its minimalist tendencies. I mean, how many people know the difference between the undergraduate, bachelor's and master's gown? How many people know about ribbons, tassels, etc.

There's a facebook page on academic dress if anyone's interested. Well worth signing up to.

I actually don't inherently disagree with this. It would be nice if there were more formal occasions when students (and faculty) wore academic dress, it looks impressive and certainly has a great college feel to it. St. John's College "formal" dinners merely require a gown be worn, there is no actual requirement for formal dress. It wouldn't kill them to bring in something like that for Commons.

Cantab.

Podge_irl wrote: »

The announcement is not a formal occasion. The Scholars of the Decades dinner is the formal ceremony and all present do indeed wear the appropriate gowns and clothing. It would be a bit much to expect students to dress up to hear exam results, especially when several would (unforrunately) have no need for it past the announcement.

I was talking about the service, not the announcements.

Podge_irl wrote: »

I actually don't inherently disagree with this. It would be nice if there were more formal occasions when students (and faculty) wore academic dress, it looks impressive and certainly has a great college feel to it. St. John's College "formal" dinners merely require a gown be worn, there is no actual requirement for formal dress. It wouldn't kill them to bring in something like that for Commons.

I'm not talking about formal hall, I'm talking about special occasions where full academic dress should be worn: the service after the announcement of the Fellows and Scholars is a perfect opportunity to insist on full academic dress. I don't think full academic dress is appropriate at Commons -- a gown appropriate to your standing and black tie perhaps, but hoods and caps at a dinner? Maybe I'm wrong on this. I think I'll go onto that academic dress facebook page... Was everyone in black tie last night? Or was it more a scruffy affair with many of those types who insist on going against the grain of the College's traditions turning up in office chinos and open neck shirt?

Cantab.

obl wrote: »

Cantab. ?

No, it wasn't me! Fair play to the gown-wearing frisbee players all the same.

mathew

everyone was in black tie last night. Was very formal.
I dont think its practical to insist on full academic wear for the service. People need a bit of time to put on the tux (or dress) and do themselves up. The service immediatly follows the announcement so there isn't really much time..

Mark200

Where do you get all this gown stuff? Does the college give it to you?

Podge_irl

Cantab. wrote: »

I was talking about the service, not the announcements.

What service? The thing in the chapel? Is that not on moderately soon after the announcement? Its a hectic enough day as is, there is simply no way people could get ready for it in time.

Was everyone in black tie last night? Or was it more a scruffy affair with many of those types who insist on going against the grain of the College's traditions turning up in office chinos and open neck shirt?

It's a black tie event. I'm pretty sure you wouldn't get in unless properly attired.

I don't think full academic dress is appropriate at Commons -- a gown appropriate to your standing and black tie perhaps, but hoods and caps at a dinner?

I may be wrong on this, but very very few places have any kind of event where hoods and caps are worn save graduation. Its not really the done thing, gowns are as much as is ever worn.

Cantab.

I'm not suggesting that the service be black tie (it's in the morning and black tie at that time wouldn't be appropriate). I think you should at least have the decency to wear a tie and jacket of some description. You can't go turning people away from the College chapel.

The seating arrangements should definitely reflect the academic hierarchy. I know Heggo and the Cardinal had their own special seats, but I think the Fellows and professors, etc. should have the most prominent seats with Doctors, Masters, etc. filling up the remaining seats according to their standing. It's a perfect opportunity to put the College traditions into practice, otherwise they'll just die away.

Cantab.

Mark200 wrote: »

Where do you get all this gown stuff?

Ryder and Amies, Cambridge do all the Trinity stuff at very reasonably prices. They've got all the College tie, scarf and gown designs on file. The quality is excellent and you're assured that what you're getting is correct (unlike certain gown hire outfits that peddle their wares around commencements time). A gown shouldn't cost more than €50: every student should have one IMO.

Tip: if you want a proper wool undergrad scarf, don't go into the SU shop as you'll get one that resembles a tea towel.

godtabh

Cantab. wrote: »

every student should have one IMO.

Thats just a stupid statement.

Every student who wants one should have one.

Jonathan

Cantab. wrote: »

Ryder and Amies, Cambridge do all the Trinity stuff at very reasonably prices. They've got all the College tie, scarf and gown designs on file. The quality is excellent and you're assured that what you're getting is correct (unlike certain gown hire outfits that peddle their wares around commencements time). A gown shouldn't cost more than €50: every student should have one IMO.

I hate all this traditions lark about Trinity. Such a load of crap.

Why should every student have a scarf?

ApeXaviour

Personally I think it'd be kinda cool if we all had to wear gowns.

Tricity Bendix

I'd have spent all four years pretending to be Harry Potter.

scruttocks

Cantab. wrote: »

No, it wasn't me! Fair play to the gown-wearing frisbee players all the same.

hi!

JC 2K3

Gowns for some, miniture American flags for others.

One shouldn't have to partake in any formalities simply by virtue of the fact that one is in Trinity, but they should be available to anyone who likes them. There's no reason every student should have a gown or a scarf.

As for the dress code on the morning of Trinity Monday, I think something along the lines of a shirt and good jeans would be about right. The dinner in the evening is for formal dress.

Didn't go to the service in the chapel, personally. Don't think many scholars did.

mathew

ApeXaviour wrote: »

Personally I think it'd be kinda cool if we all had to wear gowns.

So do I in a way.. mainly after wearing one around yesterday!! I think if everyone wore them tho the novelty would kinda wear off...

Podge_irl

mathew wrote: »

So do I in a way.. mainly after wearing one around yesterday!! I think if everyone wore them tho the novelty would kinda wear off...

I regularly have to wear one over here, along with everyone else. I can assure you the novelty has yet to wear off on me.

Jim_Are_Great

Cantab. wrote: »

Also, I saw a guy playing frisbee in a gown today which I thought was kinda cool. We need more of that!

That was me!

Cantab.

Jim_Are_Great wrote: »

That was me!

If we ever get this masquerade boards.ie commons off the ground, I'll buy you a pint.