Speech Pathology students at Western Sydney University are required to wear a uniform for placement and some assessments from 2nd year through to 4th year, placements range from a few days to several weeks a year.

 
The current uni wear for Speech Pathology Students is a non stretch, white/ grey pin stripe, button down shirt that has poor sizing from size 6-24, made from 75% polyester and 25% cotton.  On average, most students are having to purchase 2 or more sizes above their regular size and are still finding the shirts very restrictive around the arms, armpits, chest and back. The shirt are designed to be worn out but any upward movement of the arms reveals more than we are comfortable with. The shirts are not long enough to remain tucked in leaving us without an option to remain modest. Students of all sizes are experiencing the same problems from multiple cohorts.  

All other fields of practice, such as Occupational therapy, physiotherapy and nursing have the option of a branded polo shirt.

Students from previous years have unsuccessfully requested changes, with no compromise for alternate suggestions from the Speech Pathology subject coordinators. 

We are proposing a change in uniform to incorporate the following 

1. a less restrictive fabric, ideally stretch or polo
2. a more accomodating cut, including larger arms and longer waist to be able to wear tucked in or left out
3. a broader range of sizes for those who are not currently included 
   a sizing chart with more than just chest measurements for more accurate ordering

By having a more comfortable and accomodating shirt, we as students would be able to concentrate more on our clinical placement and quality of support to patients and clients, rather than be physically uncomfortable which takes away our attention from whats important. We want to become the best Speech Pathologists available to the local community, we don't have time to be worried about ill fitting uniforms.