Learning Resources Department Employee Guide

Personal Appearance & Dress Code

In accordance with the College's Operating Procedure #3.41 Employee Expectations, the professional appearance of employees is a critical element of St. Johns River State College’s commitment to service excellence as it demonstrates respect to others and the professionalism of the College. This procedure establishes a guideline and does not specifically address all situations. Therefore, all employees and supervisors must practice common sense, respect, sensitivity and reasonableness when dealing with appearance issues. Employees are expected to dress in a manner that distinguishes them as role models of professionalism while performing College duties. Presenting a professional image is essential to the College's commitment to customer service and impeccable quality.

While it is the intent of St. Johns River State College that all employees dress for their own comfort during work hours, the image that our employees present to students, community members, and other visitors is of vital importance for maintaining the professional image of the College. Therefore, employees are expected at all times to present an image appropriate to the work being performed. Employees should consult with their supervisors if they need guidance on appropriate attire. Supervisors shall exercise respect and common sense when dealing with employee’s personal appearance.

Professional appearance also includes maintaining good personal hygiene and being appropriately groomed. College employees should use common sense regarding work attire and refrain from wearing sloppy or provocative clothing in the office.

The College maintains that Business Attire or Business Casual is appropriate for a College atmosphere provided that all clothing is professional and appropriate. Examples of inappropriate apparel include:

• Clothing designed specifically for sporting activities (such as sweats, sweatshirts & pull-over hoodies, yoga pants, swimsuits, etc.)

• Clothing that exposes undergarments and body parts in an inappropriate or indecent manner

• Shorts

• Sleepwear (such as pajama bottoms)

• Rubber flip-flops (beach type sandals), bedroom slippers, or bare feet

• Clothing that poses a safety hazard

• Clothing that is not clean, free of stains or holes, neat in appearance or appropriately fitted

• Sheer clothing (showing undergarments)

This list is not meant to be exhaustive but is provided as a starting point.

Apparel should not contain any derogatory, discriminatory, profane, inflammatory, offensive, or otherwise objectionable content or representation. Clothing cannot portray any alcoholic brands, illegal substances or tobacco products. All employees are to wear footwear that poses no safety hazard. Certain positions may require specific footwear based upon OSHA guidelines.

The College expects employees to maintain good hygiene and grooming. Employees are expected to be professional in the wearing of makeup, hairstyles and scented products. Body piercing and body art in the form of tattoos and other skin pigment alterations are a personal choice. However, management reserves the right to ask an employee to remove or cover anything that is deemed to be inappropriate for viewing by students, community members and other employees.

If employees require a reasonable accommodation regarding their dress for bona fide health and/or religious reasons, they should contact their supervisor or Human Resources to discuss an exception to the personal appearance guidelines. Unless it would constitute an undue hardship or safety hazard, SJR State will accommodate such requests.

Certain meetings, conferences, or events may require more formal business attire and employees should dress appropriately.

Supervisors are responsible for ensuring employees meet the standards set forth in the College's dress code and will take appropriate corrective action for those employees who do not comply. Employees violating this procedure may be sent home to change and be required to use leave for their absence. Employees should use sound judgment and err on the side of caution and professionalism when considering what may be deemed appropriate.