Policy Statement
Western New England University Employees should dress appropriately to their duties, with no negative impact on the University’s image.
Reason for Policy
This Policy is to provide general guidelines regarding Employees' professional appearance that are reasonable, fair, consistent, and are based upon the requirements of each individual job. This policy applies to all Employees working for WNE.
Employees must show respect and empathy for our diverse Students, Staff, and Faculty. Every Employee represents a different culture and generation as well as the University.
Who Is Governed by this Policy
Faculty, Staff, and Students Employees
Policy
All Employees create an impression in representing the University. Employees should be well groomed, wear clothing that fits properly, practice appropriate personal hygiene, and dress appropriately for their positions, consistent with the guidelines in this policy.
The exercise of good judgment in attire and self-presentation is desired to meet the business and academic needs of the University. Supervisors set appearance standards for their employees and should communicate the Appearance Policy to all Employees and enforce the standard consistently throughout the year.
Uniforms provided to Employees by the University are required to be worn while working.
- Employees must be neat, clean, and maintain personal hygiene.
- Hair, beards, and mustaches should be worn with safety in mind in working near machinery, food, and other conditions requiring attention to these needs.
- Footwear must be safe and compliant with the needs of your job.
- Attire must be compatible with safety guidelines.
- Photo identification badges are to be worn and clearly visible with name identification displayed at all times and no material alterations to the badge for those interacting with students in classrooms, residence halls, and dining areas for the purposes of completing maintenance, safety checks, work orders, repairs, food service, etc.
- Clothing that is revealing or transparent is not appropriate.
- Tee shirts or other garments with pictures, wording, or other graphics that are potentially offensive to Students, Faculty and Staff, or other members of the team are not appropriate.
- Open-toed shoes are not appropriate for some professions for safety reasons. Open-toed shoes may be permitted for Employees who do not work in a service department (i.e., HVAC, housekeeping, facilities, grounds, etc.) setting.
- Ripped or torn clothes are not appropriate.
- Keep in mind, many people have a sensitivity to strong perfumes, colognes, or room fragrances. Please use discretion when applying these substances and respect requests to refrain from use if needed. If assistance is needed, please work with Human Resources to find a solution.
- Any tattoos, including those on the neck or face containing words or symbols that may be offensive to others, must be covered at all times in the workplace, including but not limited to tattoos that contain profanity, messages of hate, or lewd or sexually suggestive comments or drawings
- Supervisors have discretion to provide feedback on clothing that may be deemed inappropriate, unsafe, or representing an unwanted image for the University.
Document History
Policy Origination Date: July 12, 2023
Who Approved This Policy
Associate Vice President of Human Resources
Contact
Associate Director of Human Resources
Rivers Memorial