Policies & Procedures

I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to establish basic guidelines for appropriate work dress, which promote a positive image of the institution, but also allow for maximal flexibility to maintain good morale, respect individual religious, racial, gender and ethnic preferences, and give due consideration to safety and sound business practice.

II. POLICY OWNER 

Human Resources. Regulation of employee dress will be managed at the department level. Departments will have ultimate control over an employee’s attire, but some general guidance is provided below.

III. POLICY

1. Faculty: Faculty guidelines may be established by the Chief Academic Officer, if desired. This policy is not intended to apply to instructional faculty employees.

2. Administrative Employees, and Academic and Administrative Support Employees: Attire will be dictated by the Department Head, but a default should be "business dress." For the purposes of this policy, examples of "business dress" are khaki-type pants, slacks, and jeans that are clean as well as hole and wrinkle-free; Shirts/tops consisting of casual shirts, polo shirts, blouses or sweaters; Casual dresses or skirts with modest hemlines; and Footwear consisting of loafers, boots, flats, heels or sandals.

3. Non Administrative Employees: Uniforms and safety shoes may be required by the department, but if not required, attire should be clean and neat. Managers will approve attire needed to perform tasks required.

4. Exceptions:
   • Anytime scheduled meetings or other work commitments involve the general public, outside business representatives, Board members or government employees outside the institution, good judgment in choice of attire is expected. This will normally mean wearing business dress attire for that day.
   • Individuals employed in areas where safety equipment or other uniform or dress considerations are in place due to occupational health and safety or other business related reasons, must adhere to those safety standards deemed appropriate by the department head. This may preclude the wearing of shorts or tennis shoes, for example.
   • Spirit Day: Fridays unless the department decides otherwise may be considered “Spirit Day." Shirts with the Longwood logo may be worn on Spirit Day.
5. Non Discrimination:
   • Religious, Racial, Gender or Ethnic Preferences: Nothing in this policy is intended to abridge rights at law relating to non-discrimination, or hinder the advancement of diversity at the institution.
   • Facial Hair, Jewelry, Hairstyles: Nothing in the policy is intended to regulate individual choices such as beards, jewelry or hairstyles. Job-related safety when operating potentially dangerous machinery with moving parts, or jobs with public health considerations such as serving or cooking food may nevertheless require some personal adjustments.

Revised and approved by the Board of Visitors, September 7, 2002.
Revised and approved by the Board of Visitors, March 25, 2011.
Revised and approved by the Board of Visitors, June 6, 2022.