VCOM Faculty Handbook

Personal Appearance and Professional Dress VCOM expects employees to dress and groom themselves in accordance with accepted business standards while at work, particularly if an employee’s job involves dealing with students, vendors, and/or visitors in person. VCOM has established a reasonable dress code appropriate to the job the employee performs and in accordance with professional work standards. VCOM asks that employees use good judgment and common sense in their choice of work clothes and remember to conduct themselves at all times in a way that best represents the professional environment of VCOM. Employees failing to adhere to proper VCOM standards with respect to appearance and dress will be informed that they are not meeting the standards, and if noncompliance with the standard continues, are subject to disciplinary actions, up to and including termination. Failure to comply with these requirements may be characterized as harassment or initiating a hostile work environment, which may be adjudicated through the College’s conduct policies. Personal Care Standards The dress of an employee on campus, in the research lab, in the clinical setting, or any other location while performing their duties, should be one that demonstrates use of good hygiene, appearing clean, and without unpleasant body odor or bad breath. Bathing and brushing teeth regularly, as well as using deodorant and/or antiperspirant daily is recommended. Faculty and staff should be aware that they are working with other faculty, staff, students, and the public. Faculty and staff are expected to adhere to established hygiene requirements which ensure that employees are presenting themselves to other peers, students, and the public appropriately and that the employer is being properly and professionally represented as an organization. Personal hygiene is of the utmost importance. An officer or supervisor may send an employee home if the employee is violating the dress code policy. To prevent the transmission of healthcare-associated infections and promote best practices in infection prevention, as well as for general hygiene, employees should wash hands frequently (especially after using the restroom, before eating, and after touching potentially contaminated surfaces). Clothing Standards Clothes should be of a length, fit, and style that are appropriate for the professional academic environment. Clothing that reveals cleavage, back, chest, stomach or underwear is not appropriate at any time while performing employment duties. Clothing should be non-provocative in nature and demonstrates respect for fellow students and faculty. Torn, dirty, or frayed clothing is unacceptable. Any clothing that has words, terms, or pictures that may be offensive to other students, faculty, or staff is unacceptable. Hair, Nail, and Cosmetics Standards Hairstyles and hair colors should maintain a professional appearance appropriate for a professional environment. Hair, including facial hair, should be neatly groomed, clean, and of a length that does not interfere with personal and/or patient safety (including interfering with standardized personal protective equipment) or ability to perform duties. Hair must be secured away from the face when necessary for hygiene or patient safety. Unnaturally vivid hair colors (e.g., bright blue, green, or neon shades) or styles that may be considered non-professional may be restricted in accordance with institutional policy. Appropriate cosmetic makeup use should support a professional, hygienic, and respectful presence. Makeup should be applied in a subtle and natural manner, using neutral tones and moderate techniques that do not distract from Treat and bandage all cuts and sores immediately, keeping them clean to prevent infection.

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