CTC Procedure: Employee Dress Code

The Dress Code for All Employees has been developed to establish appropriate dress and grooming guidelines whereby all employees shall exemplify the highest standards of professional appearance as Columbus Technical College (CTC) representatives to the community.

Employees must project a professional image to the students, parents, business associates and the general public. Staff members are expected to dress in a manner appropriate to their working environment and to the type of work performed. Faculty members are expected to project professionalism in their dress and appearance as an example for students in the learning and workforce preparation environment. Dress and grooming standards are intended to enhance the image CTC exhibits in the community. Clothing shall be neat, clean, in good repair and appropriate for the employee’s work assignment.

Applicability:

This policy applies to all full and part time employees on the college campus and in other CTC working/recruiting environments (i.e. labs, Fort Benning, high schools, etc.) during operational hours.

Procedure:

Department supervisors are responsible for monitoring their employees’ compliance to the dress code. If a staff member is found in violation, the supervisor(s) is responsible for private counseling with that employee. Employees with concerns after counseling will follow regular appeals procedures of Columbus Technical College.

DRESS, GROOMING STANDARDS:

  • All garments shall fit properly and be laundered to represent a neat, clean appearance.
  • All employees are expected to report to work having showered, shaved, brushed teeth, etc.
  • Exempt employees (all faculty, administrators, managers, directors) shall wear “business professional” attire.

(See examples, exceptions)

  • Non-Exempt employees (administrative assistants, support staff, maintenance, custodial, and security personnel) shall wear professional or “business casual” attire and/or official college-approved uniforms.

(See examples, exceptions)

  • ALL CTC employees shall wear college-issued nametags both when on campus and out in the community representing the college.

APPROPRIATE DRESS EXAMPLES

“Exempt” employees:

  • Suit or suit separates (ties encouraged for gentlemen)
  • Dress slacks and dress shirt
  • Blazer
  • Cardigan sweater sets
  • Dress
  • Skirt with blouse
  • Professional dress shoes appropriate for work environment
  • CTC logo shirts (that meet branding standards) with khaki, black, or navy bottoms
  • Name badge

“Non-Exempt” employees:

  • Traditional collared shirts or blouses
  • Skirts or dresses
  • CTC logo shirts (that meet branding standards) with khaki, black, or navy bottoms
  • Chinos (“khakis”) or dress pants
  • College-issued, approved uniform
  • Name badge
  • Footwear appropriate for work environment

PROHIBITED ATTIRE/GROOMING & HYGIENE

  • Visible tattoos
  • Distracting, jangly jewelry
  • Excessive cologne or perfume
  • Offensive odor
  • T-shirts worn as outer wear (may be exceptions with CTC t-shirts for college-approved events)
  • Sweatshirts
  • Sleeveless tops
  • Revealing and/or tight-fitting attire
  • Sweat suits or “warm-ups” (unless approved by the department supervisor for a job-specific task)
  • Flip flops, Crocs®, tennis shoes (unless approved by the department supervisor), casual sandals, strappy sandals
  • Dresses or skirts that are more than 2” above the top of the knee
  • Shorts, caps, head scarves or hats (unless pre-approved through HR or as part of a CTC-issued uniform)
  • Wrinkled, stained, torn, faded attire
  • Cargo, casual ¾ length and/or Capri pants
  • Denim (Unless pre-approved for specific tasks like stocking shelves, packing, moving, and the like. May also be acceptable for certain college-sponsored events)

GRADUATION

  • White tops (ties encouraged for gentlemen)
  • Black pants or skirt
  • Black suit
  • Black professional, enclosed, 3-inch heel or lower shoes
  • Socks/Hosiery (optional): solid, black, or flesh color

EXCEPTIONS TO POLICY

  • The president has the right to state opportunities for a more relaxed dress code due to special events. Those opportunities will be announced in the employee newsletter.
  • An exception to this policy may be made on a case-by-case basis for employees under the Americans with Disabilities Act or those with a medical condition which requires certain apparel. Exceptions may also be made for certain religious-based attire. To receive an exception, employees must provide HR with a request for accommodation from an appropriate healthcare provider or a thorough, written policy/explanation of religious wear.

Approved: LBoD: 11-13

Responsible: Vice President Administrative Services

Review Date: 2015