Dress Code

Students are expected to maintain a neat and clean appearance during class time, as that is what will be required in their future career roles and positions. Students are expected to wear University
approved uniforms when they are in a clinical setting. Individual programs may enforce a stricter dress code policy. Please refer to the respective Student Handbook or consult with program administration for any specific program requirements. Students must meet the standards of the program specific policies.

West Coast University understands and fully supports students’ right to self-expression. The University also has an obligation to create a living and learning environment where all members of the community are comfortable and not offended by inappropriate dress. The dress code is designed to provide appropriate guidelines so that all students may dress in a manner that is respectful of themselves and the community. Dress that is neat and modest is the minimum requirement at all times in all public areas.

The following applies to all undergraduate students enrolled at West Coast University. The dress code applies to students at any WCU event, activity or function and in the classroom as well.

Any faculty member or administrator is free to advise and discuss the code with the student. If the matter is not resolved at that level, and the student is out of compliance with the University’s dress code policy, any faculty member or administrator at West Coast University may refer any student to the following: (1) the Director of Student Affairs, or (2) another student affairs officer within a program, or (3) the Associate Executive Director, or the (4) the Executive Director. Via the referral or Conduct Complaint Form, the student may be counseled about his or her attire or the student may be asked to go home and change his or her attire. It should be noted that students may be marked absent if he or she is sent home. Repeated violations by a student will be sent to the Student Conduct Committee. Determination of whether or not a student’s attire complies with the dress code is entirely at the discretion of the reviewing administrator identified above.

Exceptions to this dress code will be otherwise noted in the syllabus or other course communications as there may be instances where professional attire is required for a specific class or presentation.

It is expected that students display an appropriate level of judgment with regard to personal hygiene, grooming and dress. The following items of clothing or clothing style are unacceptable for students attending classes at WCU:

Soiled, stained, or excessively wrinkled clothing
Transparent, low cut or revealing clothing (no bare mid-riffs, muscle shirts, sagging or low waist pants with undergarments showing)
Visible undergarments
Short length shorts
Athletic type, wide arm hole tank tops
Bare feet (shoes must be worn at all times)
Accessories and jewelry that have writing, pictures of symbols or any other insignia, which are crude, vulgar, profane, obscene, libelous, slanderous, or sexually suggestive
All clothing will be free of profanity, slanderous language, or inflammatory causes.
Pajama bottoms or tops

Also note the following:

Jewelry and other accessories must not interfere with the performance of duties or pose a safety hazard.
Appropriate personal hygiene is expected at all times, including keeping hair and nails well groomed.
Tattoos that may be offensive to visitors, employees or other students are not permitted. Examples of offensive tattoos include designs that are violent or threatening, sexual in nature, desecrate religious symbols, use profanity, etc.
Sandals, flip flops and sneakers that are in good shape (for example, no broken straps, clean) are acceptable footwear for students except in the science laboratories where no open toed shoes are permitted.

Accommodations

Accommodations will be made for students with specific medical conditions and/or religious beliefs that require special clothing, shoes and/or jewelry. Students who believe they need an accommodation should contact the Student Services department.