Office of Origin: Human Resources                        
Responsibility: Executive Director, Human Resources 
Original Date Adopted: 10-04-96
Dates Reviewed: 3-19-19, 4-19-23(C)
Last Date Board Approved: 3-19-19

Lake Michigan College (LMC or the College) strives to be an institution where employees enjoy their work environment. Appropriate dress and personal hygiene during work hours and at all times when representing the College are important in promoting a positive image to College constituents, both internally and externally.

This policy establishes broad parameters for appropriate professional attire, with the understanding that most departments and offices have at least some uniqueness in terms of operating needs. All employees are required to present a professional image to students, other employees, and the public by dressing for the workday. Employees are expected to wear clean and neat attire appropriate to the type of job they perform, and employee identification badges must be worn.

Employees are expected to consider each day’s activities when determining what to wear. When hosting meetings with visitors, on or off campus, employees should adhere to a business casual or better standard. Business casual may include apparel such as collared shirts, sweaters, business casual LMC logo wear and trouser pants. Jeans must be neat, clean, and free of holes and/or fraying, and should not be part of daily dress. Regardless of the apparel, employees should not wear anything that is excessively worn, frayed, or wrinkled. 

If a supervisor believes an employee is dressed inappropriately, the supervisor will meet with the employee and discuss their concerns. Supervisors may request that a representative from Human Resources attend the meeting. In extreme cases, supervisors may send an employee home to change and, if that is required, the employee may need to use their paid time off to do so. 

This policy is not intended to preclude department requirements for employees to wear a uniform, lab coat, gloves, specific shoes, protective wear, or other items needed to comply with internal or external requirements. 

References: Identification Badge policy