Dress Code

General Standards and Expectations: Students must maintain a well-groomed appearance with clothing that is neat, clean, and free of functional defects such as holes or tears. While students may dress for their specific daily learning activity (e.g., remaining in scrubs for the full day if a lab is scheduled), certain restrictions apply:  

• Lab Attire: Clothing such as shorts, sports bras, or bare chests used during lab must be covered by appropriate outerwear or clinical scrubs when outside of the laboratory setting. 

• Business Casual Default: When attire requirements are uncertain, students should default to business casual or professional scrubs. Business casual includes slacks, trousers, jeans, or modest-length skirts/dresses; collared shirts, sweaters, or blouses; and tops with shoulder straps. All clothing must fully cover the torso and extremities from the armpit to mid-thigh during all ranges of motion. Additionally, a person’s buttocks must be fully covered and not visible with any form of movement. 

• Prohibited Items: Attire featuring offensive language, images that contribute to a hostile environment, or extreme styles (including fragrances and accessories) is prohibited. Hats and headwear are not permitted unless worn for religious or cultural purposes. Minimal coverage of the head, using items such as headbands, is allowed. 

Inclusivity and Identification

• Expression: All students may wear clothing of their choice regardless of traditional gender norms and may dress in accordance with their gender identity, provided the attire meets other professional standards outlined here. 

• Identification: Students must wear their RVU ID at all times unless otherwise specified by a clinical or course syllabus. 

• Cultural/Religious Attire: Such attire is welcomed, provided it remains safe and appropriate for the specific learning environment. 

Clinical and Environment-Specific Requirements

• Clinical Sites: Students must adhere to the specific dress code of their assigned clinical training site. It is the student's responsibility to contact the site prior to the start of a rotation to confirm requirements. 

• Program Adjustments: The University reserves the right to mandate specific attire for special events or visitors. Students should refer to individual course syllabi for additional specialized requirements. 

Compliance and Reporting: Students are expected to self-monitor their attire and remain open to professional feedback from peers, faculty, and staff.  

• Resolution: Questions regarding appropriate attire should be directed to the student’s advisor, while disputes should be directed to the Associate Program Director or their representative. The decision of the Program Director or their representative is final. 

• Noncompliance: Egregious or repeated violations will be documented as unprofessional behavior and may result in disciplinary sanctions under the Code of Conduct. Students found in violation may be asked to leave campus to change into appropriate attire.