The PA Program dress code is designed to ensure that students maintain a professional appearance, which instills confidence in colleagues and patients while adhering to health and safety standards. Students are expected to dress appropriately when representing RVU and the PA profession in all settings, including campus, clinical sites, meetings, conferences, and events.
General Guidelines
- Professional Appearance: Each student must present themselves in a manner that reflects the dignity of the healthcare profession. Attire should be neat, clean, and suitable for a professional environment, ensuring it does not distract from educational endeavors.
- Compliance with Institutional Dress Code: Students are required to follow the RVU institutional dress code as outlined in the RVU Student Handbook during business hours on campus (typically 8 AM – 5 PM). This includes adherence to specific dress requirements for various learning environments, such as labs, lectures, and clinical rotations.
- Course-Specific Attire: Students must comply with any specific dress code requirements outlined in the course syllabi. If a professor mandates professional attire for a skills class in lieu of scrubs, students are expected to adhere to that requirement.
- Clinical Site Dress Code: When on location at clinical training sites, students must adhere to the dress code of the training site, which takes precedence over both university and program policies. Students should contact each training site one week before the start of their clerkship rotation to confirm appropriate attire.
- Neatness and Grooming: All students are expected to be well-groomed, with clothing free of holes, tears, or signs of excessive wear. Attire should be respectful of others and contribute to a positive learning environment.
- Cultural and Religious Attire: Cultural and religious attire is welcomed, provided it is safe and appropriate for the specific learning or clinical environment. Students may dress following their gender identity and expression.
Responsibility and Feedback
Students are encouraged to self-monitor their attire and be open to feedback from peers, faculty, and staff. The appropriateness of attire can impact the RVU community, and students should maintain a mindset of professionalism in this regard.
Consequences for Dress Violations:
Egregious or repeated violations of the dress code may be considered unprofessional behavior and may result in disciplinary actions. In cases of inappropriate dress, students may be asked to change before they can return to class.
Conclusion
By adhering to this dress code, students contribute to a professional and respectful environment that reflects the values of the PA program and the greater RVU community.