Dress Code Guidelines for Career & Technical Programs Health Information Technology Program Expectations Purpose: To determine proper dress for students in specific program areas, as nearly aligned with business and industrial dress requirements as practicable. To establish student dress which will aid in developing pride in onesself as well as in the school and to foster self-respect. The very nature of career & technical education indicates the need for professional student dress. This is justifiable because of safety factors, as well as the desire to develop status in one’s chosen career. It is understood that the nature of the work in some programs is extremely dirty and in others hazardous. Student dress and cleanliness should be an integral part of the total educational program. A student coming to class, and being enrolled in the Health Information Technology program, you are expected to follow these guidelines for the following reasons: The Program may, at times, host visitors from Professional Practice Sites Participates in sending students to professional practice and working closely with healthcare agencies and preceptors Proper attire by all students will create pride in one’s school, as well as giving the visitors a favorable impression. Many of these visitors will be future employers of our students; and first impressions are lasting. In addition, employee appearance contributes to McDowell Tech’s culture and reputation, employees and students are expected to present themselves in a professional manner that results in a favorable impression by clients and customers. Reasonable accommodations will be made where required. Appropriate Attire: Basic elements for appropriate and professional business attire include clothing that is in neat and clean condition. Appropriate workplace dress does not include clothing that is too tight or revealing; clothing with rips, tears or frays; or any extreme style or fashion in dress, footwear, accessories, fragrances or unnatural hair colors.  Business casual dress: Business casual dress is the expectation for visiting or attending a professional practice site. When meeting clients, business professional dress guidelines must be observed, unless the client has specifically requested otherwise. Casual shirts: All shirts with collars, business casual crew neck or V-neck shirts, blouses, and golf and polo shirts. Examples of inappropriate shirts include T-shirts, shirts with inappropriate slogans, tank tops, muscle shirts, camouflage and crop tops. Pants: Casual slacks and trousers and jeans without holes, frays, etc. Examples of inappropriate pants include shorts, camouflage, and pants worn below the waist or hip line. Footwear: Casual slip-on or tie shoes, dress sandals (no flip flops), and clean athletic shoes. Examples of inappropriate footwear include flip-flops and construction or hunting boots. Program Uniforms Students enrolled in the Health Science programs may be required to purchase and/ or wear a uniform or portion thereof, similar to that worn in business and industry.   In general, students are to dress as required by the standards of their field, safety considerations, and the specific work place situation.   All students in programs requiring uniforms must have their uniform and work shoes by the beginning of the second full week of school. Uniforms shall not be worn to and from the Clinical or Professional Practice Agency.   Uniform standards are as follows: The standard uniform color is determined by the program director or lead instructor. Details regarding specific program uniforms are covered at the mandatory program orientation at the beginning of each semester. All uniforms must be neat and clean; no loose or torn clothing. Shirts must be of a reasonable length, free of wrinkles tucked in; and pants pulled up to the waist. Shoes appropriate to the program (laces secured). Facial piercings may need to be removed or covered with a band aid. Visible tattoos must be covered. **Economically disadvantaged students unable to purchase a uniform as specified above should notify the program director or lead instructor immediately.   School/Classroom/Laboratory Dress School dress includes both female and male attire. Each student is expected to attend class on time and regularly. Dress for the classroom or lab is considered casual dress by following these guidelines. An approved uniform must be worn while working on approved school projects outside the classroom or lab, such as those hosted by a clinical agency. All bags (i.e. book bags, backpacks, duffel, gym, etc.) must be placed in a specifically designed area determined by the instructor. Pants must be worn at the natural waist and fit comfortably. All shirts and blouses are to be properly buttoned except for the collar button. Long hair on students must be clean and well-groomed. The Program faculty will make any necessary decision on any questions regarding student dress. Students with questionable dress will be referred to administration. Inappropriate Attire Inappropriate attire includes, but is not limited to, active sportswear, jeans with large holes or tears (colored jeans without holes are acceptable), shorts, halter tops, sneakers (unless medically necessary), beach shoes or similar footwear, T-shirts or apparel with messages or commercial advertising, as well as unkempt or inappropriately revealing clothing. Wearing of the items listed below are prohibited: Jewelry featuring satanic cult references, weapons, drug paraphernalia, color beads and rosary beads. Halter tops, cut-offs, bare midriffs, muscle shirts, see through apparel including mesh shirts and visible undergarments. Obscene, sexually discriminating, drug, offensive or suggestive words or graphics, tobacco, or alcohol related messages on clothing. Unsafe footwear as determined by the program instructor. Studded or spiked belts, gauntlets, bracelets, jackets, metal cleats, chains, handcuffs, dog collars or wallet chains, etc. Excessively torn or revealing low cut tops that expose the bosoms or other clothing worn in a fashion that displays the anatomy. Spandex clothing and tank tops worn without another layer. Bare feet and bathing suits. Hats, bandannas or headgear may not be worn in the school cafeteria, halls, offices or classrooms. Hats may be worn when exiting the school. Female students may wear appropriate head wear that is stylish but not considered gang related. Visible undergarments. Excessively short skirts and mini dresses. Other apparel deemed unsafe or inappropriate by instructors or Administrators.