This policy outlines dress and appearance requirements for all students in all settings. This policy applies during campus business
hours (typically 8 a.m.–5 p.m.) and during all off-campus academic, clinical, and University-sponsored activities.
RVU's Student Dress Code reflects the dignity of the health care profession, supports patient safety and infection control, and
fosters the professional identity development expected of future clinicians. Professional appearance influences patient trust,
perception of competence, and communication. Specific requirements in this policy are grounded in this rationale — not
aesthetics alone.
This policy sets forth minimum expectations for student attire; students should refer to course syllabi and program-specific
handbooks as some programs have additional requirements. The University reserves the right to require specific dress for
specific occasions; students will be notified of any adjustments. Questions may be directed to the Office of Student Affairs or
setting-specific leadership.
Tiered Standards by Setting
RVU applies a tiered standard that distinguishes between preclinical/classroom settings and clinical or patient-facing settings
in recognition that individual professional presentation expectations appropriately differ across learning environments.
▪ Tier 1 — Preclinical / Classroom Settings Business casual attire (or professional scrubs for anatomy lab days). See
business casual definition below. Attire should be neat, clean, in good repair, and respectful of others.
▪ Tier 2 — Laboratory Settings (Anatomy, OMM, Simulation) Scrubs or lab-appropriate attire as directed by the course
instructor. Closed-toe shoes are required. On lab days, shorts, sports bras or equivalent, and bare chests must be
covered by professional scrubs or other dress-code-appropriate attire. Students practicing OMM skills outside the lab
may wear lab-appropriate clothing while actively practicing.
▪ Tier 3 — Standardized Patient Encounters Professional attire required. White coat and visible RVU ID badge are
required unless the course instructor specifies otherwise.
▪ Tier 4 — Clinical Rotations Students must adhere to the clinical training site's dress code. Students are required to
contact each training site at least one week prior to the start of each rotation to confirm professional attire
requirements. RVU's baseline clinical attire requirements are professional attire or site-appropriate scrubs, closed-toe
shoes, visible ID badge, and white coat when required by the clinical team; these requirements apply as a minimum
standard when a clinical rotation site's policy is silent regarding professional attire.
Universal Requirements (All Settings)
▪ ID Badge. RVU ID badge must be worn at all times unless otherwise specified. Badges must be displayed above the waist,
with name and photo clearly visible.
▪ Clothing condition. All clothing must be clean, neat, and free of rips, tears, frays, or visible wear beyond normal
functionality.
▪ Closed-toe shoes. Required in all clinical and laboratory settings.
▪ Nails. Natural nails trimmed to fingertip length. Artificial nails, nail extenders, and nail art that prevents effective hand
hygiene are not permitted in clinical or laboratory settings.
▪ Fragrance. Strong perfumes, colognes, and scented lotions must not be worn in clinical settings, where they may affect
patients with sensitivities or respiratory conditions.
▪ Facial hair. While facial hair is permitted, students should be aware that facial hair may affect N95 respirator fit; clinical
site requirements regarding facial hair for fit-testing purposes govern in clinical settings.
▪ Laundering. Scrubs and white coats worn in clinical and laboratory settings should be laundered promptly after use and
stored separately from non-clinical clothing, consistent with infection control best practice.
▪ Gender identity. Students may dress in accordance with their gender identity and gender expression, provided attire does
not otherwise violate this policy.
Business Casual — Definition
Business casual attire is characterized by clothing that is professional in appearance and covers the body appropriately for an
academic environment. This includes but is not limited to slacks, trousers, skirts, and dresses of appropriate length; collared shirts,
blouses, and sweaters; and any clothing that covers the chest, back, torso, and from armpit to mid-thigh in all positions, including
when bending or reaching overhead. Garment type is less important than coverage, condition, and professionalism. Business casual
is not required after 5 p.m., but appropriate clothing remains a minimum expectation on campus and at University-sponsored
events.
White Coat and Scrubs
▪ White coat. Required for standardized patient encounters, clinical rotations where specified by the clinical team or course
director, and University ceremonies when directed. White coats must be clean and laundered regularly.
▪ Scrubs. Permitted in laboratory settings, clinical rotations when appropriate per site policy, and as directed by course
faculty. Students are expected to change out of scrubs worn in patient care settings before entering non-clinical campus
spaces where feasible.
Inappropriate Attire
The following are not permitted in any setting:
▪ Clothing with rips, tears, or frays
▪ Attire, footwear, or accessories that create a safety hazard or interfere with instructional activities
▪ Strong fragrances
▪ Clothing bearing language or images that are offensive or contribute to a hostile learning environment
▪ Artificial nails in clinical, laboratory, or standardized patient settings
Accommodations — Religious, Cultural, and Medical
RVU welcomes and accommodates religious, cultural, and medical dress needs. Protected attire includes, but is not limited to, hijab,
turban, yarmulke, crucifix, cultural hair coverings, head coverings for medical conditions, and compression garments.
Accommodations will be granted unless a specific, documented safety concern exists in the relevant setting. To request an
accommodation, students should contact the Vice President of Inclusive Excellence. Requests will be reviewed and a response
provided within five business days. Accommodations are documented and apply consistently across settings.
Enforcement
Dress code compliance is a shared responsibility of all members of the RVU community. The following progressive framework
applies:
1. Verbal reminder. Faculty, staff, or a peer may provide informal feedback. Students are expected to receive such feedback
professionally.
2. Written notice. A formal written notice issued by faculty or the Associate/Assistant Dean of Student Affairs for a repeated
or more significant violation.
3. Formal referral. Egregious or repeated violations constitute unprofessional conduct and will be referred to the Code of
Conduct process, which may result in disciplinary sanction.
A student asked to leave a setting to change attire will receive an excused absence for missed instructional time resulting solely from
that request, provided they return promptly.
Students who believe a dress code determination has been applied inconsistently or inequitably may raise concerns with the
Associate/Assistant Dean of Student Affairs. RVU commits to periodic equity review of this policy to ensure requirements are applied
consistently and free from bias.
The dress code reflects a general minimum standard for the campus community. Students should refer to the course syllabi and program handbooks for further specific dress requirements (e.g., labs, lectures, rotation sites). The University has the right to require specific dress for specific occasions (e.g., special guests on campus, “casual Fridays”) and students will be notified of any adjustments. Questions regarding appropriate attire may be directed to the Office of Student Affairs and setting-/program-specific leadership.