Student Q&A: What do you think about the new policy change?

by Rebecca Rhodes

To better prepare students for the workplace, Vice President of Student Services Anthony Underwood proposed a revision of Policy D-46, Code of Student Conduct. Section 4.1.20 is the proposed section that provides clear expectations for students in regard to attire, professional presentation and a safe working environment at WVU Parkersburg. It is not to be seen as a limit on expression in clothing. The proposal is as follows:

4.1.20 As part of the mission of West Virginia University at Parkersburg to prepare its students for personal success in professional careers, all clothing and uniforms worn by students must be suitable for specific laboratory, clinical, or industry-related activities of the student’s chosen course or occupation as defined by course syllabus, program codes of conduct, or activity participation guidelines and must meet safety and health requirements for the occupation. The supervising instructor or administrator shall determine if the particular mode of dress conforms to this rule. a. Each student’s personal hygiene must be reflective of the career they are striving to create, and be appropriate for activities in the classrooms, laboratories, shop areas, and observational or clinical sites. b. Shoes are part of professional dress, hygiene and safety requirements and should meet classroom/laboratory safety and health requirements, and be appropriate for the occupation for which students are being credentialed. Bare feet and bedroom slippers are always to be considered unacceptable footwear options on campus or during college activities unless specifically authorized by the instructor for an educational purpose.

With a notice of proposed rulemaking, faculty, students and staff have to ability to participate in a 30-day comment period. If no comments are received within the period, the policy proposal will be considered approved without further action by the WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors. Comments must be submitted by Dec. 11.

For more information, or to submit a comment, visit

http://www.wvup.edu/about/board-of-governors/policy/proposed-policies/