Illinois State University has no university-wide dress code. However, the University recognizes that standards of grooming and dress for students participating in certain classroom/learning spaces and experiences may be appropriate/required. For this reason, faculty and athletic coaches may set student dress code standards for the following reasons: health/safety, community and performative norms, classroom-based professionalism, and/or athletic practices, events, or performances.
Any faculty or athletic coach who sets a student dress code standard should ensure that the student dress code is rational and fair and that the standards do not violate University Policy, practice, and/or guidelines, including but not limited to: student rights articulated in the Bill of Rights of the Student Government Association Constitution (Article I.1), the Faculty Responsibilities to Students (Policy 3.3.12A (6)),and/or the Anti-Harassment and Non-Discrimination Policy (Policy 1.2). Student dress codes must not be discriminatory or impact groups differently based on protected classes (race, (including traits associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, ancestry, national origin, religion, pregnancy, sexual orientation, order of protection, gender identity and expression, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, unfavorable military discharge, status as a veteran, or sex).
- Dress codes for Health/Safety. Standards in this area are often related to specific protocols relating to hazardous material and/or equipment that can be found in, but are not limited to, science, chemistry or healthcare labs, healthcare facilities, athletic facilities, food service facilities, or construction sites. These standards can be legally mandated (e.g., Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)) or industry best practices. Full compliance for participants in these spaces is required. These dress codes should be reviewed and updated according to the most recent legal guidelines, industry best practices, and health/safety standards and must be outlined in the course syllabus.
- Dress codes for Community and Performative Norms. Standards in this area are often related to external practices or policies from outside entities for internships or clinical experiences, such as K-12 schools, healthcare clinics, theatrical and musical performances, and professional presentations. Full compliance for participants is typically required by contractual agreement with the entity. External standards and consequences for non-compliance should be clearly communicated (e.g., in student teaching agreements, internship agreements, or student handbooks).
- Dress codes for Classroom-Based Professionalism. Following all University policies and with attention to outlined rights, faculty may, upon unit/departmental approval, establish a student dress code for certain course environments:
- Student dress codes should be developed in fair and open consultation with all affected groups and with consideration to affordability.
- Student dress codes must be relevant to course-specific academic performance and specifically tailored to the individual course, lab, clinical experience, or performance to which they apply and to their departmentally approved course learning objectives. Student dress codes must be reflective of national standards common to the discipline.
- Student dress codes developed for a course shall not be of general applicability.
- Any grading related to dress codes must be in line with Policy 4.1.6 Grading Practice.
- Student dress code standards related to academic courses must be approved by the appropriate department/school committee and/or the department chair/school director (or dean in case of colleges with no departments/schools). Any student dress code standards must be outlined in the syllabus.
4. Dress code for Athletic Practices, Events, or Performances. Student-athletes may be subject to dress codes for athletic practices, events, and/or performances pursuant to National Collegiate Athletic Association standards, other applicable Athletics rules/regulations, and/or other applicable law.
Accommodations
Students may request reasonable accommodations for dress codes to ensure equal access to University academic programs, services, and facilities in accordance with applicable federal and state regulations.
The University has designated Student Access and Accommodation Services (SAAS) to handle student accommodation requests. Procedures can be found on the SAAS website or by contacting AbleISU@IllinoisState.edu or at (309) 438-5853.
Appeals
Any discipline/recommendation for corrective action for non-compliance will follow the standard process within the area for review and shall have an opportunity for appeal (i.e., Code of Student Conduct for health/safety or compliance issues, standard procedures for student teaching appeals, etc.).
If, after discussion with the faculty member, the student believes, in goo faith, that the established dress codes do not align with the item (1)-(3) above, the student may file an appeal to the department chair/school director or, when applicable, the dean in the case of colleges with no departments/schools, no later than five (5) business days after the start of the academic term. The department chair/school director or, when applicable, the dean, in the case of colleges with no department/school, will issue a written decision to both parties within five (5) business days. Both parties have the right to appeal this decision by filing a written appeal within five (5) business days to the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. The Provost's decision shall be final without further appeal.
If, after discussion with the athletic coach, the student believed, in good faith, that the established athletics-specific student dress codes do not align with the item (4) above, the student may file an appeal to the Director of Athletics, no later than five (5) business days after the start of the academic term. The Director of Athletics will issue a written decision to both parties within five (5) business days. The Director's decision shall be final without further appeal.
Review
Any student dress code standards/policies should be reviewed at least once every five years by the appropriate unit/department/school committee and/or the department chair/school director/unit head to ensure that they are aligned with current policies, laws and regulations, and/or University initiatives.
Associated Policies
1.2 Anti-Harassment and Non-Discrimination Policy