Name: UNIVERSITY OF EMBU
DRESS CODE POLICY Reference: UoEm/DVC (PAF)./DC./002
Title:
Issue/Rev. 1/1
Policy Contact Office: Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Planning, Administration &
Finance)
Implementation
Responsibility: University Management
Approved: ___________________ ______________ 25/06/2023
Vice-Chancellor Date
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Branding: to create a unique image of the University of Embu.
Decency: respectable wear that conforms to the accepted
standards of the University of Embu.
Distinctiveness: the quality of being easily distinguishable.
Entry/Service point: these are places where the University
community use to enter the University or places where they are
served in the University such as gates, library, lecture halls,
cafeteria, and students’ mess among others.
Dress Code: acceptable wear.
Marketability: the ability of an individual or an institution to
attract employers or clients.
Nurture: the ability to develop a holistic personality.
Outrageous hair color: Any color which is not black.
Professionalism: the conduct that characterizes a person as
knowledgeable and skillful.
Promote: implies to actively encourage.
Student Leaders/Student council: leaders of the University of
Embu Students’ Association.
Students’ conduct: the manner in which a person behaves,
especially in a particular place or situation.
Sexual harassment: Unwelcome, sexual advances, request for
sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual
nature.
The Committee: to the University Dress Code Committee.
University Community: Regular, Part-time, School-based,
Weekend, Evening, International and Visiting students, Interns,
Casuals and staff both teaching and non-teaching; Uniformed
and Non-uniformed.
2.4 DRESS CODE GUIDELINES
The following are the minimum guidelines that all members of
the University community should consider as they abide by the
Dress Code.
2.4.1 Appropriate Dress Code
The Dress Code will help to maintain decency, professionalism,
distinctiveness, marketability as well as branding of the
University image.
[Link] Appropriate Female Grooming
i. Skirts/dresses/shorts with hem lines at the knee or below.
ii. Sweaters, fitting tops/dresses/skirts, trouser suits are
acceptable.
iii. Blouses/tops with non-revealing necklines that do not
reveal bare midriffs.
iv. Clothing that do not reveal innerwear.
v. Items that are non-offensive and non-harmful arising from
cultural or religious norms will be respected.
vi. All offensive tattoos must be covered.
vii. Hair should be clean, neat and tidy at all times.
viii. See Annexure 1: Pictorial of Recommended Female Dress
Code
[Link] Appropriate Male Grooming
i. Beard and moustache
should be short and neatly
trimmed and tidy.
ii. Fitting trousers and shirts
iii. Smart casual wear.
iv. Wearing of items arising from cultural or religious norms
will be respected.
v. Items that are non-offensive and non-harmful arising
from cultural or religious norms will be respected.
vi. All offensive tattoos must be covered.
vii. Hair should be clean, neat and tidy at all times.
viii. See Annexure 2: Pictorial of appropriate Male Dress
Code
2.4.2 Inappropriate Dress Code
Inappropriate attire includes but is not limited to the following:
I. Clothing that reveals too much of an individual’s back,
chest, stomach, thighs or innerwear.
II. Clothes that are very tight and display body outline.
III. Clothing that is intentionally ripped, torn or worn out.
IV. Clothing with slogans or offensive language or images or
promoting drugs or unlawful groups.
V. Slippers, gumboots or any other unofficial sandals.
Gumboots may be allowed during practical activities or
in areas where they are defined as protective gear.
VI. Mini-skirts/shorts that are above the knee, necklines that
are four inches below the shoulders to the front and to
the back, see- me -through, bare-backs among many
others should be avoided.
VII. Ensure that clothes are not excessively creased.
VIII. Excessive facial/body piercings is discouraged.
IX. Excessive make up is discouraged.
X. Outrageous hair color is discouraged.
XI. Baggy, sagging, worn out, unfinished or torn trousers are
unacceptable.
XII. Tops/dresses that are sleeveless are discouraged.
XIII. Display of bare chest is not allowed.
XIV. Earrings and studs are discouraged.
XV. Ragged trousers/skirts/shorts that expose the skin above
the knees are discouraged.
XVI. See Annexure 3: Pictorial of Inappropriate Female &
Male Dress Code
2.7 PENALTIES
Non-adherence to Dress Code will be subject to laid down
relevant disciplinary procedures for students and staff.
Therefore, failure to adhere to these standards may constitute
misconduct and result in formal disciplinary proceedings taken
in line with the students’ and staff disciplinary procedure.
ANNEXURE 1: Pictorial of Recommended
Female Dress Code
ANNEXURE 2: Pictorial of appropriate Male Dress Code
ANNEXURE 3: Pictorial of Inappropriate Female & Male
Dress Code
ANNEXURE 4: Personal presentation and grooming
guidelines for Female & Male
