Each program of study at Fortis College has a dress code. Students must comply with the College’s dress code while attending classes, including any externship or clinical course. Compliance with the College’s dress code is an essential part of preparing students for employment in their professions. In addition, potential employers are frequently at the College therefore, it is important that each student always present themselves in a professional manner.
On certain designated days or times, the standard dress code may be modified or waived. Notice will be given to the students by either instructors or the Campus President. The following clothing items may never be worn by students on campus or while attending campus-related activities:
- Any clothing showing obscenities.
- Clothing in ill repair (e.g., ripped or torn, extremely dirty, etc.)
- Cut off shorts above mid-thigh length.
- Facial or tongue jewelry
- Low cut blouses or shirts
- Tank tops or other sleeveless tops
- Visible undergarments
Personal Hygiene
Although individual program dress code standards may vary, the following personal hygiene standards apply for all programs:
- Students must take daily preventive measures to maintain cleanliness.
- Hair must always be clean and conservatively styled. For laboratory and clinical classes, long hair must be pulled off the collar.
- Nails must be manicured to sport length or shorter. For laboratory classes in nursing and allied health programs, artificial nails or overlays are not permitted. Nails must be clean and free of polish or other decorations.
- Perfume or cologne should not be worn in a medical environment as they could be offensive to patients with allergies.
- Moustaches and beards must be trimmed to an appropriate length. Only complimentary conservative makeup should be worn. Unacceptable: Heavy makeup, including long false eyelashes or bright eye shadow.
Accessories
The following accessories are not allowed while attending classes or clinical/externship:
- Cell phones, earphones, and headsets may not be visible and must be turned off or silenced during all classes.
Students anticipating an emergency call must inform their instructor so arrangements can be made. All phones and electronic equipment will be kept in a purse, bag, or vehicle. - Excessive jewelry. Jewelry should be limited to wedding rings or one small ring on the left or right hand and one pair of stud type earrings. Hoops larger than a nickel or dangling earrings are a hazard and are not permitted in any lab.
- No facial piercing, tongue rings, or ear stretchers are to be worn while attending classes.
- Scarves, hats, or baggy fitting clothing.
- Tattoos must be covered while attending classes, labs, or the clinical/externship portion of program.
- Religious head covers must be the solid color of the student‘s particular uniform or white.
Fortis College students are expected to wear their Fortis College picture identification badge while on campus or on externship/clinical sites at all times.
Students are issued a minimum of two uniform scrub sets for allied health and nursing programs and two uniform shirts for trade programs.
The following standards apply to allied health programs:
- A clean, wrinkle-free, and well-fitting uniform top and bottom with warm-up jacket. T-shirts, sweatpants, jeans, or jean-like materials are unacceptable (please see specific program for further details).
- Tops may be worn tucked inside or outside of the uniform pants.
- Appropriate undergarments must be worn and should not be visible through the uniforms.
- A full-length uniform slip must be worn under a skirted uniform. All dresses and skirts must be hemmed and cover the legs to the knees when in a seated (operator) position.
- Appropriate sweaters or warm-ups may be worn over the uniform if they are flat knit and free of ornamentation. No bulky sweaters or coats will be worn during any class or at the externship or clinic site.
- Appropriate business casual will be worn on days deemed by program curriculum. Example: interview(s), professional development, and select field trips.
Students enrolled in trades programs are expected to adhere to their program dress code.
Students dressed inappropriately or who do not follow the dress code, including standards above for personal hygiene and accessories, may be prohibited from attending classes. Those who disregard the dress code will be warned. If the problem persists, the student may be dismissed from Fortis College. Questions should be addressed to the specific program director.