STUDENT DRESS/
APPEARANCE GUIDE

This dress guide is prepared under the provisions of Act 46 of 1998 which authorizes schools to adopt dress or uniform policies. It is intended to help students best meet their vocational goals. The main purpose of the GACTC is to prepare young men and women for the world of work. Since every occupation carries with it certain modes of dress, habits of work and unique responsibilities, students are expected to look and act the part of the most successful worker in each occupational field.

The rationale is basically three-fold:

1. Safety - Safety hazards, while varying from one program to another, are inherent in every vocational-technical program. The school board, administration, and instructional staff share responsibility for the safety of students. Therefore required is a common mode of dress consistent with reasonable accident prevention measures for all students enrolled in the school.

2. Personal Hygiene - Personal pride is best reflected in one's personal appearance. Cleanliness, neatness, and appropriate dress together do more to positively influence others in the work place than most other personal traits.

3. Standards of Business and Industry - The advisory committees for the respective school programs are on record in support of student attire appropriate for related occupations. Each of these advisory committees is made up of local trades persons, supervisors, and other employers who know first hand the traits, including dress and grooming, that are most desirable in entry level workers from the GACTC. In order to meet the predominant expectations of employers, the GACTC must listen to those in an official advisory role and gear each vocational program accordingly. A student's everyday school appearance should approximate appropriate dress for a job interview.
 
Dress/Appearance Guide for Vocational-Technical Students in Preparation for a Career in Business and Industry 

Students in each program will wear, along with their regular attire, a GACTC-endorsed smock, blazer, coverall, or other uniform in a selected style and color as explained by the teacher. The school will pay the cost of the student's first smock, coverall, blazer, or other uniform when the uniform is purchased through the school store. It is each student's responsibility to regularly clean his or her uniform garment and replace it as necessary.

1. In general, students shall wear a style of clothing which depicts mature judgment and good taste.

2. Baggy clothes, low slung pants, and pants of an excessive length are a safety hazard and therefore prohibited. Pants shall be free from rivets or metal buttons which cause damage to school furniture.

3. The wearing of shorts is discouraged during the months of August, September, May, and June, and prohibited at all other times. If worn during the months indicated, however, they must be at least knee to mid-thigh in length. Cutoffs, boxer-style shorts, spandex, gym shorts and short-shorts are disallowed. The teacher may prohibit wearing shorts within a given program, for safety reasons.

4. Students shall not wear excessively tight or revealing clothing, see-through blouses or shirts, tank tops, muscle shirts, or clothing including any top, jeans, or other attire showing a bare midriff or neckline that is too low.

5. Most dresses, skirts, skorts, culottes, jumpers, pantsuits, slacks/jeans sweaters or blouses are acceptable. Dresses, skirts, skorts and culottes must be of reasonable length to adequately cover the thighs when standing or sitting.

6. Male-style shirts must be worn with the shirt tail tucked inside the trousers. All shirt tails must be tucked in when working around equipment or in hazardous areas.

7. Footwear shall be appropriate to the occupations of each vocational area as determined by the instructor and advisory committee. Safety is a primary concern; consequently, thongs, sandals, other open-toed shoes, or clogs are disallowed.

8. There shall be no patches, badges, pictures, or emblems displayed on clothing depicting alcohol, tobacco, drugs, offensive language, etc.

9. Decorative necklaces, chains, collars, etc. that are exposed and free hanging shall not be worn. Other than non-dangling earrings, there shall be no visible body piercing, e.g., nose rings/studs, eyebrow rings/studs, tongue studs, ear stretchers, etc.

10. Excessive makeup is to be avoided.

11. Hair shall be neatly groomed and styled in a manner that insures full exposure of the eyes.  A student may be required to alter the length or style of hair consistent with good safety practices when using equipment or due to the hygienic nature of the vocational program.

12. Hats shall not be worn in the hallway, cafeteria, or classroom. With the instructor's permission, hats may be worn in certain program areas.

13. Outer garments and backpacks worn to the school shall be placed in the student's locker or other designated storage area.