Dress Code Policy

Version: 001
Effective Date: 7/1/2025

Objective #

Employees of The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. (UTFI), represent the University of Tennessee in all advancement related activities at individual campus and community locations. Policies and guidelines are established to share commonly recognized standards of appearance to maintain and reflect a culture of professionalism in all work settings and represent the University of Tennessee.

Policy #

All dress apparel should be clean, pressed, neat, fit appropriately and be free of obvious stains, holes, rips, and tears. This not only creates an appropriate professional standard for all UTFI staff, but also supports a safe and effective working environment.

UTFI dress code is considered business casual. This is identified as the below approved work attire:

• Seasonal sport coat or blazer.
• Slacks or khakis.
• Dress shirt, casual button-down shirt, knitted shirts/sweatshirts or polo shirts.
• Suit and tie, business casual pantsuits.
• Knee Length dress or skirt.
• Dress shoes or sandals.
• Loafers or loafer-style shoes, and sneakers. Shoes must be well-kept and maintain the overall
  business attire standard.

Casual observance days (i.e. “Casual Friday”, etc.) approved wear:

• Jeans: denim pants, skirts, shirts, jackets. Material must be neat non-torn, ripped or have holes.
• T-shirts, polo shirts, sweatshirts, casual button-down shirts, blouse, or sweaters with UTFI, UT or campus specific insignia logos only.
• Dress shoes, sandals, or slides (no rubber or foam), sneakers or loafers.

Please note casual observance days are typically observed on Fridays, but may additionally be permitted with UTFI president, chief financial officer and/or vice chancellor approval.

Online Prescence:

Due to the changing and ever evolving professional meeting spaces, the following should be observed when participating in online meetings:

• All visible clothing on camera should follow the business casual format outlined in this policy.
• Appropriate grooming must still be observed.

Tattoos:

Employees must observe the following tattoo guidelines:

• Visible tattoos are permitted as long as they do not distract from overall appearance.
• Visible tattoos cannot depict nudity, offensive, objectionable, distracting, controversial or inappropriate language or images.

UTFI unacceptable daily wear office attire is identified as the below:

• Leggings worn as pants, tight-fitting attire (spandex, Lycra) or athletic wear.
• Jeans: denim pants, skirts, shirts, jackets, unless as allowed on casual days. Denim must be neat, non-torn and not be ripped or have holes in material.
• No shorts or casual capris pants (knit or cargo).
• Hats (no ball caps or winter wear indoors).
• Tank tops, no spaghetti straps or exposed undergarments, crop tops or flannel shirts.
• Flip flops (rubber, foam or plastic), house slippers, beach/pool shoes.
• Clothing with any derogatory, inappropriate, suggestive or potentially offensive pictures, language, slogans or images.

Certain UTFI work related events may require dress outside of this policy as approved by unit supervisor, vice chancellor or UTFI president.

Employees must be considerate of others in their work environment. This may include those that have allergies. Do not wear overly strong scents, perfumes, aftershave, or cologne. Good personal hygiene is required.

Scope and Application #

This policy applies to all UTFI employees, including full-time staff, part-time staff, student workers, student interns, and temporary staff for the organization.

This policy is not intended to hinder inclusive practices at the Foundation. The policy is not meant to exclude employees from wearing items that are part of their culture, religion, or gender normative. Accommodations may be provided when related to guarantees under Title VII and in accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (eeoc.gov).

Policy Implementation #

Determinations regarding what is or is not appropriate or considered a workplace distraction will be made by the UTFI executive leadership team in conjunction with UTFI Office of Talent Management leadership. As any necessary circumstances occur, UTFI executive leadership will allow and communicate changes to the dress code policy. If an employee wears inappropriate clothing to work, they will be notified of the issue directly by their supervisor and receive a reminder of the dress code policy. If the problem persists and it is determined to be in violation, the employee may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Each unit/campus location may have varying expectations within their business needs. Please direct any questions regarding the dress code policy to your supervisor or UTFI Office of Talent Management.

Penalties/Disciplinary Action for Non-Compliance #

Violations of the policy and any subsections herein may be cause for disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

Policy Administration #

The table below identifies the responsible official, contact information and administrative responsibilities of policy matters.

Subject Matter	Office Name/Position Title	Email/Web Address
Authority	UTFI Senior Official of Talent Management	[email protected]
Point of Contact	UTFI Executive Director of Talent Management	[email protected]
Policy Location	Public Listing
Policy Review Schedule	Annual Review

History of Revision #

Creation: 7/1/2025

Related Policies/Guidance Documents #

Policy:

Title VII Policy