1. You are a representative of the University of Alabama, the music therapy profession, and the Tuscaloosa community. The facility where you are serving has standards of conduct and dress for its employees, and you are expected to conform to these standards.

   ---

2. A basic rule of thumb is to observe the conduct and dress of the people who work at the facility and don't do or wear anything which would make you conspicuous in this context.

   ---

3. A second basic rule of thumb is: When in doubt, ask!

   ---

4. A third rule of thumb for appropriate dress is that your chest, shoulders, trunk, and legs (at least to the knees for women and to the ankle for men) should be covered by clothing.

   ---

5. Fashion trends are out of place in clinical settings, and may even be dangerous for you, so think very carefully about accessories. Piercings (other than in the ear lobe) and tattoos are not to be detectable. Large hoop earrings, loose bracelets, long necklaces, and loose long hair should be avoided as safety hazards. Clothing should completely cover your body, with no gaps at the waist or neck, even when you sit on the floor. Be sure the message on any T-shirt is benign and appropriate. However, messages which refer to a specific religious creed or practice must be avoided in secular clinical/educational settings.

   ---

6. Wear clothing in which you can move easily, including sitting "Indian style" on the floor. Clean, neat jeans are usually acceptable, but sweat pants and shorts are usually inappropriate.

   ---

7. Behavior which is unprofessional includes loud speech; slangy, explicit, or disparaging language; chewing gum; acting in any way which would be against the rules for an employee or client at the facility.

   ---

8. Always wear your Music Specialist nametag. Carry your student ID with you at all times and show it willingly to anyone who asks!

(Return to top of page) (Return to Current Student Directory)

(Return to Music Therapy Homepage)