Rationale/Purpose of the Policy 

This guidance applies to the use and disposition of Extension-provided branded clothing purchased to support and enhance the UW-Madison Division of Extension brand.

Definitions

Uniform-eligible - Staff in the following employment categories are considered “uniform-eligible”: Academic Staff, Faculty, Limited, University Staff Ongoing, University Staff Project - Finite, UW-Madison and UW System Integrated Specialists with a zero-dollar appointment. Other employee classifications are not subject to the uniform policy and are not eligible to be provided a uniform piece.

Scope

This policy applies to employees wearing Extension owned-provided clothing purchased with state or federal funding. It does not apply to gift-funded apparel purchased for specific events (e.g., 4-H events/camps).

Branded clothing will be offered to uniform-eligible employees who interact with program participants, partnering organizations, and/or the general public on behalf of the UW-Madison Division of Extension.

Policy Details

1. Uniform condition and use
   1. Apparel must be clean, wrinkle-free, and in good repair. Alterations may only be made to improve fit.
   2. Extension employees are encouraged to wear UW-Madison Division of Extension logo attire (shirt/sweater/vest/jacket) when in an appropriate setting with program participants, customers, and/or partners.
   3. Co-branded apparel (e.g., containing both UW-Madison Division of Extension and 4-H logos) can qualify as a uniform under this policy with the Dean’s approval.
2. Procedures and Responsibilities
   1. Each uniform-eligible Extension employee may be provided with up to two Extension-owned apparel items with the UW-Madison Division of Extension logo when beginning employment.
      1. A single replacement apparel item may be issued every year.
      2. Additional items may be purchased by employees at the contracted price.
   2. Extension employees are responsible for laundering their attire.
   3. Damage, other than normal wear and tear, may be the responsibility of the individual employee if replacement is required.
   4. Extension-provided apparel may not be used for personal use outside of work.
   5. Upon separation from the Division of Extension for any reason, Extension-provided apparel must be returned to the work unit, with the exception of items that are worn out and cannot be re-issued. Worn-out or damaged apparel items can be disposed of with confirmation provided to the supervisor.
   6. Exceptions to the “uniform-eligible” list will require supervisor verification and are subject to further review. Submit these requests to the Operations Manager, Rachael Reis, for assessment by the Dean’s office. Please allow for additional ordering time for these items.
3. Compliance
   1. It is the responsibility of each supervisor to ensure that employees comply with the uniform policy.     
   2. Supervisors may allow exceptions to the uniform policy to permit colleagues to observe religious practices.

Related UW–Madison Documents, Web Pages, or Other Resources

Employee Uniform Ordering Page

Additional Links

As a reminder, if you are interested in purchasing an item of Extension logo-branded clothing using personal funds, you can purchase items directly from Extension’s online storefronts at AdMadison and Land’s End. These storefronts offer a variety of items beyond the items being issued for employee uniforms. You may purchase apparel at any time with your personal funds.

Policy Administration

Approval Authority

Dean's Office, Karl Martin

Policy Manager

Operations Manager, Rachael Reis

Policy Contact(s)