Professional Clothing Studio Helps UCM Students Dress for Success

Robin Terrell, coordinator of the Professional Clothing Studio in Ward Edwards Building 2200, displays men’s and women’s professional and business casual clothing items that are available for student use free of charge as part of an initiative led by the University of Central Missouri’s Career Services Center.

WARRENSBURG, MO – Helping students to look their best in a highly competitive job market, the University of Central Missouri Career Services Center announces the opening of the Professional Clothing Studio. The Professional Clothing Studio is a free service that provides UCM students the opportunity to select professional and business casual clothing appropriate for job fairs, interviews, internships, networking, and class presentations.

 

The studio is located at Ward Edwards Building, Room 2200, and is open to students 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday during the fall and spring semesters on days classes are in session. Every Friday is designated for clothing donations.

 

“The Career Services Center is grateful for the support from the Office of the Provost and Dr. Phil Bridgmon to be able to implement an idea that has been discussed within our center for quite a while,” said Amber Goreham, center director. “It is very exciting to be able to provide a resource for our students where they can go and get professional wear at no cost. This is another great way for our center and the university to help our students become as competitive as possible as they continue to navigate their journey of being career-ready by the time they leave UCM.”

 

The success of the Professional Clothing Studio relies on items to be donated by UCM faculty, staff, student organizations, and the surrounding community. It accepts timeless articles of clothing in all sizes, preferably purchased within the last five years, and appropriate for professional purposes such as interviewing.

 

Gently used men’s professional attire items include suits and separates (jackets, blazers, vests, and pants), dress shirts, neckties, business casual pants (for example, khakis), polo shirts, leather belts, dress shoes, new dress socks in neutral colors, briefcases and portfolios, accessories such as tie clips and cufflinks.

 

New or gently used women’s professional attire includes suits and separates (jackets, blazers, pants, skirts), professional dresses, blouses, business casual pants (for example, khakis), cardigans/sweaters, belts, closed-toe flats, dress boots, and heels (no higher than a three-inch heel), new dress socks in neutral colors, fashion scarves, handbags and portfolios, and jewelry.

 

Individuals who have items they would like to donate are asked to ensure the following when dropping off the clothing: it must be in excellent condition, clean (dry cleaned, if necessary), and placed on a hanger or neatly folded and inside a box or bag. Items that cannot be donated include those that are stained, ripped, and non-professional; have an odor (for example, cigarette smoke); have pet and/or human hair; children’s clothing; undergarments; hats; jeans; joggers or sweatpants; capris; T-shirts; sweatshirts/hoodies; shorts; gym shoes; and casual coats.

 

Donations are accepted from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. every Friday while university classes are in session. Items may be dropped off during these hours in Ward Edwards 2200, or individuals may schedule an appointment to drop off professional clothing donations from their vehicle at the visitor parking lot next to the Administration Building. Individuals who would like to donate are encouraged to contact Robin Terrell, coordinator of the Professional Clothing Studio, at terrell@ucmo.edu or 660-543-4118 to schedule a time for delivery.

 

The Professional Clothing Studio can serve a significant number of students, but to help ensure it continues to meet student needs, there may be times when it is necessary to purchase more items to fill the gap between available clothing and the volume of items that are needed. Financial assistance is welcome and appreciated, and can be provided via a fund established through the UCM Alumni Foundation. Individuals who want to financially contribute to the Professional Clothing Studio are encouraged to visit ucmfoundation.org/give/career-services. After clicking on “Designation,” select “Professional Clothing Studio.”

 

For more information, contact Robin Terrell, coordinator of the Professional Clothing Studio, at terrell@ucmo.edu or 660-543-4118.