March 2026
Q: Can we please review and clarify staff dress codes?
Some office workers in my building wear jeans or I have even seen leggings while other stick to the dress code of business casual, similar work types. It needs to be consistently enforced. If it isn't going to be enforced then the standards should be updated to the minimum.
I think it also seems reasonable to consider if the dress code should change, are jeans acceptable all the time? Seems appropriate in 2026.
If it's a big issue, could employees pay a fee to wear jeans all year ($20 or something). Use it as a fundraiser for Staff Senate.
R: Thank you for raising this concern. It may be helpful for us to review expectations around workplace attire to ensure clarity and consistency across campus. As you mentioned, there are noticeable differences in how employees interpret appropriate dress, which suggests that guidance may not be uniformly communicated or enforced.
Currently, Minot State University does not have a campus‑wide dress code policy. Dress expectations are determined by each department chair, supervisor, or unit leader based on the nature of the work being performed. Because of this, variation between offices is expected, but it can understandably lead to confusion when roles and work types appear similar. All employees are representatives of Minot State University, and appropriate attire is expected.
If there is interest in establishing consistent standards, we can certainly bring this to the HR Department for consideration. Should campus leadership wish to move in that direction, HR could develop and implement a university‑wide dress code policy.
Your suggestion to reevaluate whether jeans or other casual attire should be broadly acceptable is also valid, as many workplaces have updated dress expectations in recent years. Additionally, the idea of a jeans‑day fundraiser is appreciated and could be explored if it aligns with campus policies and leadership direction.
Thank you again for bringing this forward.
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April 2026
Q: Hi. Do you know why the cafeteria went from using actual dishes to only using Styrofoam and plastic cutlery? It feels like that would go against our desire for sustainability and also just isn't the best look for students. Does it have something to do with the remodel of the Dam?
R: Sodexo has been utilizing disposable service items over the past few months due to an ongoing issue with the dish machine. The equipment is owned by the university, and unfortunately, the current unit is not operational. We are actively awaiting the installation of a replacement and are hopeful for a resolution soon so we can return to normal operations. Allen, Sodexo Director
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