‘Suiting Your Needs’ Program Will Provide Business Attire to UA Students

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – First impressions are crucial, yet not all students have the resources to afford business attire. The UA Student Government Association initiative, Suiting Your Needs, will provide students with suits and other business apparel to put them one step closer to securing a  job or internship.

“Times are tough and the majority of 18- to 22-year-old students don’t have the extra $100-300 for interview wear,” said Stephen Swinson, SGA vice president of student affairs.

“The SGA doesn’t want students to be at a disadvantage when seeking an internship, a job or acceptance into a student organization or honor society simply because they do not own the appropriate interview attire,” he says.

The SGA, Office of the Dean of Students and the Honors College have joined forces to supply UA students with appropriate business attire for life at the Capstone and beyond.

“In my capacity at the University, I interact with many different students who have different needs,” said Dr. Lowell Davis, assistant dean of students. “When the Student Government Association talked about a service project that would assist students in this manner, I was immediately excited. What better way than to touch the lives of students.”

Students, faculty, staff and members of the Tuscaloosa community are encouraged to donate male and female business wear. Clothing donations may be dropped off in 231 Ferguson Center. Individuals interested in contributing monetary donations may write a check to The University of Alabama and drop it off in the Office of the Dean of Students, 230 Ferguson Center. All donations are tax deductible.

“We are excited to partner with the Honors College and the Dean of Students office to assist students who need business attire,” Swinson said. “As students at UA, we are committed to not only serving our students while they are on campus, but ensuring they have the proper attire when they leave campus for an interview or anything else.”

Students in need of business attire will be able to access clothing beginning March 1. Students may go to the Dean of Students office, where they will be allowed to try on apparel and leave with the outfit that suits them best.

“I am confident that after working with several UA departments on this initiative, we will successfully have a steady supply of business apparel for our students,” Swinson said.

The initial concept for the program came out of an Honors College seminar on nonprofit organizations and community outreach.