UNC Students Can Borrow Professional Attire at No Cost
May 16, 2019
Starting this fall, University of Northern Colorado students will be able to dress for success for free thanks to a new clothing lending program.
The Professional Attire Closet is being created for students to borrow clothing for interviews, networking events and other professional opportunities. Clothing includes suits, sports coats, pants, skirts, button-up shirts, blouses, ties and belts.
“We think professional attire shouldn’t be the obstacle that sets UNC students back from succeeding in any situation,” said UNC Professional Experience Coordinator Melissa Hoffman, who oversees the project. “We hope this Professional Attire Closet will help eliminate that obstacle.”
Hoffman received $5,000 in funding from the Monfort College of Business Support Funds. She worked with MCB Senior Director of Development John Paradis, Career Counselor Karen Eichel, Career Services Director Renée Welch, and Assistant Dean of Student Engagement Evan Welch to ensure the closet’s successful formation.
How it works
Students can make an appointment to visit the closet in Kepner Hall room 1095F by contacting Hoffman at 970-351-4589 or Melissa.Hoffman@unco.edu. Students will need to bring identification and their Bear Number to their scheduled appointment time before they try on outfits.
Students can borrow one full outfit for a few days before and after the professional event and then must return the outfit. Clothes will be dry cleaned at UNC alumna-owned Tatyana’s 5-Star Dry Cleaners in Greeley.
The closet will have a variety of clothes in numerous sizes; however, if a size isn’t available, then the funds can cover filling in any gaps. Hoffman encourages students to give feedback on the closet, so it can be as useful as possible.
How to help
A clothing drive is taking place for the closet outside the east entrance of Kepner Hall (weather permitting) from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5. Monetary donations are also being accepted at give2unc.org/donate-now. Be sure to fill out the ‘Designation’ text box with ‘Other,’ and the ‘Other’ text box with ‘MCB Professional Experience Fund.’
