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Policies

Shaving Exceptions Procedures

1. Exception to Shaving Requirement

The Office of Honor oversees the process for students and spouses of students living on-campus, seeking an exception from the CES Grooming Principles and Expectations to be clean-shaven. Human Resources oversees the process for non-student employees.

BYU–Hawaii considers requests for exceptions to the CES Grooming Principles and Expectations on a case-by-case basis. Exception requests require a signed statement from a licensed medical professional from BYU–Hawaii Health Services documenting the following:

  1. The student has pseudofolliculitis barbae or another stated skin condition significantly exacerbated by frequent shaving.
  2. The estimated length of time required for the skin condition to be alleviated. 

The process to receive a signed statement from BYU–Hawaii Health Services may necessitate demonstrating to a licensed medical professional the existence of the skin condition after at least three days of close shaving. Documentation from other medical professionals of the existence of the skin condition should be presented to the licensed medical professional from BYU–Hawaii Health Services at the time of evaluation.

2. Process to Receive a Medical Exception to Shaving

  1. Schedule an appointment with the Office of Honor or Human Resources for an initial review. 
  2. Upon recommendation from the initial interview, schedule an appointment with a licensed medical professional from BYU–Hawaii Health Services.
  3. After evaluation, receive a signed statement from BYU–Hawaii Health Services licensed medical professional. 
  4. Present to the Office of Honor or the Human Resources employee relations manager, the signed statement from BYU–Hawaii Health Services requesting the exception.

  5. Sign an Honor Code beard exception agreement. This agreement stipulates that the individual wear a neatly trimmed full beard at all times. 

    Students, obtain a new photo ID card showing “Beard Exception”. 

Individuals granted a medical exception to the shaving requirement remain responsible for maintaining a well groomed, clean, and professional appearance.

A beard exception is valid for up to 12 months and may be extended at the discretion of the Office of Honor or Human Resources. To request an extension, visit the Office of Honor or Human Resources before the expiration date.