Uniform Management Services
MISSION
To support the operations of The University of Alabama by providing a program for University departments to acquire work uniforms or professional wear in an efficient, cost effective and professional manner while providing excellent customer service.
PURPOSE
A work uniform program coordinated by Financial Affairs Business Activities, while working with Procurement Services, exists to assist University departments in the selection, fitting, ordering, and distribution processes for employees that require work uniforms. Standardized uniforms identify University employees to students, faculty, and staff and validate their presence in all locations. A professional shirt program is also available for employees that require a more professional appearance.
HOW WE OPERATE
The on-going efficient and effective operation of the uniform process depends on collaboration between uniform program managers and designated coordinators in participating departments. Uniform program managers work in conjunction with Procurement Services and act as liaisons between university departments and the University’s uniform contract vendor in the planning and execution of all phases of the uniform process, including problem solving. Work uniform selections are standardized as much as possible and to the extent practical across campus to insure continuity, quality and availability. It is understood that some departments may have special requirements. Work uniform and professional wear fittings are held annually during early spring at Coleman Coliseum. New employee uniform fittings are scheduled as needed.
WHAT WE NEED FROM PARTICIPATING DEPARTMENTS TO GET STARTED
- A list of all employees by supervisor that will participate in the fitting, along with the title for each.
- The names of employees that work shifts other than M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., so an earlier or later time can be scheduled.
- Work uniform eligibility requirements for each employee. These are “rules” that are conveyed to the contract vendor to insure compliance for each area. This can be a total dollar sum per employee, a total number of pieces from which the employee can choose his/her preference, or a specific number of shirts, pants, etc. Eligibility for shoes, jackets, coveralls/overalls and frequency of these items (yearly, every three years, etc.) are also required.
UNIFORM FITTINGS
Annual work uniform and professional shirt fittings are held on the back concourse of Coleman Coliseum over a two to three week period usually in early spring. Fittings are scheduled to accommodate each participating area as much as possible and with a minimum wait time. Make-up times for missed fittings are always available. University uniform program managers will be present during the uniform fitting process to provide assistance as needed. University employees are required to try on each uniform item to guarantee proper fit and to minimize the number of exchanges. Orders are entered into the contract vendor’s ordering database and reviewed with the employee to insure accuracy. The employee will be asked to sign the order verifying that the selected uniform styles, colors, sizes, etc. are correct. The order will be reviewed a second time by University uniform program managers. Any necessary corrections will be made. Supervisors will be emailed copies of the uniform order for their department for final approval.
UNIFORM DISTRIBUTIONS
Uniform distributions usually occur during the month of July. UA employees will be given a copy of their order and asked to compare the contents of the delivery box to the items on the order. Each employee is responsible for verifying that their order is complete (all items received) and correct (all sizes, colors, styles, etc. are as ordered). All uniform items must be tried on to insure proper fit. This is imperative, since some items can be incorrectly sized or tagged. If the order is acceptable, they will be asked to sign the order. Any incorrect items will be noted and replacements ordered.
LOGO’s
All work uniform shirts, overalls, coveralls, caps, and jackets must be embroidered with a UA logo consisting of the Alabama script A and applicable department name. Departments will have the option of choosing script or block letters.
PERSONAL ORDERS
University employees will have the opportunity to place personal orders for work uniforms or professional wear when needed. All personal orders are taxable and must be embroidered with the appropriate departmental logo. There is an additional small fee for the embroidered logo. Orders are placed during routine fittings and billed to the University employee by the contract vendor. The contract vendor will accept credit or debit cards and checks.
WHO TO CONTACT:
Susan Petty Mike Morrow
Director of Business Services Director of Support Services
347-0081 348-5879
242-7981 310-5241