Beard Waiver Procedures

All male university employees are required to adhere to the Church educational System Honor Code and the BYU Dress and Grooming Principles and Expectations which state that "Men should be clean shaven."

Exceptions may be granted if an individual:

1. has a documented medical condition which is exacerbated by shaving
2. is performing in an official theatrical production with BYU or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (beard waivers will not be authorized for pioneer treks, pageants, or off-campus theatrical productions), or
3. actively participates in an officially recognized religion which advocates the wearing of a beard as one of its religious tenets.

Faculty who fit one of these categories are required to obtain a beard waiver from the office of the Associate Academic Vice President-Faculty . Staff may obtain the waiver by contacting Benefits Services. Anyone receiving a long-term beard waiver is required to update it every three years.

Full-time or part-time faculty who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and are employed at BYU for one year or less may wear a beard, unless it is intended that they continue their employment with BYU for longer than one year. Since affiliate faculty, visiting scholars and cooperating professionals are not University employees, they are encouraged, but not required, to be clean shaven.

These procedures apply to full-time and part-time employees and to spouses and dependents who desire activity privileges.

POINT OF CONTACT

Students - Honor Code Office, Administrative and Staff Employees -Benefits Services, Faculty - Faculty Relations

To see the university policy to which these procedures are associated, please click here.

*Beard Waivers will not be authorized for pioneer treks, pageants, or off-campus theatrical productions