The Office of Career Planning and Development (CPAD) is accepting donations of professional wear for the newly established “Captain’s Closet.”
Captain’s Closet is a service created by CPAD to assist students in preparing for job interviews and career fairs by providing them with professional attire that may otherwise be a financial burden.
According to Interim Director of CPAD Renard Miles, the facility has assisted over 100 students and alumni in preparing for job interviews since their opening in November 2016. They have also reached over 300 students through attendance of their fall and spring career fairs.
“Purchasing attire for career-related events can be expensive for students. Captain’s Closet will alleviate that burden for students by providing them with the opportunity to receive one free outfit,” said Miles.
The idea for Captain’s Closet came when Mark McCloud, previous director of CPAD, and now Interim Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, saw a need for work appropriate attire in college students.
After seeing the financial burden that career clothing placed on college students, McCloud began to observe what other schools did. Thus Captain’s Closet was modeled after “Smokey’s Closet” at sister institution, UTK.
There is no initial cost for students to purchase items from the closet. However, students who wish to take advantage of this opportunity will need to schedule a resumé check and mock-interview with a staff member of CPAD. They should also have an upcoming interview or career-related event in order to qualify to receive their free attire.
The first clothing drive is underway now until Aug. 31 and donations of the following items are appreciated:
- Full suits (Including dress coats, slacks and skirts)
- Contemporary suit jackets or blazers
- Shirts/blouses appropriate to wear underneath a suit coat
- Dress shirts
- Dress slacks
- Shoes
- Ties
- Belts
- New dress socks and new nylons/hosiery
Donations are accepted in the CPAD office as well as in McCloud’s office, Administration 222 on weekdays from 8:30-4:30 p.m.
Anything that is considered nonprofessional or cannot be used by CPAD, will be donated to WeCare Ministries.
CPAD’s closet doors will remain open for donations as it is launched. All students, faculty and staff are invited to attend the donation days now through the end of September.
