Eastern Michigan University’s University Advising and Career Development Center (UACDC) is partnering with JCPenney to hold its annual Suit-Up event on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026. The event will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. at the JCPenney South Entrance in Briarwood Mall, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni can receive up to a 30% discount on professional attire as they prepare for job fairs and interviews this year.
The partnership between UACDC and JCPenney has been ongoing for more than ten years. It was started to help students who need affordable clothing for interviews and networking events. The Suit-Up event aims to lower financial barriers while providing support during important career milestones.
“The goal of Suit-Up is to create access and confidence,” said Temii Tellis, senior corporate relations manager of UACDC. “Professional attire plays a key role in how students present themselves at job fairs, in interviews, and even in classroom presentations. This event helps students show up feeling prepared without breaking the bank.”
Held once each semester alongside the University of Michigan, the event mainly targets students but is also open to faculty, staff, and alumni seeking professional clothing or looking to update their wardrobes.
During the event, career staff will be available onsite offering advice about appropriate work attire. They will distribute shopping bags while supplies last and provide coupons and giveaways. JCPenney employees will assist attendees with measurements and fitting.
Beyond discounts on clothing, the event encourages long-term career readiness by allowing students to shop together with peers pursuing similar goals.
UACDC also operates four career closets across Eastern Michigan University’s campus that supply free professional clothing throughout the year. These closets host Sip & Shop events each semester; the next one is scheduled for Feb. 12.
Upcoming university job fairs are set for Feb. 4 and March 18 at the Student Center Ballroom.
Founded in 1849 as a teacher training school, Eastern Michigan University has developed into a comprehensive public institution serving over 12,000 students across undergraduate and graduate programs [source]. The university offers more than 200 academic programs [source] through various colleges including Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; as well as its Graduate School [source]. Its main campus is located in Ypsilanti [source], featuring both historic architecture and modern facilities supporting student success [source].
Eastern Michigan University has received national recognition for its academic offerings in fields such as education, business, health sciences, and arts [source]. It emphasizes hands-on learning experiences designed to prepare graduates for meaningful careers that contribute positively to society [source].
