I am glad I went for the CS degree, which will last a lifetime. It took me seven years of hard work and tuition money but worth it. During those years, I worked full time. IMO, a college degree commands more respect than a certificate.

How about allowing hoodies or hooded sweatshirts as one choice for helpdesk uniform. These hoodies can have the company name and job title silkscreened on them. Hoodies are popular with with college students and when I was in college, I liked wearing my college hoodie. Even after graduation, I still like wearing them. Of course if the weather gets warm, regular or polo shirts can be one of the choices.