URBANA – U. of I. Police officers again this year are going scruffy for a good cause.

Police will participate in “No-Shave November,” a month-long initiative during which participants forgo shaving to evoke conversation and cancer awareness.

The effort will generate a bit of money for the cause, too: Because growing facial hair bucks the normal appearance standards for sworn police personnel, officers and other staff members will have to make a donation to participate. The department is easing its rules on officers’ facial hair from midnight on Nov. 1 to sunrise on Dec. 1.

Officers who are more, say, successful at growing a beard still need to keep their scruff in good taste. The final discretion as to what is appropriate lies with the chief of police. And no neck beards.

Last year, the effort brought in $555 in donations.