Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Student Code of Conduct?
A: The Code of Conduct is a description of the rights, regulations, and obligations each student has as a member of the Wentworth community. A copy of the Code is included in the Student Handbook.
Q: What if I am charged with a violation of the Code?
A: Violations of Institute policies will be handled via a discipline hearing conducted through either an Administrative Meeting, Administrative Hearing or a Community Standards Board Hearing (CSB).
Q: What is an administrative meeting?
A: An administrative meeting is an educational opportunity for students regarding behavior and commitment to the Wentworth community. At the meeting a student will be given the opportunity to either accept or deny responsibility for the alleged violation and to provide reasons and evidence to support his/her position. If a student denies responsibility a hearing will occur at a later date. If the student accepts responsibility, the Administrator will impose an appropriate sanction. No appeal of the sanction is allowed.
Q: What is an administrative hearing?
A: In Administrative Hearings, normally the Director of Community Standards or a Residence Director serves as the fact finder and decision maker. The Director of Community Standards and Residence Directors may be referred to as Hearing Administrators within this document. Depending upon the nature of the complaint, other Institute designees may be asked to hear a case or assist in the hearing process.
Q: What is the CSB?
A: The CSB is a group of students, faculty, and staff who have been selected and trained on the Code of Conduct and how to hear cases. Board members must maintain the highest degree of sensitivity and confidentiality.
Q: Do all cases go before the CSB?
A: The CSB hears most non-resident cases and cases that may result in Institute suspension or expulsion. Students may opt to have their case heard by the CSB.
Q: How am I notified of a scheduled hearing?
A: Students will be notified in writing of specific violations with which they have been charged and the time, date, and location of the hearing. This notification will be received no later than 48 hours prior to the hearing. If a student chooses not to appear for a hearing, the case will proceed in his/her absence.
Q: What rights do I have at a hearing?
A: A student has the right to address the complainant, hearing officer (s), and witnesses in a non-threatening manner. A student may bring three witnesses, with information regarding the incident in question, to speak on his/her behalf.
Q: What happens if my case is criminal?
A: Criminal charges are separate from a Code of Conduct violation and do not preclude Institute hearings. A Board hearing may be held concurrently with any criminal proceedings.
Q: What can I expect from the Hearing Officer or IDB?
A: At the hearing, the incident report and alleged violations will be read and the student will be given the opportunity to respond. Unlike the courts, sanctions may be imposed if there are reasonable grounds to believe that the student is responsible for violating the Code of Conduct. Additionally, students can expect a fair and impartial hearing that prohibits any type of confrontational or adversarial interactions between parties.
Q: What types of sanctions are imposed on students?
A: Sanctions include, but are not limited to: written warnings, educational referrals, community service assignments, restitution charges, housing probation, academic probation, suspension from the residence halls, suspension from the Institute, or expulsion.
Q: What if a student doesn’t complete his/her sanctions?
A: If a student chooses not to complete a sanction, a hold will be placed on his/her student record. This hold prohibits the student from registering for classes until the sanction is successfully completed. If a student is on probation, whether institutional or housing, failure to complete a sanction is in direct violation of the probation and will result in expulsion or immediate loss of housing.
Q: What if I feel the hearing officer or IDB was unfair in hearing my case?
A: If you believe that the hearing was not completed in a fair manner, you may appeal the decision to the Dean of Student. Appeals must be done in a form of a letter and must submitted within 3 days of receipt of the hearing decision letter.