Types of Hearings
The Wentworth discipline system consists of three types of hearings/meetings: Administrative Meeting, Administrative Hearings, and Community Standards Board Hearing. The type of discipline hearing a student is subject to depends on several variables, including location of incident, severity of violation, past and discipline history. All hearings are based in the philosophy of fairness and consistency, while emphasizing the importance of education.
For a full review of the discipline process and procedures, please review the pdf. version of the code, or review the Student Handbook.
Administrative Meeting & Hearing
An administrative meeting is an educational opportunity for students regarding behavior and commitment to the Wentworth community. At
the meeting, the student will be given the opportunity to either accept or
deny responsibility and to choose a venue for which to conduct the hearing.
If a student chooses to have the hearing with an Administrator, they will
immediately have an opportunity to provide reasons and evidence to support
his/her position.
If a student fails to attend their meeting or hearing, a decision will be made in their absence and no appeal of the sanction is allowed. Administrative Hearings can be handled by all Residence Directors and the Director of Community Standards or his/her designee.
Community Standards Board Hearing
If a student chooses a Community Standards Board hearing, an
opportunity to provide reasons and evidence to support his/her position will
be separate from the Administrative Meeting.
The Community Standards Board (CSB) is comprised of students, faculty, or staff and it dedicated to upholding the policies outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. Their mission is to promote an atmosphere of responsibility, respect, honesty, trust, and fairness within the Wentworth community.
CSB members are trained on how to conduct a fair, impartial, and educational hearing. Each member of the board is required to a sign Confidentiality Agreement, stating that all information presented within the hearing will not be discussed outside of the hearing room. Board members failing to adhere to the Confidentiality Agreement or the policies of the Student Code of Conduct will be removed from the board and subject to disciplinary action.
The CSB hears the majority of off-campus incidents, as well as high-level on-campus violations. In CSB cases, the decision and sanctions are presented to the Dan of Students of his/her designee for review and approval. The Dean or designee may accept, change or make more severe the sanction. If a student fails to attend their meeting or hearing, a decision will be made in their absence and no appeal of the sanction is allowed.
The CSB is advised by the Director of the Office of Community Standards, who is present for each hearing, however does not participate in the deliberation or sanctioning aspect of the process.