Student Code of Conduct

Download a printable copy of the Student Code of Conduct (pdf)

Introduction

Since its founding in 1904, Wentworth Institute of Technology has been guided by an adherence to four principles that founder Arioch Wentworth believed were essential to personal and business excellence: honesty, energy, economy and system. Today those principles, now known as the Wentworth Creed, grace the Institute seal and serve as the foundation for academic, professional, and personal excellence and form the principles underlying and incorporated into the Student Code of Conduct.

In accordance with these principles, the Institute is strongly committed to the development of the student and promotion of personal integrity and self-responsibility. Students enrolling at Wentworth become citizens of the community and are entitled to enjoy the privileges and assume the responsibilities associated with the affiliation. All members of the Wentworth community are expected to uphold the Institute’s Community Standards as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. Students who violate these standards are subject to a disciplinary process that is fair and concentrates on educating students on the importance of community values and behavior.

Application

The Student Code shall apply to conduct that occurs on Institute premises, at sponsored activities and to off-campus conduct that adversely affects the Institute, Community and/or the pursuit of its objectives. Each student shall be responsible for his/her conduct from the time of application for admission through the actual awarding of a degree, even if the conduct is not discovered until after a degree is awarded.

The Institute may take disciplinary action against Wentworth students or organizations that violate local, state, or federal laws and/or Wentworth policies. The Dean of Students shall decide whether the Student Code shall be applied to conduct occurring off campus, on a case-by-case basis, in his/her sole discretion. 

Communication

As Wentworth is an Institute of Technology and each student is supplied a Wentworth laptop, students should understand that the major form of communication and correspondence is e-mail.  Therefore, any disciplinary notifications and information will be shared by using a student’s Wentworth assigned e-mail.  It is every student’s responsibility to monitor and manage their e-mail daily.

Interim Restrictions

In cases where the Dean of Students or his/her designee, believes based upon the information available, that a student has engaged in a serious violation of the Student Code of Conduct and/or federal, state or local law, the Dean of Students or his/her designed may imposed an interim restriction. Interim restrictions become effective immediately without prior notice and remain in effect until after the hearing and appeal process is completed.

Interim restrictions may include: separation from the Institute or residence area; relocation of residence, restriction to designated campus areas or other campus facilities by time or location, restriction of communication with named individuals or groups with the Institute community or the requirement to obtain advance authorization to engage in a specified activity.

Violations of interim restrictions may result in separation or expulsion from the Institute.

Definitions

Hearing Administrator: Any person or persons authorized by the Dean of Students to determine whether a student has violated the Student Code of Conduct and to recommend imposition of sanctions.

Member of the Institute Community: Any person who is a student, faculty member, staff, official, or any other person employed by the Institute.

Registered Club, Organization, or Team: A group of persons who have complied with the formal requirements for Wentworth recognition. If charges are brought against a club, organization, or team, the president, captain, or otherwise titled student officially responsible will be required to respond to the charged and represent the group in the discipline process.

Student: All persons taking courses at Wentworth, both full and part-time, who are pursuing undergraduate or professional studies. Persons who have a continuing relationship with Wentworth even if on leave are considered students.

Wentworth official: Any employee who performs assigned administrative or professional responsibilities, including, but not limited to: Public Safety Officers, Desk Attendants, Resident Assistants, Resident Directors, faculty and staff.

Wentworth premises: All land, buildings, facilities, and other property in the possession of or owned, used, or controlled by Wentworth (including adjacent streets and sidewalks).

Confiscation: - Securing prohibited or illegal property.  Any property confiscated by a Wentworth Official acting in performance of their duties will not be returned.

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I. Personal Conduct.

All members of the community share the responsibility for protecting and maintaining community health and safety and the rights of other persons.  The Institute expects all students to comply with all federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances but also expects more of its students.  Students who anticipate or observe a violation of the Student Code of Conduct are expected to remove themselves from association or participation and are encouraged to report the incident. Violations of personal conduct also include, but are not limited to:

II. Personal Identification and Representation.

The climate of life in the academic community must be one of honesty, acceptance of responsibility and willingness to represent clearly and accurately oneself and one’s activities. Violations of personal identification and representation include, but are not limited to:

III. Obstruction of Discipline Process.

Wentworth strives for a disciplinary process that is fair to all members of the community. Obstructing this process prohibits Wentworth from providing fairness to its community. Students engage in obstruction through but not limited to the following conduct:

IV. Alcohol.

The Institution expects students to abide by Massachusetts law and the increased standards set forth by the Institution.  To that end, the Institute reserves the right to inspect any bags, backpacks, or other belongings potentially used to conceal alcohol. All resident and commuter students, whether or not at campus or sponsored off-campus events, are expected to abide by the law and also the following Wentworth regulations:  

Alcohol Violation Sanctions

Wentworth Sanctions:

There are set sanctions for first and second level alcohol violations. These sanctions may be more severe depending on the specifics of the particular incident, past history of alcohol violation(s), as well as other violations which may have occurred simultaneously.

First level alcohol violations (first incident) include but are not limited to: possession of a small quantity of beer or wine when underage, possession of beer or wine in a designated dry area, possessing amount of alcohol exceeding allowed amount in designated wet area, possession of empties, possession of alcohol paraphernalia, underage drinking, intoxication for students over 21.

Second level alcohol violations include but are not limited to: second violation of first level alcohol violation, possession of hard alcohol, possession of large quantity (over the amount allowed in wet/registered suites, 6-pack of beer or pre-bottle/measured beverage or 1.5 liter wine), public consumption, common source (kegs, beer balls, punch).

Third level alcohol violations include but are not limited to: multiple first level or second level violations and providing alcohol to minors.

Massachusetts Sanctions:

Persons operating under the influence of alcohol (.08 or greater) are subject to a fine of not less than $500.00 and not more than $5,000 and/or imprisonment for a first offense. Persons who misrepresent their age or present false IDs to purchase alcohol are subject to fines of $300.00 and loss of license. Multiple offenses for DUI carry more severe penalties. (back to top)

V. Illegal and Controlled Substances and Prescription Drugs.

Wentworth strives for a drug free environment and takes seriously the negative effects illegal drugs and controlled substances have on its students and community.  The Institute expects students to comply with state and federal laws and may hold students accountable for violations based on smell alone. In addition, students engaging in, but not limited to the following conduct will be in violation of the Wentworth Code of Conduct:

Wentworth Sanctions:

The following are possible sanctions imposed for violations Sanctions are dependant upon the severity and circumstances of each incident.

First level violations (first incident) include but are not limited to: possession of a personal use sized quantity of marijuana, odor, possession of drug paraphernalia, marijuana seeds/stems. 

Second level violations include but are not limited to: second violation of first level violation, larger quantity of marijuana.

Third level violations include but are not limited to: multiple first level or second level violations, distribution, intent to distribute.

Federal and Massachusetts Sanctions:

The penalties for possession and distribution of illegal drugs and controlled substances are found on the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration web site at www.usdoj.gov/dea. Massachusetts penalties for possession and distribution of illegal drugs and controlled substances are located at M. G.L, Chapter 94C. Persons convicted of drug offenses can lose their licenses for up to five years. (back to top)

VI. Smoking.

Wentworth recognizes the environmental or second-hand tobacco smoke has been classified as a Group A carcinogen by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.  Therefore, the sale, sampling or advertisement of all tobacco products in Wentworth publications or their use on the Wentworth campus is prohibited.  All members of the Wentworth Community, including visitors and vendors working on campus are expected to comply with this regulation.      (back to top)

VII. Sexual Misconduct.

Any type of sexual conduct that occurs without the consent of each student involved may be considered sexual misconduct. Consent must be clearly communicated, mutual, non-coercive, and given free of force or the threat of force. A student who is physically or mentally incapacitated by drugs, alcohol, or other circumstances may not be capable of giving consent. (back to top)

VIII. Sexual Harassment.

The success of Wentworth is based upon a fundamental commitment to treating all persons with dignity and respect. All faculty, staff and students have a right to work and study in an environment free of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination as defined by federal law, Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, as amended, and Title IX, as well as under Massachusetts General Laws Chapters 151C, 151B and 214.

Wentworth will not tolerate sexual harassment on the part of any faculty, student, staff or community members.  Sexual harassment includes:

Persons believing they have been subject to sexual harassment should contact the Human Resources Department for the options and procedures used to resolve such issues. Depending on whom the harasser may be (faculty, staff, administrator and student) different procedures apply to resolve the incident. (back to top)

IX. Personal Relationships.

Sexual and/or romantic relationships between faculty or staff with students is prohibited.  These relationships often affect morale by fostering actual or perceived favoritism and unfairness in educational opportunities and grading.  If any student has a concerns about any relationship please contact the Vice President of Human Resources. (back to top)

X. Nondiscrimination and Nonharassment.

The success of Wentworth is based upon a fundamental commitment to treating all persons with dignity and respect. All faculty, staff and students have a right to work and study in an environment free illegal discrimination and harassment based upon race, color, national and ethnic origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status and religious affiliation. (back to top)

XI. Stalking and Criminal Harassment.

Under Massachusetts law stalking and cyber stalking are criminal felonies.  Stalking can be accomplished by mail, telephone, electronic mail, internet communication and facsimile.  Seek assistance from the Dean of Students Office or Public Safety if you believe your have become a victim of stalking or harassment. (back to top)

XII. Hazing

Massachusetts law prohibits hazing and criminal penalties may be imposed for those who organize and carry out hazing, and also to those who are present and fail to report it.  The definition and penalties are found at M.G.L. Ch. 269, Sections 17, 18 and 19.

In accordance with the law, Wentworth provides a copy of the statute to each of its' groups, organizations and teams each year.  (back to top)

XIII. Demonstrations.

All members of the Wentworth community may participate in peaceful demonstrations where such gatherings will not interfere with the legitimate educational or institutional process of the Institute or obstruct physical movement to, from, or within any place on the campus, including Wentworth property located off the main campus.  While the campus is open to the free exchange of ideas, the Institute may limit the time, place and manner of demonstrations.  All members of the community are expected to conduct dialogues with dignity and courtesy. (back to top)

XIV. Postings.

All postings must be approved and stamped by a representative of the Office of Student Leadership Programs.  Wentworth reserves the right to deny approval of any postings deemed inappropriate for an educational community. (back to top)

XV. Responsible use of Computers and Networks

The Policy governing the use of computers and networks by members of the Wentworth community is located on the web site of The Office of Information Technology.

All students are responsible for reading and understanding the complete Policy. It is intended to protect all consumers of computing resources, computing hardware and networks and system administrators.


Some of the conduct which violates the Policy includes, but is not limited to:

XVI. Residential Conduct.

The Housing and Residential Life Office works to offer students a rich living and learning experience. To make this environment work, students are responsible both for their individual actions, the actions of their guests, and in a collective sense for the actions of each member of the residential community. An atmosphere conducive to academic growth and social awareness requires everyone’s cooperation. The starting point for this communal success is individual adherence to Institute policies.  All students are held responsible for knowing the policies that govern the Institute, and for understanding the policies and procedures that prevail in the residence halls. These policies are subject to change during the academic year and it is the student’s responsibility to know the current policies and regulations. 

The Institute reserves the right to temporarily suspend a student from the residence halls who behaves in a manner that is viewed to be a risk to the community or themselves until an administrative review can be conducted. The student is solely responsible for finding housing accommodations during this time.

Students are expected to adhere to all Residential policies.  For a full list of Residential Policies, please visit the Housing and Residential Life website.  Conduct which violates the Policy includes, but is not limited to:

Housing Agreement. Each student is required to fill out and sign a housing agreement either during room selection or the first day of the new semester. Housing agreements are binding for a full academic year. Students will not be released from this full-year agreement unless they are leaving for co-op, study abroad, or transferring. Each student should read the housing agreement carefully and ask questions if anything is not clear. Each student must have a signed Room Condition Form for the room in which they live.

XVII. Guests.

Wentworth affords its students the opportunity to have guests on campus.  Wentworth defines guests as any persons who are not current residents of the room/suite/apartment they are visiting; internal guests (current residents) and external guests (non-students, off-campus students and alumni).  At all times, guests must be in the presence of their student host.  The host student is responsible for the behavior of his/her guest and will be held accountable if the guest violates the Student Code of Conduct.  Public Safety may make an arrest at their discretion depending upon the nature and severity of a violation.

XVIII. Vehicles and Parking.

In order to ensure the safe and efficient use of available limited parking at the Institute for all community members, the Institute has established the following regulations and rules concerning vehicle use and parking

Repeated and/or serious parking or traffic violations will be referred to the Dean of Students Office for disciplinary action. (back to top)

XIX. Wentworth Name and Logo.

The use of the Wentworth name and logo can imply approval by Wentworth of the sale, use or message of the group or item on which its name or logo appears. It is important to Wentworth that its name and reputation be kept in the highest regard by members of its community and the greater outside community. It is therefore necessary for Wentworth to regulate the use of its name and logo.

The use of the Wentworth Institute of Technology logo on any article of clothing, poster, book, or in any manner of imprint, including but not limited to off-set printing, scanning, decal is strictly prohibited. Associating the Wentworth name or logo with objectionable print or electronic material is also prohibited.  Any registered organization or member of the community who wishes to use the Wentworth logo must seek prior written permission from the Vice President of Finance. Any article or clothing or other items with the Wentworth logo that do not have such pre-approval will be confiscated. (back to top)

XX. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

Wentworth Institute of Technology complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”). The Institute has designated the following student information as directory information under FERPA:

Directory information will be given to any person making an inquiry to the Student Service Center, Division of Student Affairs, and Public Safety. Information that is not designated as directory information may only be provided by Wentworth to outside inquiries under certain exceptions provided in the statute (e.g. lawful subpoena or court order, certain auditing agencies, written consent).

Students who do not wish to have even directory information available to the public must sign a written statement and file it with the Student Service Center. 

Under FERPA students have the right to review all educational records, files and data related to them and have the right to challenge the accuracy of the contents of such records. 

Students have a right to view their student records upon written request to Dean of Student Office and/or Student Service Center. 

For a complete copy of a student’s rights to student record information go to http://www.wit.edu/ssc/reg/r_ferpa.htm. (back to top)

XXI. Parental Notification.

Wentworth recognizes that students, parents/guardians and the Institute are in a partnership in which each has the responsibility to promote a healthy and productive educational experience. We believe parents/guardians can assist students in fulfilling their educational goals through the use of open dialogue.
In accordance with the guidelines set forth by FERPA, Wentworth reserves the right to notify parents/guardians of dependent students when:

It is assumed by the Institute that all traditional aged students are financially dependent unless otherwise notified. If a student has declared him/herself independent, appropriate documentation must be submitted to the Student Service Center. (back to top)

Marlin Nabors,
Director of Community Standards
Rubenstein Hall - Room 004
Office: 617.989.4486
Fax: 617.989.4591
naborsm@wit.edu / OCS@wit.edu