Community Resources

• Student records: FERPA provides certain privacy rights for students regarding their educational records. Educational records mean any record (in handwriting, print, tapes, film, electronic, or other medium) maintained by the university or an agent of the university that is directly related to a student. There are some exceptions like directory information and personal records. There are exemptions in which a student’s education record can be shared without their consent, including with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena. If a judicial order/subpoena has been issued, we must honor this request. However, the institution will provide notice to the student that a request has been received and that the information will be shared. More information can be found in our FERPA Policy.
• Faculty and staff records: Wentworth is legally required to provide information requested in a court order. We would notify those who are subject to such an order as appropriate.

Wentworth is legally required to provide information requested in a court order. This can be information from when the alum was a student (which is covered under FERPA) or information submitted to the university once the student became an alum. Notification of students is required under FERPA, but notification is not required for alumni data; however, Wentworth would use contact information on file to attempt to notify an alum prior to providing information to a requesting agency.

Some student educational records include this type of information. Current legal requirements regarding such records would prevent us from anonymizing them.

1. Yes, the Policy on Preferred/Chosen Name, Personal Pronouns, and Formalized Expression of Gender Identity allows for this. It will remain as long as it legally compliant.

The school does not provide legal counsel/representation. This website lists a variety of resources including legal resources.

The university’s jurisdiction related to government agencies does not extend to those who are living off campus. Those students are encouraged to review the resources provided here: City of Boston – Office of Immigrant Advancement; Resources for Immigrants in Massachusetts

Yes, students will be notified that there has been a request before such records are provided.

The first step for anyone who is approached by an external government agency is to contact the Wentworth Police Department (WPD). The WPD will immediately contact the Office of the General Counsel and coordinate the response.

Federal agents can obtain educational records with judicial order or subpoena. The exceptions for “safety emergency” and “audit” do not apply to federal agents in this regard.

At this time, there are no changes to our Inclusive Excellence initiatives, priorities or practices. Something we had already started doing was using Inclusive Excellence in places where other organizations use DEI. Our initiatives, programs, priorities and practices align with our strategic goals and seek to support the mission of the institution. Our programs have always been available to everyone.

• At this time, there are no changes.
• Wentworth has been operating under the Title IX 2020 Regulations as we were subject to an injunction that prohibited the institution from adopting the Title IX 2024 regulations. We will continue to monitor the situation to ensure our policies align with any legal requirements, and where the federal law provides flexibility, we will continue to adhere to Massachusetts law.
• In Massachusetts, individuals can still access bathrooms/locker rooms that align with their gender identity and receive gender-affirming care. As additional guidance is issued, we may have to make changes. If that is the case, we will let our community know.

The NCAA updated their Participation Policy for Transgender Student-Athletes on 2/6/2025 which states that only student athletes who were assigned female at birth can compete on a women’s team. As an NCAA institution, we must comply with that policy.

Students traveling abroad should have the appropriate documents to leave and re-enter the country at the time of their travel. Wentworth is monitoring for travel bans, and International Student Services has been working with international students. If bans are enacted, we will do our best to respond in the best interest of those students impacted.

All travelers (for business or personal reasons) are highly encouraged to: 

• Be thoughtful about any planned international travel due to the risk of delays or difficulties re-entering the U.S.
• Register international travel plans to ensure coverage under the university’s International SOS medical and travel security program.
• Be attentive regarding your social media activity and prepare your digital devices for travel (article requires a Wentworth login).

Wentworth business travelers are highly encouraged to share their trip itineraries with their supervisor so that the university can better support you if issues arise while you are abroad.

Employee and student visa holders are encouraged to consult with an immigration attorney before traveling.
 

• All travelers entering the United States, regardless of citizenship or visa status, may be subject to searches of their phones, tablets, computers and other electronic devices. See guidance about preparing electronic devices for international travel (login required).
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may ask you for your social media passwords so that they can review your accounts. See more information.
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has announced that effective April 9, 2025, they will consider antisemitic activity on social media as grounds for denying immigration benefits.

At this time, there are no changes. We are working very closely with our immigration attorneys to monitor this situation.

Visa holders are encouraged to:

• Be thoughtful about any planned international travel due to the risk of delays or difficulties re-entering the U.S.
• Be attentive regarding your social media activity and prepare your digital devices for travel (article requires a Wentworth login).
• Consult with an immigration attorney before traveling.
• Share your travel plans with the university by alerting the International Student Services & Engagement office or your supervisor, as appropriate.