Community Resources

FAQ for Wentworth Community Members

• Can you clarify: student records are only accessible with court order by federal – state agents? Does this also include faculty/staff, records available with court order?

  • 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.

• Are Wentworth alumni records able to be requested by federal agents (w/ requisite court order)? If so, will they also be notified by Wentworth if their records are requested and obtained by federal agents?

  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.

• In the case students are engaged by federal agents, and use information collected by the school, will the school provide legal counsel and/or representation?

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

• When students are in foreign countries and international airports, on school sponsored travel, how do the protocols and procedures differ if they engage federal agents?

  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.

• Do students living off campus have same legal protections as on campus students and should subscribe to the same protocols (contact campus police)?

  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

• Will students be notified by Wentworth if federal agents request and gain access to their information, as per FERPA?

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

• Are there any types of information in student records that indicate immigration status, race, or ethnicity? If so, does the school have the ability to anonymize this information?

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

• Are there any changes to visas: faculty, student visas, international student visas?

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

• Are there any changes to DEI initiatives, programs, priorities, or practices?

  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.

• Are there any changes to the resources & policies for students/faculty/staff for discrimination in regard to gender/title 9/DEI?

  • 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.

• Does Wentworth allow students to declare their gender? If so, will this remain Wentworth’s policy position?

  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.

• Does Wentworth allow transgender students to play on sports teams? If so, will this remain Wentworth’s policy position?

  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.

• Wentworth current policy statements states “[…] under circumstances select university departments or employees may be required to response to external government agencies of other parties’ requests pursuant to governmental requirements under state and/or federal law.” Can you please clarify? Will Wentworth legal counsel be present for these engagements and advise departments and employees?

  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.

• It seems that federal agents can obtain student information by claiming an “a safety emergency”, or through performing “an audit”; can you provide a bit more info on what these are?

  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.

• Have additional questions?

  Have an additional question? Send it to ogc@wit.edu.