Part 3: Prohibited Conduct

Section 1: Jurisdiction of the University

Each student is responsible for their conduct from the time of university admission through degree conferral. All student conduct is considered under the jurisdiction of the University, including conduct that occurs before classes begin or after classes end, as well as during the academic year, and during periods between actual enrollment. The Student Code of Conduct shall apply even in circumstances where the alleged conduct is not discovered until after a degree is awarded; as well as if the student withdraws from the University while a student conduct matter is pending.

Generally, university jurisdiction shall be limited to conduct that occurs on or about university premises or in connection with university-sponsored, university-supervised, or university-affiliated events, programs, and activities. However, the University may apply The Student Code of Conduct to students, Student Organizations, and unrecognized Student Organizations whose misconduct may have an adverse impact on the University, members of the University community, and/or the pursuit of university objectives regardless of where such conduct may occur.

Students are responsible for the contents of their rooms, suites, cars, lockers, studio space, electronic devices, and person regardless of claims of personal ownership. Students may also be held responsible for shared common areas.

Section 2: Conduct Rules and Regulations

Subsection 1 – Alcohol

The University expects students to abide by the law and the increased standards set forth by the University while on and off campus. The University reserves the right to inspect any bags, backpacks, or other belongings for alcohol. Specific violations of the alcohol policy include, but are not limited to:

1. The consumption, possession, and/or transport of alcohol by those under the age of 21. 
2. The serving, distribution, or obtaining of alcohol for any individual under 21 years of age.
3. Providing a location for underage consumption, regardless of if alcohol was provided.
4. Participation in drinking games or actions that ingest substances at an accelerated rate, and/or possession of paraphernalia typically used for ingesting alcohol. This includes but is not limited to funnels and beer pong. Such paraphernalia may not be maintained on university property and will be confiscated if discovered.
5. Engaging in drinking practices or activities that seriously threaten one's health or life. Please refer to Part 4. Subsection 2 for information the University’s Amnesty Process.
6. Pressuring or forcing others to consume alcohol. 
7. Possession of an open container of alcohol outside of designated areas (e.g., registered responsible user suites, designated university events).
8. Public intoxication or other inappropriate behavior consistent with intoxication, either on or off campus, or at university sponsored or sanctioned program or activity (e.g.  medical attention due to intoxication, disrupting the peace, and expelling bodily fluids in public).
9. Driving under the influence of alcohol or possession of alcohol while operating a vehicle.
10. Violation of Alcohol Policies outlined in Residential Policies and Conduct including the Responsible Use of Alcohol in Residential Living Policy
11. Use of an alcohol container including but not limited to empty beer cans or boxes, wine, or other alcohol bottles, etc. as room decoration, vase, storage item, or drinking glass. 

Subsection 2 – Cannabis, Illegal and Controlled Substances, and Prescription Drugs

While Massachusetts state law permits the use of cannabis for those over 21, also known as marijuana, federal law requires the University to prohibit cannabis use, possession, distribution, and/or cultivation at educational institutions. 

Specific violations of the cannabis, Illegal and Controlled Substances, and Prescription Drug policy include, but are not limited to: 

1. The possession, use, and odor of illegal drugs, narcotics or controlled substances including cannabis. 
2. The sale and/or distribution of illegal drugs, narcotics or controlled substances including cannabis.
3. The possession, use, sale, or distribution of drug paraphernalia typically used for ingesting drugs. 
4. Being in the presence of illegal drugs, narcotics or controlled substances including cannabis residue or paraphernalia (e.g. bongs, scales, stems, pipes).
5. Using drugs or medication in a way that seriously threatens one's health or life.
6. Driving under the influence of narcotics or possession of illegal drugs while operating a vehicle.
7. The use or possession of prescription drugs for non-medical reasons. Prescription drugs may only be stored, used, and possessed in its original labeled container by the student to which they are prescribed. Students should only possess a reasonable quantity of prescribed medication based upon the prescription and dosage requirements.

Subsection 3 - Personal Conduct 

Students share the responsibility for protecting and maintaining the health, safety, and rights of other persons. Students who anticipate or observe a violation of The Student Code of Conduct or University policy are expected to remove themselves from association or participation and are encouraged to report the incident. Violations of the personal conduct policy include, but are not limited to: 

1. Violation of local, state, and/or federal requirements, orders, mandates, guidelines and/or laws.
2. Violation of university policies and/or procedures 
3. Conduct that adversely affects the reputation of the University, its mission, and/or its goals.  
4. Indecent, profane, or otherwise disruptive behavior, which is defined as participating in or inciting others to participate in the disruption or obstruction of any university activity including but not limited to; teaching and learning, research, laboratory activities, events, student conduct proceedings, administration, living and learning experiences, or other university activities on or off campus.
5. Failure to comply with requests (e.g. health and safety inspections, administrative searches, requests for entry or search, requests for identification, requests to discontinue conduct) from university officials and/or any municipal, state, or federal law enforcement personnel, including contracted security on other campuses.
6. Unauthorized access to restricted areas including, but not limited to, classrooms, labs, studios, offices, living spaces, fire escapes, roofs, or ledges.
7. Use of any item, even if legally possessed, in a manner that potentially threatens or harms another person or damages university property. 
8. Possession or creation of firearms, explosives, knives, switchblades, ammunition (live or empty shell casing), swords, fake guns, nunchaku (karate sticks), bb guns, fireworks, pepper spray, stun guns, toy weapons, explosive devices, or other weapons except under official supervision by a Wentworth staff or faculty member as part of a recognized student organization.
9. Creating a safety hazard including, but not limited to, tampering with or removing fire safety equipment, blocking an entrance or exit, and/or the improper storage of any flammable products. 
10.  False reporting of fire, bomb, or emergency circumstances.
11.  Failure to exit a building or area during an emergency, fire alarm, or at the request of a Wentworth official and/or return prior to authorization by a university official. 
12.  Actual or attempted theft, or unauthorized possession of university property, or the property of others.
13.  Any threatened, attempted, or actual vandalism, damage, or destruction of university property or the property of others.
14.  Non-consensual use of a device to share or take images of any person or making an audio or video recording of any person where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as but not limited to, residence hall rooms, bathrooms, and locker rooms.
15.  Being present during a violation of the Student Code of Conduct in a way that condones, supports, or encourages that violation.
16. Unauthorized use of the Wentworth University name, logo, mascot, or other symbol

Subsection 4 - Obstruction of Investigation or Complaint/Conduct Process

Wentworth strives for a reporting, investigation, and conduct process that is fair and equitable. Obstruction occurs in many forms through, but not limited to, the following conduct: 

1. Falsification, misrepresentation, omission, or distortion of information. 
2. Conduct that disrupts an investigation, meeting, or hearing. 
3. Attempting to discourage participation in or use of the reporting, investigation, or conduct process. 
4. Attempting to influence the impartiality of any member of the University community or any person involved in an investigation, meeting, or hearing. 
5. Violation of university policies which prohibit retaliation, such as those outlined in the Whistle Blower Policy.

Subsection 5 - Hazing

Wentworth Institute of Technology prohibits any form of hazing by individuals or groups. The University broadly defines hazing as any action or activity, directed at a student or employee, that is reasonably likely to, or is intended to endanger the physical or mental health of a person for the purpose of initiation, admission, affiliation, or as a condition for maintaining membership in a group, organization, or living community. Knowledge of, indifference toward, or acquiescence in the presence of hazing are not neutral acts and may be construed as violations of this policy. Students or employees who perpetrate, plan, or witness (without reporting) hazing, or have knowledge or withhold information of an incident or incidents of hazing, are subject to conduct action. This definition shall apply regardless of location or consent of participants. Hazing includes, without limitation, behaviors that violate Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 269, Sections 17-19. Please refer to the University’s Policy on Hazing for a full description.

1. Failure to abide by the Hazing Policy

Subsection 6 - Personal Identification

Wentworth Institute of Technology is committed to providing a safe campus conducive to education and research goals. The University will work to maintain a safe and secure environment for faculty, staff, students, and visitors to the campus. As part of this plan, the university requires identification (ID) Cards for all students, faculty, and staff. More information on the Policy on Identification can be found here.

1.  Failure to abide by the Identification Policy

Subsection 7 - Student Posting and Advertising

Registered Student Organizations in good standing and Wentworth students are permitted to post and advertise on campus or at property owned, rented, leased, or controlled by Wentworth. Any posting must be approved by the Center for Student Life prior to posting. Postings in the residence halls should be approved through the Office of Housing and Residential Education. For more information on this policy refer to the Student Posting and Advertising Guidelines.

1. Failure to abide by the Student Posting and Advertising Guidelines

Subsection 8 - Residential Policies and Conduct

Wentworth Housing and Residential Education strives to offer students a rich living and learning experience. To foster this environment, students are responsible for their individual actions, the actions of their guests, and in a collective sense, the actions of each member of the residential community. The policies and procedures outlined below are subject to change during the academic year. Students are responsible for knowing current policies and procedures.

The University reserves the right to temporarily suspend a student from residence halls who behaves in a manner viewed as a risk to the community or themselves until an administrative hearing can be held. The student is solely responsible for finding housing accommodation during this time. 

Specific violations of Residential Education policies include, but are not limited to:       

1. Violation of terms of the Housing Agreement (Viewable on Wentworth’s housing software system, Adirondack-THD)
2. Violation of which includes Residential Alcohol and Guest Policies.
3. Failure to accompany guest(s) at all times.  

Subsection 9 - Guest

Students and Student Organizations are responsible for their guests. Wentworth Housing and Residential Education, Campus Police, and other University staff or faculty reserve the right to revoke a guest’s access to the University if the guest disturbs, creates difficulties for students, faculty or staff, or a policy violation occurs involving the student or their guest.

Violations of the guest policy include, but are not limited to:                   

1. Misconduct of a guest(s). Students bringing guests to the university (i.e., campus grounds, parking lots, academic, administrative, residential buildings, etc., or to university-sponsored events) will be held responsible for the actions of their guest. 
2. A guest's failure to provide photo identification on Wentworth property and/or failure to present that identification to a Wentworth official when asked. 
3. Violations of rules and restrictions outlined in the Residential Guest Policy.

Subsection 10 - Responsible Use of Computers and Networks

Wentworth makes available information technology resources (ITRs) to authorized faculty, staff, students, and other Wentworth community members for teaching, learning, research, administration, and approved purposes. ITRs must be used in a manner that is consistent with university policies, standards, and applicable law and respectful of the rights of the Institution and the members of its community. 

1. Failure to abide by the Information Technology Resource Acceptable Use Policy.

Subsection 11 - Student Clubs and Organizations

Recognized student organizations, club sports, and their members – when acting in the capacity of members – are expected to follow the policies and procedures outlined in both the Student Organization Manual and Club Sports Manual. 

Violations of the Student Organization Manual may be adjudicated by the Center for Student Life, Center for Wellness, or the Center for Diversity and Global Engagement. 

1.  Failure to abide by the provisions outlined in the Student Organization Manual

Subsection 12 - Expressive Speech and Activities

As a private institution, Wentworth is not bound by the First Amendment. However, the university supports community members who seek to organize and participate in expressive activities as long as such speech or expressive activities are consistent with university policies and the procedures regarding these events. 

Wentworth does not restrict the speech or expressive activities of recognized university organizations, including the speakers they invite to campus, provided organizations follow Wentworth policies and procedures.   

1. Failure to abide by the Expressive Speech and Activities Policy.

Subsection 13 - Harming Behavior

Harming behavior, includes, but is not limited to, the threat of or actual physical assault, bullying, or abuse. 

Violations of the Harming Behavior policy include, but are not limited to: 

1. Verbal, written and/or pictorial/video conduct that harms or attempts to harm the emotional or physical health/safety of any person. 
2. Physical conduct that harms or attempts to harm the emotional or physical health or safety of any person. 
3. Endangering or threatening the health or safety of any person, including oneself.

Subsection 14 – Harassment

Harassment is the severe or repeated use of written, verbal, or electronic expression, a physical act or gesture, or any combination thereof directed at another individual that has the effect of: 

1.  Physical or emotional harm to the individual or damage to the individual's property. 
2.  Reasonable fear of harm to a person and/or their property. 
3.  Preventing university community members from fully participating in the programs, activities, and/or    mission of the University.

Please note that not every act that might be offensive to an individual or a group will be considered a violation of The Student Code of Conduct. In determining whether an act constitutes harassment, the Dean of Students Office will consider the full context of any given incident, giving due consideration to the protection of members of the University community, individual rights, freedom of speech, academic freedom, and advocacy required by law.

Subsection 15 - Non-Discrimination

All members of the University are responsible for maintaining an environment free from discrimination and harassment and are expected to commit themselves to be examples of the highest standards of personal and professional conduct. More information on the Non-Discrimination Policy for Students and Employees can be found here. 

For matters regarding discrimination based on sex, including prohibited conduct such as sexual harassment (including quid pro quo and hostile environment), sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, discrimination, sexual exploitation, and retaliation, please refer to the Sexual Misconduct and Sex-Based Discrimination Policy for Students and Employees for more information.

1.  Failure to abide by the non-discrimination policy

Subsection 16 - Smoking, Vaping, and/or Tobacco Use

The use of tobacco or smoking-related products is prohibited in all buildings, grounds, and vehicles owned or leased by Wentworth Institute of Technology, regardless of location.

1.  Failure to abide by the Tobacco and Smoke Free Campus Policy. 

Subsection 17 - Vehicles and Parking

Wentworth Institute of Technology attempts to provide parking for convenience but recognizes that limitations and control must be implemented to provide for maximum usage of the parking spots on campus property, and to avoid abuse or disregard by persons parking vehicles on campus. Wentworth Institute of Technology parking passes are available for purchase to faculty, staff, students, and visitors wishing to park a vehicle on campus property. More information on this policy can be found here.

1. Failure to abide by the Policy on Parking at Wentworth Institute of Technology. 

Subsection 18 – Electronic Device Policy

1. Cellular phones, pages, and other electronic devices shall not be used in a manner that causes disruption in the classroom, library, or within any Wentworth owned or operated facility. Abuse of cellular devices with photographic capabilities; use of devices for purposes of photographing test questions, or other notes and materials is prohibited.