Part 3: Prohibited Conduct

Part 3: Prohibited Conduct

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:

1.1 The consumption, possession, and/or transport of alcohol by those under the age of 21. The serving, distributing, or obtaining alcohol for, or allowing consumption by, any individual who is under 21 years of age.
1.2 Providing a location for underage consumption, regardless of if alcohol was provided.
1.3 Participation in drinking games or actions that ingest alcohol at an accelerated rate, and/or possession of paraphernalia used for ingesting alcohol. This includes, but is not limited to shot glasses, funnels, and beer pong. Such paraphernalia may not be maintained on university property and will be confiscated if discovered.
1.4 Engaging in drinking practices or activities that seriously threaten one's health and life. Please refer to Subsection 18 for the University’s Amnesty Policy.
1.5 Pressuring or forcing others to consume alcohol. 
1.6 Possession of an open container of alcohol outside of designated areas (e.g., registered responsible user suites, designated University events).
1.7 Public intoxication or other inappropriate behavior consistent with intoxication, either on or off campus, or at University sponsored or sanctioned programs or activities (e.g. medical attention due to intoxication, disrupting the peace and elimination in public).
1.8 Violation of Alcohol Policies outlined in Residential Policies and Conduct including the Responsible Use of Alcohol in Residential Living Policy (see part 3, section 2, subsection 8c).
1.9 Use of an alcohol container (including, but not limited to empty beer cans, wine or other alcohol bottles, etc.) as a room decoration, vase, or storage item.

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

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

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

2.1The possession, use, odor, sale, and/or distribution of illegal drugs, narcotics or controlled substances including Cannabis.
2.2 Being in the presence of illegal drugs, narcotics or controlled substances including Cannabis residue or paraphernalia (e.g. bongs, scales, stems, pipes).
2.3 The possession, use, sale or distribution of drug paraphernalia.
2.4 Using drugs or medication in a way that seriously threatens one's health and life.
2.5 The use 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. The use or possession of legally prescribed drugs which fall outside the parameters of the medical prescription.
2.6 Refer to Important Rights of Wentworth for the University policy on Medical Marijuana

Subsection 3 - Personal Conduct

Students share the responsibility for protecting and maintaining health and safety and the 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: 

3.1 Violation of local, state, and federal requirements, orders, mandates, guidelines and/or laws. 
3.2 Conduct that adversely affects the reputation of the University, its mission, and goals.  
3.3 Violent, abusive, indecent, profane, disruptive, or otherwise disruptive behavior, which is defined as participating in or inciting other to participate in the disruption or obstruction of any university activity including but not limited to; teaching, research, lab, events, student conduct proceedings, administration, living/learning environment, or other university activities on or off campus.
3.4 Failure to comply with requests from University officials and/or any municipal, state, or federal law enforcement personnel, including contracted security on other campuses (e.g. Health and Safety Inspections, Administrative Searches, requests for entry or search, requests for Identification, requests for discontinuance of conduct). 
3.5 Unauthorized access to restricted areas including but not limited to classrooms, labs, studios, offices, living spaces, fire escapes, roofs, or ledges
3.6 Use of any item, even if legally possessed, in a manner that threatens or harms another. 
3.7 Creating a safety hazard, including tampering with, or removing fire safety equipment impeding an egress/ingress or throwing objects out of windows and/or the improper storage of any flammable products.
3.8 False reporting of fire, bombs, or emergency circumstances.
3.9 Failure to exit a building or area during an emergency, fire alarm, or at the request of a Wentworth official and return prior to authorization by a University official. 
3.10 Actual or attempted theft, damage, or destruction of property whether intentional or unintentional
3.11Use of a device to share images of any person or making an audio or video recording of any person where there is an expectation of privacy.

Subsection 4 - Obstruction of Investigation or Complaint/Disciplinary Process 

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

Falsification, misrepresentation, omission, or distortion of information. 
Conduct that disrupts an investigation, meeting, or hearing. 
Attempting to discourage participation in or use of the reporting, investigation/disciplinary process. 
Attempting to influence the impartiality of any member of the University community or anyone else who is involved in an investigation, meeting, or hearing. 
Violation of 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, that is reasonably likely to, or is intended to endanger the physical or mental health of a person for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for maintaining membership in a group, organization, or living community. 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 (included below).

The law defines hazing as “any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. Such conduct shall include whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other substance, or any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of any such student or other person, or which subjects such student or other person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section to the contrary, consent shall not be available as a defense to any prosecution under this action.”

In addition to how the Commonwealth of Massachusetts defines hazing, Wentworth Institute of Technology prohibits the following forms of hazing, which include, but are not limited to:

Assignment of duties to new members that are not assigned to other members
Verbal abuse
Beating
Forced attendance of a gathering of any sort
Requiring students to violate The Student Code of Conduct
Exposing someone to extreme conditions or activities with the possibility of endangering that person
Forced or coerced alcohol or other drug consumption
Forced or coerced sexual simulation or acts
Forced or coerced ingestion of vile substances
Expected participation in illegal activity
Threats or implied threats
Requiring situationally inappropriate attire
Deprivation of privileges
Silence periods
Social Isolation

In compliance with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Anti-Hazing Statute (M.G.L. Ch. 269, §§ 17, 18 and 19), Wentworth Institute of Technology annually provides each student with a copy of the state law and requires officers of student organizations to distribute a copy to all its members. A copy of the law is available in Section 2 of the Student Organization Manual and is also available in the Center for Student Life and The Center for Cultural and Global Engagement.

Punishment for an organizer or participant in hazing is a $3,000 fine and/or imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than one year. Punishment (Section 18) for failure to report hazing to the extent “such person can do so without danger or peril to himself or others,” is also a crime and subject to a fine of $1,000.00.

All student organization executive boards and/or advisors are required to review the law annually with all members. If you have any questions regarding the law, discuss them with a staff member from the Center for Student Life or The Center for Cultural and Global Engagement immediately. The Athletic Department is required to review the law annually with every varsity athlete. If you have any questions regarding the law, discuss them with a staff member from the Athletic Department.

Subsection 6 - Personal Identification and Representation

More information on this policy can be found here.

Subsection 7 - Postings/Leafletting/Chalking

Registered student organizations in good standing are permitted to post and advertise on campus or property owned, rented, leased, or controlled by Wentworth. Only approved posters, table tents, A-frames and white boards located on the ground floor of the Flanagan Campus Center are allowed.    For more information, refer to the Student Posting and Advertising Policy

Subsection 8 - Residential Policies and Conduct

Wentworth Residential Life 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 for the actions of each member of the residential community. These policies and procedures outlined below are subject to change during the academic year and it is the student’s responsibility to know the current policies and procedures.

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

Additionally, Wentworth Residential Life, Public Safety and other University staff reserve the right to revoke a visitor's access to a residence area if the guest disturbs or creates any difficulties for other residents.

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

Violation of terms of the Housing Agreement (Viewable on Wentworth’s housing software system, Adirondack-THD)
Violation of Residential Life Policies
Violation of Alcohol Policies within Residential Areas
Violation of Residential Guest Policy

Subsection 9 - Guest

Students and Student Organizations are responsible for the conduct of their guests and should always accompany guests. Guests may be removed from the University at the discretion of Public Safety.

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

Failure to accompany the guest(s) at all times.
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. 
A guest’s failure to provide a valid identification on Wentworth property and/or failure to present that identification to a Wentworth official when asked. 
Violations of all rules and restrictions outlined in the Residential Guest Policy (see Part 3, Section 2, subsection 8d)

Subsection 10 - Responsible Use of Computers and Networks 

More information on this policy can be found here. Technology Services.

Subsection 11 - Student Clubs and Organizations

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

Subsection 12 - Expressive Activities and Speech Policy

More information on this policy can be found here

Subsection 13 - Harming Behavior

Harming behavior, which 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: 

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

Subsection 14 – Harassment

Harassment is the severe or repeated use by one or more students of a written, verbal, or electronic expression or a physical act or gesture or any combination thereof directed at another individual that has the effect of a. Causing physical or emotional harm to the individual or damage to the individuals property b. Placing the individual in a reasonable fear of harm to the individual and/or the individuals property c. Infringing on the rights of other university community members to fully participate in the program, activities, and mission of the university.

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 the members of the University community, and the individual rights, freedom of speech, academic freedom, and advocacy required by law. Please note that not every act that might be offensive to an individual or a group necessarily will be considered a violation of The Student Code of Conduct.

Subsection 15 – Non-Discrimination

All members of the University are responsible for maintaining an environment free from sexual discrimination and harassment and are expected to commit themselves to be examples of the highest standards of personal and professional conduct More information on this policy can be found here. https://wit.edu/about/policies/nondiscrimination

For matters regarding discrimination based on sex, including prohibited conduct such as sexual harassment (including quid pro quo and hostile environment), as well as 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. https://wit.edu/policies/title-ix

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

More information on this policy can be found here.

Subsection 17 – Vehicles and Parking

More information on this policy can be found here.

Subsection 18 – Wentworth Name and Logo

More information on this policy can be found here

Subsection 19 - Amnesty

Students may be reluctant to seek help in alcohol, prescription drug and illegal substance related emergencies due to their own involvement for violating The Student Code of Conduct.  When these emergencies are serious and/or life-threatening, Wentworth wants to promote a culture of responsibility.

In cases of a medical emergency resulting from alcohol, prescription drug, or prohibited substances, students are expected to:

Call Public Safety at (617) 989-4444 or 911
Stay with the individual(s) until help has arrived
Meet and cooperate with appropriate University administrative staff after the incident
Attend and comply with any educational sanction(s)

Students who seek out emergency assistance or call for help on behalf of another student or guest will not receive conduct charges related to the behavior. This policy also applies to the individual for who the emergency assistance was requested. Conduct charges may be applied for behavior not related to the granting of amnesty.

The Amnesty Policy will not apply for calls for medical assistance made after the University or local authorities have already intervened and/or confronted a situation. Students who abuse the protections of the Amnesty Policy by seeking help for others when there is no good-faith basis for doing so, will be unable to utilize the Policy. 

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