Just how much students know about WPI's Code of Conduct was recently surveyed through an IQP. The results indicated that while students acknowledged that they did receive the code, most admitted they had not read it.
The current WPI Code of Conduct can be traced to 1968 when the WPI trustees articulated a policy statement to guide the community as to its rights and responsibilities. While some of the campus policies have changed over the years, the core values articulated in the 1968 policy statement have remained unchanged. WPI is a caring community which invites its members to participate in the setting of standards and the resolution of differences. All faculty and students are eligible for election to the Campus Hearing Board (CHB). The board is used to adjudicate allegations made by a community member against another. The board is chaired by a member of the faculty who serves a three year term as a non-voting Chief Justice.
Not all infractions are adjudicated by the Campus Hearing Board. Students who accept responsibility for their actions may choose an administrative hearing, mediation or an administrative agreement as resolution to the charge.
Over the last several years, the hearing board has been alarmed by the number of assaults, sexual abuse and academic dishonesty cases that have come before it. The board has, in most cases, imposed a period of suspension to not only punish the accused but to give a clear message to the community that these violations of the code will not be tolerated at WPI.
If you believe that you have been wronged by a member of the community, you are urged to report it to the Student Life Office. All judicial proceedings are confidential to protect the privacy of both the plaintiff and the defendant. Board members are forbidden to discuss any facet of the case outside of the hearing.
As stated in the WPI trustees' statement on student responsibility and conduct, "students ... having been accepted and having decided to enter, are expected to abide by the laws of our nation and comply with the rules and policies of WPI. Criticisms and suggestions are always in order and will continue to be welcomed, but threats, disturbances or force of any kind - either by a single student (or a group) - will not be tolerated."
Please contact the Student Life Office in Daniel's Hall should you have any questions about WPI's judicial system.
Give feedback: newspeak@wpi.wpi.edu