Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy as to Students
It is the policy of Worcester Polytechnic Institute that each qualified individual, regardless of race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age as defined by law, or handicap, shall have equal opportunity in education, employment or services of Worcester Polytechnic Institute. It is the policy of WPI to follow U.S. federal government eligibility guidelines in the administration of its institutional financial aid program.
Student Responsibilities for Ethical and Professional Conduct
WPI expects all its students to demonstrate the highest sense of honor in respecting academic and professional traditions such as acknowledging the borrowing or use of other people’s ideas. Willful violations (like plagiarism) of such academic traditions or of legal restrictions (like those regarding copyright) will be considered violations of the “Campus Code” as described in the Student Planner.
WPI education is strongly committed to project-based learning, to providing students with access to state-of-the-art technology, and to working with professionals, on and off campus. Therefore, when students are exposed to proprietarial and/or confidential information, they must accept responsibilities appropriate to their preparation for life-long careers in which codes of ethics govern professional conduct.
Facilities such as the off-campus projects, employment sites, and on-campus laboratories permit students to gain experience with techniques at the forefront of industrial and research development. With this access comes the added responsibility of safeguarding students of any agreements they sign regarding conditions or restrictions for access to certain equipment or information will also be considered a violation of the “Student Code of Conduct”.
Record of any penalties assigned by the WPI Campus Judicial System which result from violation of standards of ethical conduct will become a permanent part of that student’s disciplinary record.
Student Absence Due to Religious Beliefs
Section 2B, Chapter 151C of the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts: “Any student in an educational or vocational training institution, other than a religious or denominational educational or vocational training institution, who is unable, because of his/her religious beliefs, to attend classes or to participate in any examination, study, or work requirement on a particular day shall be excused from any such examination or study or work requirement, and shall be provided with an opportunity to make up such examination, study, or work requirement which he/she may have missed because of such absence on any particular day; provided, however, that such makeup examination or work shall not create an unreasonable burden upon such school. No fees or any kind shall be charged by the institution for making available to the said student such opportunity. No adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to any students because of his/her availing himself/herself of the provisions of this section.”
Policy for Institutional Charges and Refunds for Students Called to Military Action
WPI recognizes the obligations of our students who are called to active duty by the U.S. Military. To support these students WPI has established this policy to facilitate their transition from, and back to active student status.
Such students shall receive 100% refund for the uncompleted term(s) of the semester at the date of the notice. If such student has a loan obligation to WPI they will be granted an in-school deferment status during the period of active duty service, not to exceed a total of three years.
To initiate the process to be classified “On leave for military service” the student must indicate, in writing, that he/she is requesting school deferment status while being called to active duty. A copy of the official call to active duty notice from the military must be included with this request and be submitted to the Registrar’s Office.