In compliance with the Missing Student Notification Policy (20 USC 1092 C-Section 488 of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008), it is the policy of the Office of Housing, Department of Student Affairs, and the Department of Public Safety to actively investigate any report of a missing student currently enrolled at the University.

Students have the option to provide an emergency person/number to be contacted if they are believed to be (a) missing for more than 24 hours and/or (b) in potential danger. This information can be entered in the "Emergency Contact" section of the "Self Service" area of the student’s Banner Account once he/she logs in.

Students can also provide an additional contact number to their housing staff that will only be utilized in the event they go missing and will only be provided to law enforcement and other limited individuals who are actively involved in the investigation

This information will only be available to authorized campus officials and law enforcement officers in furtherance of resolving the missing student's investigation/emergency situation.

Anyone who believes that a student has gone missing should report his or her concern to a Residence Life Staff Member, Student Affairs, or the Department of Public Safety. The official receiving the report should:

  1. Collect and document the name, campus address, physical description (including last known clothing), vehicle information and any contact information relative to the missing student.
  2. The last time and location the missing student was seen.
  3. The circumstances leading to the belief the student has gone missing.
  4. Any friends, other locations, or changes in routine involving the missing student.
  5. The name and contact information of the individual filing the report.

The official receiving the report will then contact appropriate members of the Office of Housing/Student Affairs and/or the Department of Public Safety. An investigation will be initiated surrounding the circumstances that lead to the concern to determine the threat level to the involved missing student to include as necessary:

  1. Initiating a search on campus for the missing student to include common areas, residence halls, parking areas for his/her vehicle, or other known areas frequented by them.
  2. Attempting to contact the involved missing student directly through cell phones, room phones, or e-mail/social networking venues.
  3. Contacting known associates of the missing student.
  4. Checking the involved missing student’s room for information that might lead to his/her location.
  5. Checking the involved missing student’s campus e-mail, phone, and Skyhawk Card records for recent usage.  Class schedules and instructors should also be consulted to determine the latest attendance.
  6. Making contact with the involved missing student’s emergency contact; number if the threat level determines it to be necessary and/or if the student has been missing for more than 24 hours.  If the student is under the age of 18 and is not emancipated, the student’s parents/guardians must be notified.
    The Department of Public Safety will be notified if the student is believed to be in potential danger and/or has been missing for more than 24 hours.
  7. Based upon the threat level to the involved missing student determined by the initial investigation and/or the length of time or age involved, the Department of Public Safety will further the investigation pursuant to its established police policies to include notification of other agencies and emergency alert systems.