Student Life Handbook: Policies and Procedures Missing Student Notification

Purpose

In accordance with federal law and to assist in guarding student safety, Westmont College establishes the following missing-student notification policy and investigation procedures.

Definitions

A. Residential student: For purposes of this policy, a residential student is enrolled in the academic program and resides in on-campus housing.

B. Missing: For purposes of this policy, a residential student is presumed missing if he or she is more than 24 hours late in reaching the expected destination. A residential student may also be considered missing if 1) he or she is overdue in reaching home, campus or another specific location past the expected arrival; 2) additional factors lead college staff to believe he or she is missing, and 3) a check of their residence hall room supports that determination.

C. Confidential contact: For purposes of this policy a confidential contact is the individual named by the residential student to be contacted not later than 24 hours after the college determines the student is missing.

Notification to Residential Students

A. Residential students are informed that they have the option to identify an individual to be contacted by the institution not later than 24 hours after the time that the student is determined missing.

B. Residential students who are under 18 years of age and not emancipated individuals are informed that the college is required to notify a custodial parent or guardian if it is determined that the student is missing. Residential students who are 18 years of age or older are notified that the college will contact their parents if they do not identify an alternative confidential contact. (Identifying a confidential contact does not preclude the college from contacting students’ parents if in the opinion of college personnel and/or if in the event of an emergency concerning students’ safety, contacting students’ parents is considered necessary.) In both cases, the college will contact students’ parent/guardian or other identified contact not later than 24 hours after the time a student is determined missing.

C. Residential students are informed that the college will notify the appropriate law enforcement agency within 24 hours after the time that the student is determined missing.

Last Updated on 8/9/19

Last Reviewed on 8/16/21