Preamble:
The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 requires that certain
universities establish a missing student notification policy for
students residing in on-campus housing.
Policy Statement:
1. All students living in on-campus housing (Fairmount Towers,
Wheatshocker Apartments and Brennan Hall) must identify and provide
confidential contact information to the Director of Housing and
Residence Life or the Director's designee. Each student will be
responsible for keeping the confidential contact information updated
and current. The security of the contact information will be
maintained by the Director or the Director's designee.
2. If University Housing and Residence Life officials
reasonably determine or believe there is justification to investigate
the welfare or missing status of a student living in on-campus housing,
a report concerning their missing status will be filed with the
University Police Department. A student living in on-campus
housing will not be considered missing if they have provided
information about their intended whereabouts. A student living in
on-campus housing will not be considered missing if they are gone
during recognized University holidays and/or breaks.
3. If the University Police Department's investigation
determines that a student for whom a report has been filed has been
missing for more than twenty-four (24) hours, the University Police
Department will notify the Director of Housing and Residence Life or
the Director's designee. The Director or the Director's designee
will notify the Vice President for Campus Life and University Relations
to determine how best to make contact in accordance with paragraph 4 of
this policy statement.
4. If the missing student is under the age of eighteen
(18) and not emancipated, the University is required to contact the
missing student's parent[s] or guardian[s]. If the missing
student is emancipated or eighteen (18) years of age or older, the
University will contact the confidential contact person provided by the
student pursuant to paragraph 1 above.
Implementation:
This policy shall be included in the WSU Policies and Procedures
Manual and shared with appropriate constituencies of the
University.
The Vice President for Campus Life and University Relations shall have primary responsibility for publication, dissemination and implementation of this University policy.
Effective Date:
February 1, 2009