Missing Persons Policy
Southwestern College takes student safety very seriously. To this end, the following policy and procedure has been established to assist in locating Southwestern College students living in
Southwestern College owned on campus housing, who, based on the facts and circumstances known to Southwestern College, Southwestern College has determined to be missing.
1. At the beginning of each academic year, Southwestern College will inform students residing in campus housing that Southwestern College will notify either a parent or an individual selected by the student after the time the student is determined to be missing. This information will include the following:
a. Students have the option of identifying an individual to be contacted by Southwestern College after the time the student has been determined to be missing. Students can register this confidential contact information through the College Services office or the Student Life office.
b. If the student is under 18 years of age, and not an emancipated individual, Southwestern College is required to notify a custodial parent or guardian that the student is determined to be missing.
c. Southwestern College will notify the appropriate law enforcement agency that the student is determined to be missing.
d. If Student Life or law enforcement personnel has been notified and makes a determination that a student of a missing person report is missing and has not returned to campus, Southwestern College will initiate the emergency contact procedure in accordance with the student’s designation.
2. Southwestern College will follow the following notification procedure for a missing student who resides in on-campus housing.
a. Once Southwestern College receives a missing student report via the Student Life office, Security, Residence Life or other source, the following offices will be notified.
- Security
- Residence Life
- Dean of Students
- Vice President of Student Life
- President
b. Any official missing person report relating to this student shall be referred immediately to the Student Life Office and its departments (residence life, campus life and security).
c. If Southwestern College, after investigating the official report, determines the student is missing, Southwestern College will contact the individual identified by the student, the custodial parent or legal guardian if the student is under 18 and not emancipated, or local law enforcement if these do not apply.
3. Upon Notification from any entity that any student may be missing, Southwestern College may use any of the following resources to assist in locating the student. The resources may be used in any order and combination.
a. Through the Residence Life office, the Resident Assistants may be asked to assist in physically locating the student.
b. Resident Directors, Apartment Managers, Assistant Dean of Students, the Dean of Students, Vice President of Student Life or security may also assist in the search of a student by keying into the student’s assigned room and talking with known associates.
c. Security may search on campus public locations to find the student (library, athletic facilities, and cafeteria).
d. The Student Life office may try to contact known friends, family, or faculty members for last sighting or other contact information.
e. Academic Departments or other administrative offices may be contacted to seek information on last sighting or other contact information.
f. Security may work with the Computer Information Center to look up email logs for last login and use of Southwestern College email system.
g. If there is any reason for concern or indication of foul play, the local police department will immediately be contacted for assistance.
