Campus Policy on Reporting Missing Residential Students

The establishment of procedures for the college’s response to missing residential students, as required by the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) of 2008, applies to all students who reside in any on-campus housing.

For purposes of this policy, a student may be considered to be a “missing person” if:

• The person’s absence is contrary to his/her usual pattern of behavior; or
• Some unusual or unexplained circumstance may have caused the absence.

Such circumstances could include, but are not limited to:

• Suspicion that the missing person may be the victim of foul play;
• Past expression of suicidal thoughts;
• Is or may be drug dependent;
• Has been with or is acquainted with persons who may endanger the student’s welfare.

Procedures for Designation of Emergency Contact Information:

Students age 18 and above and emancipated minors

Residential students will be given the opportunity after registering for classes and upon moving into on-campus housing, to designate individual/individuals to immediately be contacted by the college, but not more than 24 hours after the time the student is determined to be missing, in accordance with the procedures set forth below. Designations will remain in effect until changed or rescinded by the student.

Students under the age of 18

In the event a residential student who is not emancipated is determined to be missing, the college is required to notify a custodial parent or guardian immediately, but not more than 2 hours after the student is determined to be missing in accordance with the procedures set forth below.

The Manager of Morton Residence Hall shall maintain up to date emergency contact information for all on-campus residential students, and shall be aware of and comply with the requirements of the procedures for reporting missing residential students as required in Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA).

Official Notification Procedures for Missing Residential Students:

Any individual on campus who has information that a residential student may be missing is to notify the Campus Police immediately. The Campus Police will gather all essential information about the residential student from the reporting person and from the student’s acquaintances (physical description, clothes last worn, where student might be, who the student might be with, vehicle description, information about the physical and mental wellbeing of the student, an up-to-date photograph, class schedule, etc.). Appropriate campus staff will be notified to aid in the search for the student. The Central Texas College District Administration shall be notified immediately after the report is received.

If the above actions are unsuccessful in locating the residential student or it is immediately apparent that the student is actually missing (e.g., witnessed abduction, signs of foul play), the Campus Police will initiate a missing person report and take charge of the investigation.

The Campus Police or the Director of Student Life Activities will notify the emergency contact person (for students 18 and over) or the custodial parent/guardian (for students under the age of 18) that the student is believed to be missing.

Campus Communications about Missing Residential Students:

In cases involving missing residential students, Campus Police shall coordinate with the Central Texas College District Marketing Department, who is best situated to provide information to the media, to elicit public assistance and information in the search for a missing residential student.

Information regarding missing residential students will be initiated and verified by Campus Police and pertinent information disseminated through the Marketing Department, unless other arrangements are warranted. All inquiries to the college regarding missing students, or information provided to any individual at the college about a missing student, shall be referred to Marketing, who may refer such inquiries and information back to Campus Police. Contact shall also be made with the Central Texas College District’s Office of Marketing to initiate a campus wide emergency broadcast alert message.

Issuing a Timely Warning:

Once a report of a missing person is received, the Chief of Police may disseminate a campus wide “timely warning” should the circumstances potentially place other members of the campus community in danger.