Student Affairs | STUDENTS | Student Policy Handbook | Missing Student Policy and Protocol

Missing Student Policy and Protocol

Purpose

This Missing Student Notification Policy and Protocol is aimed at locating and assisting UNCG students who are determined to be missing. Most missing person reports often result from students changing their routines without informing roommates and/or friends of the change.

For purposes of this policy, a student will be considered missing, if a roommate, classmate, faculty member, staff member, friend, family member or other campus person has not seen or heard from the person in a reasonable amount of time. In general, a reasonable amount of time is 24 hours or more but may vary with the time of day and information available regarding the missing person’s daily schedule, habits, and reliability. Individuals will also be considered missing immediately if their absence has occurred under circumstances that are suspicious or cause concerns for their safety, such as if a student has expressed suicidal thoughts or may be in a life-threatening situation.

A UNCG student is “determined to be missing” when (1) an official missing person report is filed with the UNCG Police; and (2) the Police investigation concludes that the student has been absent from the University for a period of 24 hours or longer without any known reason.

Scope

All UNCG Students have the opportunity to identify an individual or individuals 3 (three maximum) to be contacted by UNCG Police no later than 24 hours after the time the student is determined to be missing. Students can identify their contacts online through UNCGenie as follows:

  1. Log in to UNCGenie;
  2. Select the “Enter Secure Area tab;
  3. Select the “Personal Information” tab;
  4. Click on “View Emergency Contacts” to confirm who you have listed;
  5. Click on “Update Emergency Contacts to edit contacts;
  6. Click on “New Contact” to add additional contacts
  7. Enter a new emergency contact information in the required fields. When finished, click Submit Changes

Initial Response

The first step in the process will be an informal staff investigation to seek information related to the circumstances around the missing person allegation and then inform the UNCG Police.  Typically, the initial response will be coordinated by staff in  Housing and Residence Life,  the Dean of Students office, and the UNCG Police. At the early stage in the investigation, the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs will be notified.

Staff should document the situation, creating a factual written report, while obtaining as many details as possible from the persons reporting the incident. While speaking with persons who reported the disappearance, staff should verify the accuracy of information previously provided. Once facts are documented in the written report and all other information available will be provided to the UNCG Police and the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs or designee. Understanding that in these types of incidents time is critical, the creation of a written report by Student Affairs staff should not deter them from verbally sharing important information with the UNCG Police. The Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs or designee will be responsible for alerting the appropriate University officials of the missing student situation.

Campus Protocol

Review

The Dean of Students Office and UNCG Police Department will periodically review the policy.

Links to Related University Policies

 Exceptions

Exceptions to this policy may be requested in writing, summarizing the nature and the reason for the exception. Such requests will be directed to the Dean of Student Office and to UNCG Police Department.

 Contact

Questions regarding a missing student should be forwarded to the Dean of Students Office.

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