The purpose of this policy is to establish procedures for Chicago State University response to reports of missing students, as required by the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008.  This policy applies to students who reside in residence hall.  For purposes of this policy, a student may be considered to be a “missing student” if the student’s absence is contrary to his/her usual pattern of behavior and unusual circumstances may have caused the absence. Such circumstances could include, but not be limited to, a report or suspicion that the missing person may be the victim of foul play, has expressed suicidal thoughts, is drug dependent, is in a life-threatening situation, or has been with persons who may endanger the student’s welfare.

I. Procedures for designation of confidential emergency contact information.

Students will be given the opportunity during each semester registration process to designate an individual or individuals to be contacted by the university no more than 24 hours after the time that the student is determined to be missing in accordance with the procedures set forth below. The individual or individuals they designate will remain in effect until changed or revoked by the student. This information will be maintained confidentially and will be available only to the Chicago State University Police, University Provost, or his or her designee.

In the event a student who is under the age of 18 and is not emancipated is determined to be missing pursuant to the procedures set forth below, the university is required to notify a custodial parent or guardian, in addition to the student’s designated contact, no more than 24 hours after the student is determined to be missing in accordance with the procedures set forth below.

II. Official notification procedures for missing Student

1. Any individual on campus who has information that a residential student may be a missing please notify CSU PD as soon as possible and in no event, later than 24 hours after determining that the student is missing
2. CSU PD will gather all essential information about the residential student from the reporting person and from the student’s acquaintances (description, clothes last worn, where student might be, who student might be with, vehicle description, information about the physical and mental well being 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.

Note: In order to avoid jurisdictional conflicts when a commuter student is believed to be missing, the reporting person should immediately notify local law enforcement authorities. CSU PD will assist external authorities with the investigation as requested. If the above actions are unsuccessful in locating the student or it is apparent immediately that the student is a missing person (e.g., witnessed abduction), no later than 24 hours the University will do the following;

1. CSU PD will take charge of the investigation, and if necessary included additional Law Enforcement Agencies.
2. The University Provost, will notify the emergency contact (for students 18 and over) or the emergency contact and the parent/guardian (for students under the age of 18) that the student is believed to be missing.

III. Campus communications about missing students

In cases involving missing students, the Chicago State University Chief of Police will provide information to the media that is designed to elicit public assistance in the search for a missing student.   All inquiries to the university regarding missing students, or information provided to any individual at the university about a missing student, shall be referred to the Chicago State University Police Department (CSU PD) immediately.