Missing Persons Notification Policy for Students Residing in On-Campus Housing
Purpose:
The purpose of this Policy is to provide guidelines regarding the handling of any residential student who is believed to be missing.
Scope:
This Policy applies to all students of University Housing.
Background:
This Policy is a direct result of the passing of the Higher Education Act of 2008.
This policy is intended to promote the safety and welfare of members of the University community through compliance with the HEOA.
Notification Procedures
If a member of the University community has reason to believe that a student who resides in on-campus housing is missing, he or she must immediately notify the UGA Police Department at 706-542-2200. The UGA Police will make all appropriate notifications, determined by the circumstances of each individual case. UGA Police will generate a missing person report and initiate an investigation.
In addition to registering an emergency contact, students living in on-campus housing may also designate a confidential contact person to be notified in the event that the student is determined to be missing that only authorized campus officials and law enforcement officers in the furtherance of a missing persons investigation may access. Students who wish to designate a confidential contact person may do so when executing their housing contract. UGA Police will notify this individual no later than 24 hours after the student has been determined missing. In the event a student is determined to be missing for more than 24 hours, regardless of whether a confidential contact person has been registered by the student, the UGA Police will notify the student’s emergency contact and enter the missing person on GCIC and NCIC in order for law enforcement officials throughout Georgia and the Southeast to be aware of the circumstances. For missing students who are under the age of 18 and not emancipated, a parent or legal guardian must be notified of the situation, in accordance with HEOA.
The procedures outlined above may be implemented in less than 24 hours after a student has been determined missing if circumstances warrant a faster implementation.
University Housing Procedures:
Students will be given the opportunity when executing their housing contract to designate an individual or individuals to be contacted by the University no more than 24 hours after the time the student is determined to be missing. A designation will remain in effect until changed or revoked by the student.
Contact:
The University of Georgia Police Department
706-542-2200