Designation of Confidential Missing Persons Contact Information
Upon applying to live in a SCSU Residential Hall a student can provide contact information for a confidential missing person contact. The designation will remain in effect until changed or revoked by the student.
The University is required to notify the custodial parent or guardian if a student who lives in the university’s residential halls is determined to be missing is under the age of 18 and not emancipated.
Notification will be made not more than 24 hours after a student is determined to be missing in accordance with this procedure and associated policy.
Official Notification
Any individual who has information that a student may be missing must notify the SCSU Public Safety Department (Public Safety) as soon as possible. The department of public safety will gather all relevant information and conduct a thorough investigation.
Public Safety will work with campus offices, the reporting person(s), and student acquaintances to gather all essential information about the missing student including, but not limited to: physical description, clothes last worn, last known location/activities, who student was with, vehicle description, information about the student’s physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing, a current photograph, and class schedule.
If it appears that the student may be endangered (i.e., witnessed abduction), local law enforcement will be immediately contacted.
If a student is determined to have been missing for 24 hours, Public Safety will notify law enforcement authorities and file a missing person's report. Law enforcement authorities will then take over the investigation.
The Public Safety Department will assist external authorities with the investigation as requested.
No later than 24 hours after determining a student is missing the Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, or designee, will notify the confidential missing persons contact(s) or the custodial parent/guardian.
For students who did not designate a confidential missing persons contact, notification will be made in accordance with FERPA and Minnesota Government Data Privacy guidelines.
Communications
Law enforcement personnel are trained to provide information in a manner designed to elicit public assistance. All communications regarding missing students will be made under the direction of law enforcement, who may consult with the University Communication Office. All inquiries or information received regarding a missing student should be directed to or referred to Public Safety, who will refer to law enforcement authorities.
Prior to publicly releasing information about a missing student, the University Communication Office shall consult with Public Safety, law enforcement authorities and the Office of Student Affairs to ensure communications comply with FERPA and Minnesota Government Data Privacy Guidelines and do not hinder the investigation.