Missing Studnet

If a member of the University Community has reason to believe that a student is missing, whether or not the student resides on campus, all possible efforts are made to locate the student to determine his or her state of health and well-being though the collaboration of the University Police and the Office of Student Affairs. If the student is an on-campus resident, the university police will secure authorization from Student Affairs officials to make a welfare entry into that student's room. If an off-campus resident University Police will informally enlist the aid of the neighboring police agency having jurisdiction. Concurrently university officials will endeavor to determine the student's whereabouts through contact with friends, associates, and/or employers of the student. Whether or not the student has been attending classes, labs, recitals, and scheduled organizational or academic meetings; or appearing for scheduled work shifts will be established.

If located, verification of the student's state of health and intention of returning to the campus is made. When and where appropriate if the need is determined a referral will be made to the Office of Counseling and Student Development and/or the University Health Center. If not located, notification of the family is made to determine if they know of the whereabouts of the student. If the student is an off-campus resident, appropriate family members or associates are encouraged to make an official missing person report to the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction. If the student is an on-campus resident the University Police will open an official investigation.

All pertinent law enforcement agencies, be they neighboring municipal, county, or state; those located along suspected travel corridors; or place of original domicile, will be notified and requested to render assistance, through direct telephone contact or visit, Virginia Crime Information Network (VCIN) message, and/or radio transmission with a comprehensive BOL message based on the totality of up-to-date information.

Upon closure of the investigation, all parties previously contacted will be advised of the status of the case.