Missing Student Policy

Purpose

To provide consistent protocol for the College’s response to reports of a missing residential student and to meet the requirements of the Higher Education Opportunity (HEO) Act of 2008.

Definitions

Residential Student

A student who resides in on-campus housing on the Fergus Falls campus.

Missing Student

A residential student who has been missing from the Fergus Falls campus for a minimum of 24 hours. A student may be considered missing if the student’s absence is contrary to their usual pattern of behavior.

Policy

Any person who has reason to believe a residential student is missing must immediately report the missing student as per the Missing Student Standard Operating Procedure.

Responsibility

Dean of Students, Vice President of Student Affairs, and Vice President of Human Resources

Receive and review the Missing Person Report and report it to local law enforcement immediately if the student has been missing for 24 hours or longer.

Housing and Enrollment Coordinator or Designee

Notify the missing person’s emergency contact, custodial parent or legal guardian when applicable.

College Employees and Students

Report a concern if a residential housing student has been missing from the Fergus Falls campus for at least 24 hours.

References

U.S. Department of Education Higher Education Opportunity (HEO) Act of 2008

Associated Policies and Procedures

Minnesota State Community and Technical College Missing Student Standard Operating Procedure