Missing Student Notification Policy

Clemson University Missing Student Notification Policy

The purpose of this policy is to establish procedures for the Clemson University community regarding the reporting, investigation and required emergency notification when a student residing in on-campus housing is determined to be missing (see 20 USCA section 1092; 34 CFR 668.46(h)).

This policy applies to residential students. For purposes of this policy, a residential student is a currently enrolled student who resides in University-owned, on-campus housing under a housing contract.

Identifying a Contact Person

All Clemson University students applying for on-campus housing will have the option (at the time the student completes the University Housing Application) of identifying an individual to be contacted by Clemson University within 24 hours of a determination being made that the student is missing in accordance with this policy. This contact information will be registered confidentially and will not be disclosed except to law enforcement personnel in furtherance of a missing person investigation.

If a residential student is under 18 years of age and not an emancipated minor, Clemson University is required to notify a custodial parent or guardian within 24 hours of the determination that the student is missing, in addition to notifying any additional contact person designated by the student.

Procedure for Identifying a Missing Student

If a member of the University community has reason to believe a residential student is missing, he/she should immediately report this information to the Clemson University Housing Office at 864-656-2295, the Dean of Students Office at 864-656-0471 or the Clemson University Police Department at 911 or 864-656-2222 during regular business hours (8 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday). After regular business hours, the individual should contact the Clemson University Police Department at 911 or 864-656-2222. Any missing student report received by the University Housing Office or the Dean of Students will be immediately referred to the Clemson University Police Department.

The Clemson University Police Department, whether contacted by the University Housing Office, the Dean of Students Office or another individual with a report of a possible missing residential student, will immediately initiate a missing person investigation. If the Clemson University Police Department determines that a student is missing, the Clemson University Police Department will take the following actions:

• If the student has designated a contact person, the Clemson University Police Department will notify that contact person within 24 hours of the determination that the student is missing.
• If the student is under 18 years of age and is not an emancipated minor, Clemson University Police Department will notify the student’s custodial parent or guardian and any other designated contact person within 24 hours of the determination that the student is missing.
• Regardless of whether the student has identified a contact person, if he/she is above the age of 18 or is an emancipated minor, the Clemson University Police Department will inform any other law enforcement agencies that have jurisdiction in the area within 24 hours of the determination that the student is missing. Clemson University Police Department and any other appropriate law enforcement agencies will continue to investigate the missing person report.

Nothing in this policy restricts Clemson University from making notifications earlier than noted above if deemed appropriate under the circumstances. Nothing in this policy restricts Clemson University from contacting other individuals if deemed necessary to prevent harm to a student or others, necessary to the investigation, or otherwise appropriate under the circumstances.