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MISSING STUDENT NOTIFICATION POLICY
The University of West Alabama takes student safety very
seriously. To this end, and in compliance with the Missing Student Notification
Policy and Procedures (Section 488 of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of
2008), the following policy has been developed in order to assist in locating UWA
students living on-campus, who, based on the facts and circumstances known to
the University, are determined to be missing. It is the policy of the University
of West Alabama to actively investigate any report of a missing resident student
(an enrolled student that lives on-campus). Each resident is notified of the
missing students’ policy and procedures in the event that they are reported
missing.
Each resident, upon checking into campus housing, is requested
to identify the name and contact information of the individual that is to be
contacted in case of an emergency, including in the event of the resident being
reported missing for a period of no more than 24 hours. For any resident under
the age of 18, and not an emancipated individual, the institution is required to
notify a custodial parent or guardian no later than 24 hours after the time that
the resident is determined to be missing by the UWA Housing Office or the
Campus Police.
Most missing person reports in a university environment
result from a student changing his/her routine without informing friends of the
change. If a member of the University
community has reason to believe that a student is missing, all efforts will be
made immediately (no waiting period) to locate the student to determine his or
her state of health and well-being.
These efforts include, but are not limited to, checking the resident’s room,
class schedule, friends, ID card access, contacting Campus Police, locating the
resident’s vehicle, and calling the resident’s cell phone number (if provided).
If, upon investigation by Campus Police and the UWA Housing
staff, the resident is determined to be missing, the Vice President for Student
Affairs (or his designee) will contact the resident’s
designated emergency contact person. Campus Police will continue to investigate
utilizing established police investigative procedures and in collaboration with
staff from the UWA Housing Office. Campus Police will also
coordinate its efforts with outside law enforcement agencies in full compliance
with legal obligations and good police practice.
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