Policy:

The missing student policy establishes procedures for the response of Clarkson College to reports of missing students, as required by the Higher Education Opportunity Act. This policy applies to students who reside in campus housing. However, if a non-resident Clarkson College student, whether on campus or online, is thought to be missing, UNMC Public Safety should be contacted at 402-559-5111.  

For purposes of this policy, a student will be considered missing if a roommate, classmate, faculty member, family member, or other campus individual has not seen the student for a reasonable amount of time. A reasonable amount of time may vary with the time of day and information available regarding the missing student's daily schedule, habits, punctuality, and reliability. Individuals will be considered missing immediately if their absence has occurred under suspicious circumstances or caused concern for their safety. If the initial report that a student is missing is made to a department other than UNMC Public Safety, the employee receiving the report will ensure that UNMC Public Safety is contacted immediately.  

Procedure:

Designation of Emergency Contact Information 

Students who reside in an on-campus housing facility will have the opportunity during their housing registration to designate an individual or individuals to be contacted by Clarkson College “in case of emergency.” In the event a student is reported missing, Clarkson College personnel will attempt to contact his/her emergency designee(s) no more than 24 hours after the time that the student is determined to be missing, in accordance with the procedures set forth below. An emergency contact designee(s) will remain in effect until changed by the student. 

Official Notification Procedures for Missing Persons
1) Any individual on campus who has information that a student residing in campus housing may be a missing person must notify UNMC Public Safety as soon as possible. 

2)UNMC Public Safety will gather information about the student in question from the reporting person and from the student’s acquaintances (description, clothes last worn, where the student might be, who the student might be with, vehicle description, information about the physical and mental well-being of the student, an up-to-date photograph, class schedule, etc.). Appropriate campus staff will be notified to aid in the search for the student. 

3) If the above actions are unsuccessful in locating the student within 24 hours of the report or it is apparent immediately that the student is a missing person (e.g., witnessed abduction), UNMC Public Safety will contact the Omaha Police Department to report the student as a missing person, and the local law enforcement agency will take over the investigation. 

4) No later than 24 hours after determining that a residential student is missing, UNMC Public Safety will notify the emergency contact that the student is believed to be missing. 

5) If the missing student is under 19 years of age and is not emancipated, the student’s custodial parent or guardian or other designated contact person will be notified within 24 hours of determining the student is missing. 

Campus Communications about Missing Students

In all cases of a missing student, where the student is declared missing by UNMC Public Safety after an initial investigation, the law enforcement agency conducting the subsequent investigation will provide information to the media designated to obtain public assistance in the search for any missing student. The Clarkson College Division of Communications and Development is available to provide consultation on communication with the investigating law enforcement agency. Any media requests to Clarkson College will be directed to the Clarkson College Division of Communications and Development.