This policy contains the official notification procedures for Jefferson Community College concerning missing students who reside in on-campus housing, in accordance with the requirements of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA). The purpose of this policy is to promote the safety and welfare of members of the college community through compliance with HEOA requirements. This policy should be adhered to by all faculty, staff, and students.
If a member of the College community has reason to believe that a student who resides on-campus is missing, he or she should immediately notify the Jefferson Community College Office of Safety & Security. Campus Safety and Security staff will generate a missing person report and initiate an investigation.
In addition to registering a general emergency contact, students residing in on-campus housing have the option to identify confidentially an individual to be contacted by the Office of Campus Safety & Security in the event the student is determined to be missing for more than 24 hours. If a student has identified such an individual, Campus Safety and Security staff will attempt to notify that individual no later than 24 hours after the student is determined to be missing. A student who wishes to identify a confidential contact can do so through the Jefferson Community College Office of Safety & Security website. A student’s confidential contact information will be accessible only by authorized campus officials and law enforcement in the course of the investigation.
After investigating a missing person report, should the Office of Campus Safety & Security determine that the student has been missing for 24 hours, Campus Safety and Security will notify the Watertown Police Department and the student’s emergency contact no later than 24 hours after the student is determined to be missing. If the missing student is under the age of 18 and is not an emancipated individual, Campus Safety and Security will notify the student’s parent or legal guardian immediately after Campus Safety and Security has determined that the student has been missing for 24 hours.
Adopted: December 2013, Res. #170-13