Policy
In compliance with the Higher Education Re-Authorization Act of 2008, this policy provides the procedures for reporting, investigating and making emergency notification regarding any resident student of Barry University who is reported missing.
A resident student shall be deemed to be missing if he or she is reportedly absent from the University for more than 24 hours without any known reason. All reports of missing students shall be directed to the Office of Public Safety. Public Safety will work with the Department of Housing and Residence Life to determine whether the student is missing in accordance with this policy.
Each Barry student who is 18 years of age or older or who is legally emancipated has the opportunity to identify an individual or individuals to be contacted by the Dean of Students, or his or her designee, whenever circumstances indicate that the student may be missing or otherwise endangered. In the event the student is under 18 years of age and is not emancipated, the Dean of Students, or his or her designee, will make any missing student notification to the custodial parent(s) or guardian(s).
The Office of Public Safety will notify the Miami Shores Police Department or the appropriate law enforcement agency not later than 24 hours after it determines that the student is missing.
Emergency Contact
A resident student is any student living in a University operated housing unit. All resident students are required to provide an emergency contact person or persons. The Dean of Students, or designee, will attempt to notify this contact person or persons within 24 hours if the student is determined to be missing. Only University officials, as part of their responsibilities and law enforcement officers working on a missing person investigation, may have access to this information.
Procedure
When a student is reported missing, the Office of Public Safety shall notify the Department of Housing and Residence Life and the Dean of Students. Public Safety, with the assistance of Housing and Residence Life, will then:
- Initiate an investigation to determine the validity of the missing person report. This will include, but not be limited to:
- Calling the student’s personal cell phone on file, going to the student’s room with a Housing staff member(keying in if necessary), interviewing roommate(s), suitemate(s) and/or floormate(s) concerning the last time the student was seen and find out about any known plans.
- Checking class schedule and looking for student in classroom
- Contacting faculty members regarding attendance
- Checking BucCard to determine last time meal plan was used
- Make a determination as to the status of the missing student
- Public Safety shall notify Miami Shores Police Department or the appropriate law enforcement agency within 24 hours after determining that the student is missing.
- Notify the Dean of Students of any information gained during the investigation.