Missing Student Notification Policy

For Students who Reside on Campus

This policy contains the official notification procedures of Clayton State University concerning missing students who reside on campus, in accordance with the requirements of the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) of 2008. The purpose of this policy is to promote the safety and welfare of the campus community through compliance with the HEOA requirements, and should be adhered to by all members of the campus community, faculty, staff and students.

In the event that a member of the campus community has reason to believe that a student who resides in an on-campus housing facility is missing, he/she should immediately notify the Clayton State University Department of Public Safety (DPS). The DPS will then notify the University’s Vice President of Student Affairs or his designee, prepare a missing person report, and initiate an investigation. The DPS will also notify surrounding law enforcement agencies within 24 hours of the determination that the student is missing.

Per HEOA requirement, each student has the option to identify a confidential contact to be notified within 24 hours of the determination by the DPS or other law enforcement agency that the student is missing. If a student elects to identify a confidential contact that information will be maintained by the University’s Housing Office, and is accessible only to authorized campus officials. The information may not be disclosed, except to law enforcement officials in furtherance of a missing person's investigation. If a separate missing person's contact is not identified by the student, an investigation will still be initiated and the emergency contact on record will be notified.

If the missing student is under 18 years of age and not emancipated, he/she can still designate a confidential contact. However, in compliance with the HEOA, a legal parent or guardian will also be notified.

All students who register for on-campus housing will be advised of this policy at the time of housing check-in. During the process, specific emergency contact information will be captured. At that time, students will have the opportunity to provide separate missing person contact information as well, if they choose to do so.