Missing Student Mandatory Reporting Policy

The purpose of this policy is to establish procedures for the University’s response to reports of missing students, as required by the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008.

This policy applies to students who reside in on campus housing, including off-campus apartment units leased by the college for resident students.

For purposes of this policy, a student may be considered to be a “missing person” if the person’s absence is contrary to their normal pattern of behavior and unusual circumstances may have caused the absence. Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to, a report or suspicion that the missing person may be the victim of foul play, has expressed suicidal thoughts, is drug dependent, is in a life-threatening situation, or has been with persons who may endanger the student’s welfare.

Procedure For Designation Of Emergency Contact Information

1. Each student residing in on-campus student housing must identify to the Office of Residential Life a contact person or persons whom the institution shall notify if the student is determined to be missing by the Campus Safety Department, or the New Rochelle Police Department;
   • All student contact information will be maintained via the University student information system and associated database,  and this information will only be accessible to authorized campus officials;
2. Students age 18 and above and emancipated minors
   • Students will be given the opportunity to designate an individual or individuals to be contacted by the University no more than 24 hours after the time that the student is determined to be missing.
   • A designation will remain in effect until changed or revoked by the student.
3. Students under the age of 18
   • If a student is under 18 years of age and not emancipated, the institution must notify a custodial parent or guardian when the student is missing, in addition to any additional contact person that may have been designated by the student; and

Note: Iona University as a matter of policy will ensure that the New Rochelle Police Department has been notified in reference to every missing student.

Official Notification Procedures For Missing Persons

1. All students, employees, or other individuals with knowledge that a student has been missing for 24 hours should report this information to:
   • The Dean of Students or
   • The Director for Residential Life; or
   • The Director for Campus Safety
2. Note: In order to avoid any jurisdictional conflicts, when an off-campus and/or commuter student is believed to be missing, the reporting person should immediately notify the New Rochelle Police Department. The Campus Safety Department will assist with these investigations as requested.
3. The Campus Safety Department will gather all essential information about the residential student from the reporting person and from the student’s acquaintances (description, clothes last worn, where student might be, who student might be with, vehicle description, information about the physical and mental wellbeing of the student, an up-to-date photograph, class schedule, etc.). Appropriate campus employees will be notified and requested to assist in the search for the student.
4. If the above actions are unsuccessful in locating the student or it is immediately apparent that the student is a missing person, the Campus Safety Department will immediately contact the New Rochelle Police Department to report the student as a missing person and the New Rochelle Police Department will take charge of the investigation.
5. No later than 24 hours after determining that a residential student is missing, the Dean of Students or designee will notify:
   • If the student has designated a contact person, notifying that contact person within 24 hours;
   • If the student is under 18 years of age and is not emancipated, the student’s custodial parent or guardian and any other designated contact person within 24 hours; and
   • Regardless of whether the student has identified a contact person, is above the age of 18, or is an emancipated minor, informing the New Rochelle Police Department that the student is missing within 24 hours.