Applies to:	Original Policy Date:	Date of Last Review	Approved by:
Students, faculty and staff	August 1, 2009	07/01/2024	Dr. John Nicklow, President

Policy Owner: Department of Security

Policy Purpose

In accordance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA), the University must develop and implement certain procedures to be followed when on-campus residential students are determined to be missing for 24 hours.

This policy establishes procedures to be followed when on-campus residential students are determined to be missing for 24 hours.

Policy Scope

Any member of the University community who has reason to believe that a student who resides in on-campus student housing has been missing for 24 hours, must comply with this policy.

Policy Statement

All missing student reports must be referred immediately to the Department of Security at: (321) 674-8111. The Department of Security will generate a Missing Person report and initiate an investigation.

After investigating the missing person report, should the Department of Security determine the student is missing and has been missing for more than 24 hours, the Department of Security will notify the local law enforcement that has jurisdiction in the area (unless they had determined the student was missing) and the Vice President of Student Affairs will notify the student’s confidential contact. Even if the student hasn’t registered a confidential contact, is above the age of 18, or is an emancipated minor, the Department of Security will contact the police department. Contact will be made no later than 24 hours after the student is determined to be missing. If the student is over the age of 18 and has not provided a missing person’s confidential contact, the student’s parent or legal guardian will be contacted under the emergency exception to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act.

If the missing student is under the age of 18 and is not an emancipated individual, the Vice President of Student Affairs will also notify the student’s parent or legal guardian within 24 hours of the determination the student is missing, in addition to notifying any additional contact person designated by the student. The Department of Security will notify the Melbourne Police or local law enforcement with jurisdiction.

Procedures/Guidelines

In addition to registering a general emergency contact, all students residing in student housing facilities have the option to annually register confidential contact information for a person to be notified by the University in the event the student is officially reported as missing, by completing the online Missing Person Contact information in Paws. The University will ensure that all students are able to update their contact information whenever needed. These procedures and registration processes are communicated to students when registering for classes at the beginning of each academic year. The contact information will be confidential, accessible only by Florida Tech Security, Vice President of Student Affairs or designee and law enforcement in the case of a missing person investigation.

If a student has identified such an individual, the Department of Security or Student Affairs officials will notify that individual no later than 24 hours after the student is determined to be missing.

If a member of the University community has reason to believe that a student who resides in college-owned, -controlled, or -officially recognized student housing has been missing for 24-hours, they are required to notify:

• The Department of Security: by dialing (321) 674-8111, or on-campus extension 8111; or in person to the Department of Security at the Security Welcome Center located at 3126 Panther Place.
• Department of Security – Investigate any report of a missing person who resides in university housing and ensure that all notifications are made in accordance with this policy.
• The Division of Student Affairs: by dialing (321) 674-8080, or on-campus extension 8080; or in person at the Homer R. Denius Student Center located on the second floor of the Student Center.
• Division of Student Affairs – Immediately contact the Department of Security if it receives a report or becomes aware of a missing university housing resident; assist Security and take any other actions deemed appropriate by the Vice President of Student Affairs.
• The Office of Residence Life: by dialing (321) 674-8080, or on-campus extension 8080; or in person at the Homer R. Denius Student Center located on the second floor of the Student Center.
  • Office of Residence Life – Immediately contact the Department of Security if it receives a report or becomes aware of a missing university housing resident; assist Security with investigation and/or notifications as appropriate; ensure the missing student’s RA is contacted, and take other actions as directed by the Vice President of Student Affairs.

If the investigation determines that a student has been missing for more than 24 hours, in addition to the above notifications, specific procedures to follow include: contacting the student’s RAs, checking with emergency health care providers, and taking such other investigative actions as are appropriate under the circumstances. The University will implement these procedures in less than 24 hours if circumstances warrant a more rapid implementation.

Compliance Reference

Missing Student Notification Policy disclosure, 34 CFR 668.46 (b) (14)

Responsibilities

Responsibilities are outlined in the Guidelines/Procedures sections for the Department of Security, Division of Student Affairs, Office of Residence Life, and students.

Enforcement

Failure to comply with and abide by the rules and regulations set forth in policy may give rise to disciplinary action, up to and including separation from the University.