Missing Student Protocol
Revision Date: September 3, 2013
Responsible Office: Student Affairs
I. Scope
This protocol applies to all students and employees, including faculty. It applies to the College of William & Mary, including the Washington, D.C. Office. This protocol applies when any residential student is missing or believed missing. For purposes of this protocol, a residential student is a currently enrolled student who resides in an on-campus residence hall under a housing contract, or a student residing in designated housing while enrolled in a Washington, D.C. Office program.
II. Purpose
The purpose of this protocol is to ensure an effective, cooperative university response to any missing student situation. This protocol complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) by establishing procedures for the university community regarding the reporting, investigation and required emergency notification when a student residing in on-campus housing is determined to be missing (see 20 USCA section 1092; 34 CFR 668.46(h)).
III. Protocol
A. What you should do when a student is missing
If any student or employee has reason to believe a residential student is missing, he/she should immediately report this information to the Dean of Students Office at 757-221-2510 or the William & Mary Police Department at 911 or 757-221-4596. Anyone who receives a missing student report should immediately contact the William & Mary Police Department. Law enforcement officials (including William & Mary police) will follow their own investigation procedures.
B. Designating a contact person and notifications that William & Mary will make
Each student has the option to designate a confidential contact by submitting a form (pdf) to the Dean of Students. The university will contact the designated person within 24 hours of the time that a student is considered missing by the university. For students who are minors (under 18 and not emancipated), the university is obligated to notify parent(s) or guardian(s) within 24 hours of receiving a report that the student is missing.
The university may also contact other individuals if deemed necessary to prevent harm to a student or others, necessary to the investigation, or otherwise appropriate under the circumstances.
IV. Authority and Amendment
This protocol, as amended, is approved by the Vice President for Student Affairs.
V. Related Policies, Procedures and Documents
Missing Person Inquiry and Confidential Contact Information Form
