Missing Student Notification for Residential Students Policy

Policy Statement

The following policy has been established to assist in the event that a student living on SUNY Brockport’s campus is identified as a missing student.

Purpose/Scope

To establish policy and procedures regarding reporting, investigation, and emergency notification when a residential student is missing from SUNY Brockport.

Applicability

This policy applies to all faculty, staff, and students.

Definitions

Residential Student — A student who resides in a SUNY Brockport residence hall or Student Townhome, has a signed Housing Agreement, and is currently an enrolled student.

Missing Student — A student is presumed missing if they are overdue in reaching home, campus, or another specific location for 24 hours past their expected arrival, if additional factors lead University staff or other community members to believe they are missing, if there are concerns for the safety of the student due to prior mental and/or physical health issues and/or pertinent extenuating circumstances, and/or a check of their residence supports this determination.

Policy Procedures

Notification:

Missing student reports should be referred immediately to the University Police department, with the Chief of University Police or designee being the main contact official.

1. Upon check in, to the residence halls, students are given the option to identify a contact person(s) to be notified within 24 hours of the determination that the student is missing. The student is responsible to ensure that their contact person(s) information is up-to-date and accurate.
   
   
2. The University is required to notify a custodial parent or guardian and any additional contact person(s) identified by the student when the residential student is under the age of 18 and not emancipated, and notification must be within 24 hours of the determination that the student is missing. Residential students are advised of this notification requirement on the form they complete when providing information on their designated contact person(s).
   
   
3. The University will also notify the appropriate external law enforcement agency, as needed, within 24 hours after the student is determined missing.

Additional Procedures:

1. Any University and/or community member having information that a residential student is missing is required to immediately report this information to University Police and the Office of Residential Life/Learning Communities.
2. The Office of Residential Life/Learning Communities staff will conduct a preliminary investigation regarding the reported missing student including:
   1. Attempting to contact the student via phone.
   2. Visiting the student’s residence hall room / townhome to verify whereabouts and/or wellness and update appropriate departments and/or University Officials.
   3. If the student is not in their room, questioning the other occupants regarding whereabouts and/or wellness in collaboration with University Police.
   4. If no information is available, entering the student’s bedroom (keying in, if necessary) and conducting a health and safety inspection by looking for visible personal property that might help determine the student’s whereabouts.
   5. Collaborating with University Police to conduct the room checks, and/or providing an update to other law enforcement agencies.
   6. Making appropriate notifications if contact is made with the missing student.
      
      
3. Once the residential student is located, a follow-up appointment is scheduled with the student, the Resident Director, and/or the Director of Residential Life/Learning Communities or designee.

Links to Related Procedures and Information

2025 Clery Act Annual Security Report

Contact Information

Residential Life / Learning Communities

University Police or (585) 395-2222

History (in descending order)

Approval

This policy was approved by President’s Cabinet on 2025-04-11