Missing Persons Policy

The purpose of this policy is to establish procedures for Fairleigh Dickinson University, to respond to and assist with reports of missing students as required under the Higher Education Opportunity Act. This policy applies to students who reside on campus and are deemed missing or absent from the University for a period of more than 24 hours without any known reason or which may be contrary to usual patterns of behavior. Such circumstances could include but are not limited to: reports or suspicions of foul play, suicidal thoughts, drug use, any life-threatening situations, or where a student may be known to be with persons who may endanger the welfare of the student.

All reports of missing resident students shall be directed to the Department of Public Safety at Florham (973-443-8888), or Department of Public Safety at Metro (201-692-2222), who will conduct an investigation to determine whether the student is missing in accordance with this policy. All resident students shall have the opportunity to have an individual to be contacted in any case that the student is determined to be missing. If a missing student is 18 years of age or older, the University is required to notify the parent or guardian no later than 24 hours from the time the student was determined to be missing by the University.

The University will also notify the local police authorities after the student is determined to be missing.

All residential students will have the opportunity to designate an individual or individuals to be emergency contacts, who will be notified by the University no more than 24 hours from the time the student is determined to be missing. The designation or emergency contact will remain in effect until changed or revoked by the student.

Procedure

• Any and all reports of missing students shall be directed to the Department of Public Safety of Florham (973-443-8888) or Department of Public Safety of Metro (201-692-2222).
• An investigation will be initiated to determine the validity and credibility of the missing person report. The Department of Public Safety and Residence Life will gather all essential information about the student from the person making the report and from the students’ acquaintances. The information to be obtained includes, but is not limited to, personal descriptors, clothing last worn, locations where the student may be, persons or witnesses who may have information, vehicle descriptions, information of the physical and mental well-being of the student, up-to-date photographs, class schedule, etc.
• Notification and contact with the Dean of Students or designee.
• Notification will be made to the individual(s) identified by the missing student as the confidential emergency contact of the determination that the student is missing. All confidential emergency contact information to be on file with Residence Life.
• In the event the student is under 18 years of age or is not emancipated, the University shall make notification to the custodial parent or guardian immediately.
• If the listed actions are proven to be unsuccessful in locating the missing student, notification will be made to the Florham Park Police Department and/or the Madison Police Department or Hackensack Police Department and/or Teaneck Police Department.
• The Dean of Students’ Office shall initiate whatever actions are deemed appropriate and in the best interests of the missing student.
• Senior University Administration will be notified in accordance with this policy.