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The University of West Alabama takes student safety very seriously. To this end, and in compliance with the Missing Student Notification Policy and Procedures (Section 488 of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008), the following policy has been developed in order to assist in locating UWA students living on-campus, who, based on the facts and circumstances known to the University, are determined to be missing. It is the policy of the University of West Alabama to actively investigate any report of a missing resident student (an enrolled student that lives on-campus). Each resident is notified of the missing students policy and procedures in the event that they are reported missing.
Each resident, upon checking into campus housing, is requested to identify the name and contact information of the individual that is to be contacted in case of an emergency, including in the event of the resident being reported missing for a period of no more than 24 hours. For any resident under the age of 18, and not an emancipated individual, the institution is required to notify a custodial parent or guardian no later than 24 hours after the time that the resident is determined to be missing by the UWA Housing Office or the University Police.
Most missing person reports in a university environment result from a student changing his/her routine without informing friends of the change. If a member of the University community has reason to believe that a student is missing, all efforts will be made immediately (no waiting period) to locate the student to determine his or her state of health and well-being. These efforts include, but are not limited to, checking the resident's room, class schedule, friends, ID card access, contacting University Police, locating the resident's vehicle, and calling the resident's cell phone number (if provided).
If, upon investigation by University Police and the UWA Housing staff, the resident is determined to be missing, the Vice President for Student Affairs (or his designee) will contact the resident's designated emergency contact person. University Police will continue to investigate utilizing established police investigative procedures and in collaboration with staff from the UWA Housing Office. University Police will also coordinate its efforts with outside law enforcement agencies in full compliance with legal obligations and good police practice. |