This policy was established by Ball State University, in compliance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, to provide students with procedures and information for reporting a missing person. The policy applies specifically to students who reside in University-owned housing facilities.
Confidential Contact Person
Resident students who are 18 years of age or older or who are emancipated minors have the option, upon moving into the residence hall, to identify a specific contact person who will be notified within 24 hours if that student has been reported missing. The identity of that contact person will remain confidential with the exception of law enforcement and staff designated to respond to missing person reports.
For resident students under the age of 18 and not emancipated, the University is required to notify a custodial parent or guardian within 24 hours of the time a student is reported missing.
Notification Procedures for Missing Persons
If a student is believed to be missing, defined as an individual who has not been seen or heard from for 24 hours or more and whose whereabouts is unknown, a report should be made to one of the following:
- Residence Hall Director
- Assistant Residence Hall Director
- University Police
When report is made to residence hall staff, University Police will be contacted immediately and staff will work with University Police. Cooperative efforts may include:
- Welfare check of the missing student’s residence hall room
- Contact attempts via cell phone, email or other means
- Identification of and contact with other individuals who may have knowledge of the missing student’s whereabouts
University Police will gather all essential information related to the missing person and conduct a thorough investigation. No later than 24 hours after the missing person report is first received, University Police will notify the individual’s designated contact or (for persons under 18 years of age and not emancipated) the subject’s parent or guardian to inform them that the resident student is believed to be missing.
Regardless of the student’s age, emancipation status or whether the student has designated a contact person, University police will, within 24 hours of the report, notify the local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction in the area where the student is missing.
All inquiries by the media or the general public regarding missing persons will be referred to Marketing and Communications. All public statements will be coordinated through that office.
Notification Procedures for Missing Persons Living Off Campus
Upon notification from any person that a Ball State University student may be missing, the university staff member receiving the information should refer the matter immediately to Ball State University Police at 765-285-1111.
Officers will respond to reports of missing students in a timely manner. It is the policy of the Ball State University Police Department to thoroughly investigate reports of all missing persons.