Georgia Institute of Technology is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for faculty, staff, students and visitors. In our efforts to continue to protect our campus community, the Institute must develop policies and procedures that proactively address safety on and around campus. The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and university to publish safety policies and procedures for the campus community. The Missing Student Notification policy details the process to be followed in the event that a student is determined to be missing.
If there is reason to believe that a student has been missing (i.e., when his or her whereabouts are unknown and unexplainable for a period of time regarded as highly unusual or suspicious in consideration of the person’s usual behavior, patterns, routines or plans), the person realizing that the student is missing must contact one of the following: Division of Student Life, Georgia Tech Police Department (“GTPD”), and/or the Department of Housing. Any campus official who is aware that a student living on-campus has been, or may have been, missing must immediately notify the GTPD either in person or by phone at 404-894-2500. All faculty, staff and students are encouraged to report when they suspect a student is missing, however, Campus Security Authorities are required to report a missing student to the Georgia Tech Police Department.
This policy applies to faculty, staff and students.
Campus Security Authority
Any Institute employee who has significant responsibility for student and campus activities, he or she is a campus security authority.
4.1 Missing Student Notification Procedures
Notification Process
Any campus official who is aware that a student has been, or may have been, missing should immediately notify the GTPD in person or by phone at 404.894.GTPD (2500). There is no waiting period to report a missing person to GTPD.
Upon notification that a person is or may be missing, GTPD will give full consideration and attention to the report, including careful recording of factual circumstances surrounding the disappearance and identifying those cases when an individual may be in jeopardy. GTPD will exercise particular care in instances involving individuals who may be mentally or physically impaired, missing or unidentified children, and others who are insufficiently prepared to take care of themselves. If it is determined that a student is missing, GTPD will notify the appropriate campus administrators (e.g., AVP for Student Engagement & Well-Being and Dean of Students, Director of Housing, etc.) and additional law enforcement agencies as appropriate. Although an investigation will begin upon notification, a student will be officially classified as a missing person if 24 hours have elapsed since their last known contact.
Students are encouraged to identify a confidential contact person or persons who will be notified by GTPD or by the Division of Student Life if the student is determined to be missing. If a student has identified a confidential contact, the Office of the Dean of Students will notify that contact within 24 hours after the student is determined to be missing. If the student is under the age of 18, and not emancipated, the Office of the Dean of Students will notify the student’s custodial parent or legal guardian and the confidential contact person after the student is determined to be missing. A student who wishes to identify a confidential contact can do so through OSCAR under the “Personal Information” menu. A student may view and update the “Housing Missing Person Contact” at any time. Once a determination has been made that a student is missing, the Institute will notify local law enforcement within 24 hours.
All contact information collected for the purpose of missing students shall remain confidential and will be used only for the purpose specified herein and will not be disclosed outside the realm of a missing student investigation.
7.1. Georgia Tech Police Department
To report a student missing to the Georgia Tech Police Department please call 404-894-2500
7.2. Division of Student Life:
To report a student missing to the Office of the Dean of Students please call 404-894-2565
7.3. Department of Housing
To report a student missing to the Department of Housing please call 404-894-2470
To report suspected instances of noncompliance with this policy, please visit Georgia Tech’s EthicsPoint, a secure and confidential reporting system, at: https://secure.ethicspoint.com/domain/en/report_custom.asp?clientid=7508
| Revision Date | Author | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 08-2014 | Office of the Dean of Students | New Policy |
| 08-2017 | Policy Specialist | Clery Compliance Requirement |