Missing Student Protocol


Each institution of higher learning is required to establish a Missing Student Protocol for students who reside in on-campus housing. This protocol goes into effect once campus officials determine the student to be missing from campus for more than 24 hours. At EMU, Residence Life Professional Staff are often the group who determines that the student has been missing from campus for more than 24 hours. 

Once it has been determined that the residential student has been missing from campus for over 24 hours, The Director for Campus Life, in consultation with the Vice President of Student Affairs/Dean of Students, institutes the emergency contact procedure in accordance with the student’s designation on the Residence Hall Information Form (unless the student is under 18 years of age, in which case the custodial/parent or guardian must be notified).

Missing residential students will be reported to the Campus Safety and Security Coordinator. Once a missing persons’ report has been filed with EMU Campus Safety and Security, the following emergency contact procedures will be initiated no later than 24 hours after a student is determined missing from campus:

  • The Campus Safety and Security Coordinator will consult with the Vice President of Student Affairs/Dean of Students and the Director for Campus Life, and will notify law enforcement and may also contact the student’s emergency contact (if VP/Dean of Students and/or Director for Campus Life has not already contacted the student's emergency contact).
  • If a student is under 18 years of age and not emancipated, the missing student’s parents or guardian will be notified by the Director for Campus Life or the VP/Dean of Students no later than 24 hours after the student is determined missing.
  • The Campus Safety and Security Coordinator will notify other campus offices as applicable.

Details on the Clery Act, including EMU Campus Crime statistics, are found at http://www.emu.edu/safety-and-security