Emergency Contact and Missing Student Notification Policy
- Basic Needs and Food Security Assistance Policy
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- Emergency Contact and Missing Student Notification Policy
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Emergency Contact and Missing Student Notification Policy
North Park University encourages all students, including residential, commuter, and non-residential students, to provide and maintain current emergency contact information with the University. Students residing in university housing are required to provide and maintain emergency contact information through the University’s Self-Service platform.
In addition to emergency contact information, students residing in on-campus housing have the option to designate a confidential missing person contact in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). This individual will be notified if the student is determined to be missing for more than twenty-four (24) hours. The following table summarizes the differences between emergency contacts and confidential missing person contacts:
| Contact type | Purpose | Who may designate | When contacted | Access to information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Contact | To assist the University in responding to medical emergencies, health and safety concerns, or other urgent situations involving a student. | all students | as appropriate based on teh nature of the emergency or concern. | May be accessed by authorized University officials with a legitimate educational or safety interest. |
| Confidential Missing Person Contact | To be notified if a residential student is determined to be missing for more than twenty-four (24) hours. | students residing in on-campus housing | When the University determines that the student has been missing for twenty-four (24) hours. | Maintained confidentially and accessible only to authorized University officials and law enforcement personnel in furtherance of a missing person investigation. |
Students residing in on-campus housing may update their confidential missing person contact information at any time through the Self-Service Platform at any time. . For students under eighteen (18) years of age who are not emancipated individuals, the University will notify the student’s custodial parent or legal guardian within twenty-four (24) hours of determining that the student is missing, in addition to notifying any designated confidential missing person contact.
Students are responsible for ensuring that their emergency contact and, if applicable, confidential missing person contact information remain accurate and current.
Any individual who has information that a student may be missing, endangered, or experiencing a significant health or safety concern should immediately notify the Center for Student Engagement, Office of Residence Life and Housing, the Campus Safety Office, or local law enforcement.
- Campus Safety Office: 773-244-5600
- Center for Student Engagement: 773-244-5737
Reports may be made by students, employees, family members, friends, or other members of the campus community. The University encourages immediate reporting of concerns and does not require a student to be missing for twenty-four (24) hours before a report is made or an investigation is initiated.
Upon receiving a report that a student may be missing, endangered, or experiencing a significant health or safety concern, the University will initiate an assessment and investigation to determine the student’s whereabouts, well-being, and level of risk. Reports may involve residential, commuter, or non-residential students. The University’s response may include, but is not limited to:
- Attempting to contact the student through available means of communication;
- Contacting roommates, friends, classmates, faculty, employers, or known associates;
- Reviewing class attendance, campus access information, or student ID use, when appropriate;
- Conducting reasonable welfare checks consistent with applicable law and available information;
- Coordinating with Campus Safety, Student Engagement, Counseling Support Services, Residence Life staff, Student Affairs, International Student Affairs, local law enforcement agencies, or other appropriate University officials and resources.
The University will respond to reports involving students in a manner appropriate to the circumstances, available information, and applicable privacy laws.
In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), if the University determines that a student residing in on-campus housing has been missing for twenty-four (24) hours, the University will, within twenty-four (24) hours of that determination:
- Notify the student’s designated emergency contact person, if one has been identified by the student;
- Notify the student’s custodial parent or legal guardian if the student is under the age of eighteen (18) and not emancipated; and
- Notify the appropriate law enforcement agency.
If a residential student has not designated an emergency contact person, the University will notify the appropriate law enforcement agency and may notify a parent, guardian, or emergency contact, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law. The University may initiate notification procedures and contact law enforcement before the expiration of the twenty-four (24) hour period if circumstances warrant immediate action.
North Park University recognizes that concerns may arise regarding the health, safety, or welfare of students participating in study abroad programs or other University-sponsored travel experiences. Upon receiving a report that a student participating in a University-sponsored international or domestic travel program may be missing, endangered, or experiencing a significant health or safety concern, the University may coordinate with:
- the study abroad provider or host institution;
- program staff or faculty leaders;
- local emergency contacts;
- local law enforcement or emergency services; and
- appropriate University officials and resources.
The University’s response will depend on the nature of the program, available information, applicable law, and the level of institutional oversight or control associated with the program location or housing arrangement.
Students participating in study abroad or University-sponsored travel programs are strongly encouraged to maintain current emergency contact information with the University and comply with all program safety and communication requirements.
Timely Warnings (Crime Alerts)
These alerts are required when a Clery Act crime is reported that poses a serious or ongoing threat to the campus community. The Clery law clearly defines the map which we use.
- When Sent: After a crime has already occurred (e.g., sexual assault, robbery, series of burglaries).
- Purpose: To inform the community to take precautions, prevent similar crimes, and aid in finding the perpetrator.
- Content: Date, nature, location of the incident, safety tips, and what action to take.
- Delivery: Typically emailed to the entire campus community.
Emergency Notifications (Immediate Alerts)
These are triggered by a significant emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of campus, students, or employees.
- When Sent: While an emergency is occurring (e.g., active shooter, fire, bomb threat, gas leak, tornado).
- Purpose: To provide immediate, life-saving instructions (e.g., shelter in place, evacuation).
- Content: Nature of the threat, immediate protective actions, and often an all-clear message once resolved.
- Delivery: Sent via multiple channels (SMS, phone, email) to ensure rapid awareness.
Community Alerts (Public Safety Alerts)
These are notifications sent to campus community, students, and employees about neighborhood safety issues.
- When Sent: For incidents that, while not always immediate “life-or-death” situations, affect neighborhood safety, such as crime alerts, missing persons, or police activity. Could be sent during or after an incident.
- Purpose: To keep residents informed about nearby incidents and potential risks.
- Content: Information on activity nearby, recent crime trends, traffic incidents, or requests for help identifying suspects. Does not require any follow-up messages.
- Delivery: Typically emailed to the entire campus community.
Information provided by a student for emergency notification and emergency contact purposes will be maintained confidentially and will be used only by authorized University officials and law enforcement personnel involved in a missing student investigation, welfare concern assessment, or emergency response, except as otherwise permitted or required by law.
This Missing Student Notification Policy is included in the University’s Annual Security Report in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. The Annual Security Report is available on the University website and may be obtained upon request from the Campus Safety Office.