Missing Student Notification Policy

All individuals should notify either a residence life professional staff member or student safety staff member any time they believe a person to be missing by calling 641-628-9000.

Missing should be understood as not having been seen in a reasonable amount of time (a reasonable amount of time may vary with the time of day and information available regarding the missing person’s daily schedule, habits, punctuality and reliability) or if a student is believed to be a threat to themselves or others. Individuals will also be considered missing immediately if their absence has occurred under circumstances that are suspicious or cause concerns for their safety.

Within 24 hours from the time a student has been deemed missing (typically, not present for a 24-hour period of time), designated college staff will notify appropriate authorities and contacts. Designated staff includes the vice president for student development, assistant deans of students and the residence life area coordinators. Appropriate authorities and contacts refer to the Pella Police department and either the parent/guardian for students who are not emancipated or the missing person contact for students who are over the age of 18 or an emancipated minor. Missing person contact information will be obtained from students. Missing Student Contact information will be considered confidential and will be accessible only to authorized campus officials and will not be disclosed except to law enforcement personnel in furtherance of a missing person investigation.

Please contact the dean of students or assistant deans of students at 641-628-5293 if you have questions.