Missing Persons Procedures

In accordance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, the University has implemented a Missing Persons Policy to establish procedures to respond to reports of a missing student.

This policy applies to students who are deemed missing or absent from the University for a period of more than 24 hours without any known reason or which may be contrary to usual patterns of behavior or unusual circumstances that may have caused the absence.

Such circumstances include, but are not limited to:

• Reports or suspicions of foul play
• Evidence of suicidal thoughts, drug use, any life threatening situations, or
• Has been with persons who may endanger the student’s welfare.

Once a student has been reported missing, an investigation will begin. Notification will be made to the individual(s) identified by the missing student as his/her emergency contact and if necessary the local law enforcement agency. In the event the student is under 18 years of age, the Dean of Students or designee will be responsible for communicating with the parents or guardian.

Missing person policy

In accordance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, the University has implemented a Missing Persons Policy to establish procedures to respond to reports of a missing student.

1. Notification of Missing Person: If a member of the Centenary University community has reason to believe that a student who resides in on-campus housing is missing, he or she should immediately notify:
   • Centenary University security (Dial 0) from any campus phone, or
   • The Dean of Students office (908) 852-1400 ext. 2105.
2. Report: The Dean of Students office will generate a missing person report and initiate an investigation.
3. Action: After investigating the missing person report, should the Dean of Students office determine that the student is missing and has been missing for more than 24 hours Centenary University will notify the Hackettstown Police Departments and the student’s emergency contact no later than 24 hours after the student is determined to be missing.
4. Contact Procedure: If the missing student is under the age of 18 and is not an emancipated individual, Centenary University will notify the student’s parent or legal guardian immediately after Centenary University has determined that the student has been missing for more than 24 hours.

Contact information form

In addition to registering an emergency contact, students residing in on-campus housing have the option to identify confidentially, an individual to be contacted by Centenary University in the event  the student is determined to be missing for more than 24 hours. If a student has identified such an individual, Centenary University will notify that individual no later than 24 hours after the student is determined to be missing.

Students who wish to identify a confidential contact can do so through the Centenary University Residence Life (908) 852-1400 ext. 3950 or by completing the Missing Person Contact Form and submitting it to the office of Student Engagement.