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Missing Student Policy

This Missing Student Policy is established in compliance with the Higher Â鶹¹û¶³ Act of 1965, as amended, to promote the safety and well-being of Â鶹¹û¶³ students residing in on-campus housing at Â鶹¹û¶³1. The Policy outlines the procedures for registration, investigation, determination, and notification when a student is reported missing.

Student Awareness and Contact Registration:

  1. Confidential Contact Registration: Students residing in on-campus housing have the option to register a confidential contact person who will be notified if they are determined to be missing for more than 24 hours. Registration is voluntary, but strongly encouraged. If students have not registered a confidential contact person, the University will still notify local law enforcement and may contact the student’s emergency contact if it determines that the student is missing. 
    1. Bethlehem campus: Registration may be completed through the Student Life Office when picking up a room key. 
    2. Lancaster campus: Registration may be completed following the online registration process below. 
    3. Online registration: Students may also complete their registration  and may update this information at any time. 
  2. Information Access: Only authorized campus officials and Moravian’s Campus Police (and other law enforcement officers, as necessary) will have access to the confidential contact information.

Notification Timelines:

  1. Confidential Contacts and Law Enforcement: Â鶹¹û¶³ will notify the confidential contact designated by the student, as well as the appropriate law enforcement agency, no later than 24 hours after the student is determined to be missing.
  2. Parents/Guardians Notification: For students under 18 years of age who are not emancipated, the University will notify the custodial parent or guardian within 24 hours of determining that the student is missing.

Immediate Referral of Official Reports:

  1. Mandatory Referral: The University may be notified of a missing student through various channels by any member of the University staff or student body. Any official report of a missing student must be reported immediately to Campus Police.

Procedures for Investigation, Determination, and Notification:

  1. Investigation Steps: Upon receiving a missing person report, Campus Police will initiate an investigation to determine the student’s status. This includes contacting roommates, friends, faculty, and staff, as well as checking available University information.
  2. Escalation Process: If the student is not located and is determined to be missing, the case will be escalated. Within 24 hours, the University will notify the student’s confidential contact and/or parents/guardians (for students under 18) per this Policy. Local law enforcement will also be notified, as appropriate. 

Approved by University Council on 9/2/2025. 

Questions about this policy or its content may be directed to the Chief of Police.

1 References to Â鶹¹û¶³ also include Moravian students residing in University housing on the Lancaster campus.