Missing Student Protocol

The purpose of this procedure is to establish protocols for Butler University in response to reports of missing students, as required by the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 and Indiana statute IC 5-2-17.

This procedure applies to students who reside in Butler University campus residence halls, university owned apartments, or officially sanctioned university housing which includes Greek housing.

BUPD can also serve as a resource if a student is missing by assisting the reporting person to the appropriate law enforcement agency depending on the circumstances surrounding the report.

A student may be considered to be a “missing person” if the person’s absence is contrary to his/her usual pattern of behavior and unusual circumstances may have caused the absence. Such circumstances may include, but not be limited to, a report or suspicion that the missing person may be the victim of foul play, has expressed suicidal thoughts, is drug dependent, is in a life-threatening situation, or has been with persons who may endanger the student’s welfare.

Procedures for Designation of Missing Person’s Confidential Contact Information

Students will be given the opportunity during each semester to designate an individual or individuals to be contacted by the college no more than 24 hours after the time that the student is determined to be missing. A designation will remain in effect until changed or revoked by the student.

Students Under the Age of 18

In the event a student who is not emancipated is determined to be missing pursuant to the procedures set forth below, Butler University is required to notify a custodial parent or guardian no more than 24 hours after the student is determined to be missing, in addition to notifying any additional contact person designated by the student.

Official Notification Procedures for Missing Persons

Any individual on campus who has information that a residential student may be a missing person must notify the Butler University Police Department (BUPD) as soon as possible by calling 317-940-9396. Any individual can also notify:

  • Area Coordinators
  • Resident Assistants
  • Dean of Students

If reported to one of the individuals above, they will notify BUPD for an investigation.

  1. BUPD will gather all essential information about the residential student from the reporting person and from the student’s acquaintances (description, clothes last worn, where student might be, who student might be with, vehicle description, information about the physical and mental well- being of the student, an up-to-date photograph, class schedule, etc.). Appropriate campus staff will be notified to aid in the search for the student if deemed necessary.
  2. BUPD will notify the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) of the report and possibly request assistance from their Missing Person’s unit if deemed necessary. BUPD and IMPD will follow Indiana Code and investigate all reports of missing persons. Indiana Code requires no arbitrary waiting period for reporting a person missing.

All contact information provided by students for this missing persons procedure will be confidential and accessible only to authorized campus officials. It will not be disclosed, except to law enforcement personnel in furtherance of a missing person investigation.