Residence Halls/Campus Safety

Personal Safety:
Though the University makes an effort to provide a secure place to live and attend classes, you are ultimately responsible for maintaining your personal safety and securing your possessions. When you fail to take precautions, you may be putting yourself and others at risk. The University's efforts cannot succeed without the support of each student.

Campus Safety:

• Avoid taking shortcuts through dark or deserted areas.
• If you think you are being followed, go to a populated place or the University Police Station.
• Park in well-lighted areas and never leave your keys in your car even for a few moments.
• Before leaving or entering your car, scan the area and check the interior for potential danger.
• During semester check-in and check-out, never leave your car unattended if you have your belongings in it.

Hall & Room Safety:
Never prop hall, suite or quad doors open. By doing so, unauthorized persons can gain access to your living area. The hall/quad and floor doors must remain locked for your safety. If you prop doors open or unlock quad doors, you leave yourself and all your floor mates in a vulnerable position.

• It is a good idea to keep your door locked at all times. Lock your room when you leave or go to sleep. Please carry your keys at all times.
• Do not give anyone your room key. If you lose a key, contact your Associate Hall Manager immediately.
• Do not mark your key with your hall and room number. If you notice a suspicious person on your floor, call your RA, Student Hall Director, Hall Manager or University Police Department at ext. 2468 immediately.
• If you receive obscene or irritating phone calls, contact University Police Department.
• Keep your doors and windows locked.
• Never leave your belongings unattended in public areas or the laundry area.
• Keep money, ID card and other valuables concealed. Do not tell where your secret hiding places are.

Missing Student:
For purposes of this policy, a student may be considered a missing student if the student's absence is contrary to his/her usual pattern of behavior and unusual circumstances may have caused the absence. Such circumstances could 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 confidential emergency contact information:
Students will be given the opportunity during each Fall/Spring check-in processes 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 in accordance with the procedures set forth below. Students also have the option to register a confidential contact person with the University Police Department. This information will be maintained confidentially and will be available only to University Police Department, University Housing officials, the Dean of Students, or his/her designee.

In the event a student who is under the age of 18 and is not emancipated is determined to be missing pursuant to the procedures set forth below, the college is required to notify a custodial parent or guardian, in addition to the student's designated contact, no more than 24 hours after the student is determined to be missing in accordance with the procedures set forth below.

Official notification procedures for missing students:
Any individual who has information that a residential student may be a missing student must notify University Police Department as soon as possible after determining that the student is missing. University Police Department 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 the above actions are unsuccessful in locating the student or it is apparent immediately that the student is a missing person (e.g., witnessed abduction), or University Police Department determines that a residential student is missing:

• University Police Department will continue to conduct an investigation for the missing student, and
• The Dean of Students or his /her designee will notify the emergency contact (for students 18 and over) or the emergency contact and the parent/guardian (for students under the age of 18) that the student is believed to be missing.

Campus communications about missing students:
In cases involving missing students, law enforcement personnel are best situated to provide information to the media that is designed to elicit public assistance in the search for a missing student. Therefore, all communications regarding missing students will be handled by University Police Department. All inquiries to the college regarding missing students, or information provided to any individual at the college about a missing student, shall be referred to University Police Department. Notification to other law enforcement agencies regarding missing students will be made by University Police Department.

Prior to providing the NSU community with any information about a missing student, the Office of Communications shall consult with University Police Department to ensure that communications do not hinder the investigation.

Trespassing:
Anyone entering a hall after being banned is subject to arrest and incarceration.