An Iowa College in the Liberal Arts Tradition
Student Handbook
The Luther College Student Handbook is a collection of student conduct standards, policies, and procedures that define community expectations for students at Luther. It also serves as an important resource for students, highlighting a wide variety of topics related to life on the Luther campus.
It is the responsibility of each student to become familiar with the Student Handbook. Students must also become familiar with other official publications including, but not limited to, the Academic Catalog, Emergency Procedure Guide, and other important documents pertaining to student rights and responsibilities.
The Campus Life Committee, a campus-wide body comprised of students, faculty, and staff. Faculty delegate this group to plan and define college policies about student engagement and welfare on campus. The Campus Life Committee works in conjunction with members of the Student Engagement Office to ensure an effective implementation of college policies and procedures.
The policies and statements included in the Student Handbook are not a contract and the college reserves the right to deviate from the policies and statements as deemed necessary from time to time.
Questions regarding the Luther College Student Handbook and related policies and procedures should be directed to: Student Engagement Office, Dahl Centennial Union 2nd floor, 563-387-1020, [email protected].
Missing Student Policy and Procedures
Federal law requires colleges to establish a missing student notification policy and related procedures for students who reside in on-campus housing. The Luther College policy follows.
I. Policy Statement on Missing Students
- Each student has the option to identify an individual to be contacted by Luther officials or law enforcement personnel no later than 24 hours after the time a student is determined missing (see below).
- Each student may register and update the identity of this individual, known as the Missing Student Confidential Contact, in the “update my profile” screen of my.luther.
- In the case of students who are under 18 years of age and not emancipated, Luther College is required by federal law to notify a custodial parent or guardian no later than 24 hours after the time a student is determined missing.
- Not later than 24 hours after determining the student to be missing, Campus Safety and Security will notify the Decorah Police Department to report the student as a missing person, or immediately if circumstances of criminality or safety are determined to be involved.
- Not later than 24 hours after determining that a student is missing, the Dean of Student Engagement or their designee will notify the emergency contact previously identified by the student (for students 18 and over) or the custodial parent/guardian (for students under the age of 18) and advise that the student is believed to be missing. Only authorized College personnel have access to this contact information, and they will use it only in accordance with the provisions of this policy and the Higher Education Opportunity Act.
II. Missing Student Confidential Contact
- Students may identify their contact by completing the “Missing Student Confidential Contact” section of the “Update My Profile” data entry screen of my.luther. The specific data entry statement follows:
- Missing Student Confidential Contact Information – You also have the option to designate an individual to be contacted in the event you are determined to be missing—by Luther officials or law enforcement personnel—for a period of more than 24 hours.
Name ______________________________________
Phone _____________________________________
* Note: If you are under 18 years of age and not emancipated, federal law requires that a custodial parent or guardian be contacted.
III. Procedure If You Believe a Student Is Missing
- Immediately notify Campus Safety and Security (563) 387-2111 or Residence Life staff member. A report will be filed with Campus Safety and Security and an investigation initiated.
- After investigating, Campus Safety and Security will make a determination as to whether or not the student is missing and has been missing for more than 24 hours.
- If the student is determined to be missing for more than 24 hours, Luther College officials will notify the Decorah Police Department and the student’s confidential contact (if the student has provided a confidential contact). If the missing student is under 18 years of age and not emancipated, Luther College officials will immediately notify a custodial parent or guardian.