2.8.16.2 : Search Procedures

1.    Except for emergencies or when unforeseen circumstances exist, student rooms and students’ personal possessions will not be searched unless appropriate authorization has been obtained from the Dean of Students or Director of Community Standards and Campus Safety.

2.    The student shall be present during the search if possible. At the student’s request, a member of the Residence Life or Campus Safety staff of the same sex may be requested to be present but is subject to the availability of such a staff member.

3.    If the resident is present, the university personnel conducting the search will state its purpose prior to its commencement.

4.    If the university personnel conducting the search has an articulable belief that the student being present for the search may create an unsafe environment, the student will be asked to remain in the doorway and outside of the room.

5.    The university personnel conducting the search has the sole discretion to ask the resident to open all drawers, closets, refrigerators, luggage, etc. in the room or under the observation of the resident open these locations themselves.  If a resident is requested to open a location within the room such as drawers, closets, etc. compliance with this request is mandatory and refusal may result in a student conduct complaint.

6.    Any items discovered during a search that violates city, state or federal laws or university policies are subject to being seized. Additionally, any items which pose an immediate threat to the health and safety to the resident, other residents, or the greater GU community shall be seized.

7.    Any item(s) seized during searches conducted in connection with these guidelines may be used in university disciplinary hearings. Such item(s), except for those which are illegal, violate university policy, or are otherwise prohibited by law, will be returned to the student after the conclusion of the disciplinary matter.

8.    No provision in these guidelines shall give Residence Life staff or other university personnel the authority to consent to a search of a student’s room by police or other law enforcement officials without a valid search warrant.