The College reserves the right to inspect the contents of student rooms, vehicles, packages, handbags, backpacks or the like, when violations of College policy, state or federal laws are suspected. The purpose of this policy is to establish procedures for a search to which Illinois College students may be subject. The primary consideration is balancing a student’s right to privacy with the College’s need to enforce College policy, state or federal laws, and to ensure campus safety.
Any area or property located on College premises and under the control or custody of a student is subject to search including, but not limited to:
- College-owned buildings and residences;
- student-owned, operated and/or controlled motor vehicles located on College premises;
- any personal property located or contained in the aforementioned structures or vehicles, including student packages, handbags, backpacks, etc.
A search may occur as part of an investigation when the Director of Residential Life or designee has established a reasonable belief that a violation of College policy or federal, state or local law is occurring, or has occurred, and there is evidence to be confiscated relating to that violation.
Additionally, a search may occur under the following circumstances:
- in response to a fire, or fire alarm; to ensure the room is vacant during fire drills
- when emergency conditions apply such as someone’s health or safety may be in immediate danger
- when contraband is observed in plain view
- when consent to search is obtained from at least one student in the assigned area
- when authorization to search is granted by the Director of Residential Life or designee.
The above policy does not apply to facilities services personnel, as maintenance requests are considered as permission to enter.
