Search and Seizure Policy

While the University will make a reasonable effort to respect the privacy of a student’s room, Bethel University maintains the right to enter a student’s residence hall room in response to normal inspections, maintenance purposes, general safety and security of the community, and to address policy violations in progress or that may have occurred. Staff members who need to enter a room during the performance of their duties will knock and identify themselves. A resident does not need to be present for a staff member to enter the room. In the event that it is necessary for local law enforcement personnel to search a student's room, an authorized university official will be present.

Students are reminded that the Bethel University campus is the private property of the University. When a designee of the Student Life Office, including Residential Life Staff members and Campus Security Officers, reasonably suspects that prohibited items are contained among a student's possessions, the student shall be required to make such possessions (including but not limited to backpacks, locked containers, motor vehicles, electronic communication via text/email, etc.) accessible. If a student refuses to give access to their possessions or communication, the items may be confiscated for investigation, and used in any disciplinary proceedings. This policy applies to students’ guests as well.

Items prohibited by law or University policy that are present in a resident’s room will be confiscated by the staff member and used in a disciplinary proceeding. Such items may not be returned to students.

If a University staff member, who enters a room to perform their duties, has reason to believe:

• Items prohibited by law or University policy are concealed from view,
• There is a violation of public law or of University regulations or standards, or
• There is a possibility of imminent hazard to persons or property;
• The staff member may contact the Dean On-Call, or designee who shall have the right to conduct or order a search on University property and premises under emergency circumstances, and/or when violations of civil or criminal law or University regulations are in question.