yeah i dont know about the law where you are, but in the uk i'm sure even the police need a court order to sell confiscated items. i cant see your college prof having that power. and i'm sure the data protection act is international so breaking into ur phone would quite likely be a sackable offence for any teacher in the IT department, but rather than gling down that route i find that wearing an angry expression and carrying a large stick is enough to keep all my possessions secure.