Administering Office: University Police
Approved by Executive Council: December 12, 2005
Posted: December 16, 2005
North Carolina law and University policy prohibit the possession of weapons on the University Campus or on any property owned by or under the control of an educational institution. The definition of the term “weapon” as used in this policy is identical to that in the corresponding State law. A “weapon” is defined as a firearm, stun gun, dynamite cartridge, bomb, grenade, mine, or other powerful explosive, BB gun, air rifle or air pistol, bowie knife, dirk, dagger, slingshot, leaded cane, switchblade knife, blackjack, metallic knuckles, razor or razor blades (except for personal shaving), and any other weapon prohibited by law now or in the future unless the object described above is used as a tool by an employee in the normal scope and course of employment.
The prohibition does not apply to armed forces personnel, officers and soldiers of the state militia and National Guard, and law enforcement personnel employed by the institution or acting in the discharge of their official duties. The University, acting through its Police Chief or his/her designee, reserves the right under this policy to determine whether any person described above is acting in the discharge of his/her official duties. The University has determined that individuals described above are acting in the discharge of their official duties if they are attending a class or visiting campus while within their jurisdiction, in uniform, during their working hours while on duty. Persons described above attending class or visiting the campus while either outside of their jurisdiction or not in uniform are not considered by the University to be acting in the discharge of their official duties. Such persons, if in possession of a weapon, must report to the University Police immediately so arrangements can be made to secure their weapon.
The law does not apply to weapons used solely for educational purposes or WCU-sanctioned ceremonial purposes. Individuals who wish to bring a weapon to campus for educational purposes must have a faculty member certify, in writing, that the weapon will be used for educational purposes. Individuals who wish to bring a weapon to campus for WCU-sanctioned ceremonial purposes, must have the event sponsor certify, in writing, that the weapon will be used for ceremonial purposes. The written certification, signed by the certifying official, must be filed with and approved by the University Police before the weapon is brought onto WCU property.
The University will not store weapons, including hunting weapons, for students or other individuals.