University Policy Manual
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Weapons on Campus

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Approved by the Chancellor, 01/01/1999
Revised, 11/27/2023

1.Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to facilitate a safe and open environment for all The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (the “University”) community members and guests, free from the disruptive and intrusive presence of Weapons and their accompanying threat of violence.

2.Scope

This policy applies to all employees (including faculty, EHRA non-faculty, and SHRA staff), students, and guests who are present on property owned, leased, managed, or operated by the University or any component thereof, including departments, offices, centers, or similar entities.

3.Definitions and Roles and Responsibilities

3.1Definitions

3.1.1University Premises

References to “University Premises” in this policy mean buildings, property, or grounds owned, leased, operated, controlled, or supervised by the University.

3.1.2Vehicle

References to “vehicle” in this policy mean a self-contained motorized passenger vehicle that may be entered, exited, and locked, such as a car or truck, and not including motorcycles, mopeds, or scooters.

3.1.3Weapon

References to “weapon” in this policy include, but are not limited to, all firearms; explosive agents; fireworks; chemicals such as mace and tear gas (if used in an illegal manner); air or canister propelled guns such as BB guns, pellet guns, and paintball guns; tasers or stun guns; metallic knuckles; switchblade knives; martial arts weapons; any object or substance used, attempted to be used, or intended to inflict a wound, cause injury, or incapacitate; or any other “weapon” as defined by N.C.G.S. § 14-269.2.

3.2Roles and Responsibilities

The UNCG Police Department is responsible for applying and enforcing relevant state and federal laws regarding weapons on campus, in addition to this University policy.

4.Policy

Under North Carolina law and University policy, no weapons may be possessed or carried on the University Premises, except as otherwise specifically provided by law. Exceptions provided by law include: 

  1. Law enforcement personnel, firefighters, emergency service personnel, and military personnel carrying out their official duties; 
  1. A registered armed armored car service guard or registered armed courier service guard with the permission of the University; 
  1. Ceremonial or educational uses specifically authorized by the Chancellor; i.e., the Chancellor’s mace at graduation; historic weapons on display in the Weatherspoon Art Museum. Other ceremonial or educational uses must be requested in writing to [email protected] 30 days in advance of the proposed activity and approved by the Chancellor; 
  1. A person who has a legally valid concealed handgun permit or who is exempt from obtaining such a permit under State law, who has a handgun in a closed compartment or container within the person’s locked Vehicle or in a locked container securely affixed to the person’s Vehicle. A person may unlock the Vehicle to enter or exit the Vehicle, provided the handgun remains in the closed compartment at all times and the Vehicle is locked immediately following the entrance or exit, as provided in N.C.G.S. 14-269.2(k); 
  1. Edged instruments that are articles of faith (e.g., kirpans) and that might otherwise be considered weapons under this policy are permitted on University Premises provided that the blade length of the article is less than three inches, the blade is worn close to the body in a sheath at all times, and the blade is not used in an illegal manner. If individuals would like to request religious accommodations for instruments with longer blades or any other items prohibited under this policy, they may contact the UNCG Police Department for assistance.  

5.Compliance and Enforcement

Any violation of this policy by a University student is subject to the Student Code of Conduct. For employees, violations of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with policies pertaining to the classification of the employee. Violations, including those by guests, may also be referred for criminal or civil prosecution and/or campus trespass restrictions. Any person who witnesses a violation of this policy should report such violation immediately to UNCG Police Department: Emergency: 336.334.4444 or Non-emergency: 336.334.5963 or by email: [email protected]. 

6.Additional Information

6.1Related Policies

6.2Resources

N.C.G.S. § 14-269.2

6.3Approval Authority

The Chancellor is responsible for the approval of this policy.

6.4Contacts for Additional Information and Reporting

Responsible Executives:

Responsible Administrators:

Revisions

Revision Date Revision Summary
11/27/2023 Updated Policy

- Weapons on Campus. Retrieved 11/14/2024. Official version at https://policy.uncg.edu/university_policies/weapons-on-campus/. Copyright © 2024 The University of North Carolina at Greensboro.