Number:                    265

Subject:                     Carry of Concealed Handguns on Amberton University Campuses

Date:                          August 1, 2016

Responsibility:          President

 

      Policy Statement

 

     Senate Bill 11 (SB 11) of the 84th Texas Legislature permits individuals holding concealed handgun licenses to carry handguns onto the campus and into the general buildings of the public and private institutions of higher education in Texas, unless a private institution has established rules, regulations, or other provisions prohibiting license holders from carrying handguns on the campus. 

 

     Amberton University’s enrollment is limited to the mature, working adult seeking to finish a bachelor’s degree or to begin or complete graduate studies.  Students complete their degrees by taking online courses or a combination of online and on-campus courses at the main campus in Garland or the Frisco Center.  Amberton has no campus housing, no sporting events, no social clubs, and no dining facilities.  The consumption of alcohol is prohibited on campus as is the use of illegal drugs. Considering the unique nature of the Amberton student and the campus environment, Amberton University will comply with Senate Bill 11 allowing individuals holding valid handgun licenses to carry their concealed handguns onto the Amberton campuses and premises.

 

The purpose of this policy is to ensure compliance with Senate Bill 11 in a manner in keeping with other relevant laws, and to provide for the safety of Amberton students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

 

     Applicability

 

This policy applies to all persons on property owned or leased by Amberton University and goes into effect on August 1, 2016.

 

      Responsibilities of Individuals Carrying Concealed Handguns

 

      Concealment

      The licensed carrier of a handgun must ensure that a casual observer be unable to notice or detect that a handgun is being carried. This is a fundamental aspect of the law and of this policy.  Individuals who violate the condition of concealment at any time, either by knowingly or inadvertently allowing their handgun to be seen or by letting its presence be noticeable by inadequate concealment, are in violation of this policy and may be subject to discipline.

 

 

      Security

The licensed carrier is responsible for maintaining complete practical control of the handgun at all times, so that it is either on the licensee’s person or is immediately accessible from a purse or other similar personal accessory that is continually under the direct control of the licensee. The only alternative to these conditions is that the gun be appropriately and safely stored by the carrier.

 

      Safety

      The handgun must be carried in a holster that completely covers the trigger, trigger guard area, and provides sufficient adhesion on the gun so that the gun will not fall out of the holster when the gun or the carrier is subject to abrupt motions or impacts.

 

      Storage

The University will make no provisions for storage of handguns. Licensed carriers must have their weapons on their persons constantly or have them stored in a securely locked personal vehicle.

 

     Compliance with other Laws

 

     Amberton University facilities may be used for a variety of purposes.  Classrooms and other areas may have different utilizations than their original purpose. It is the duty and responsibility of licensed carriers to be informed and aware of the many restrictions and limitations that various laws impose upon the carrying of concealed weapons in various situations, and that licensed carriers rigorously adhere to these conditions without receiving constant reminders.  Some of the most important of these restrictions include:

 

      Presence of Children

      Unsupervised children are not allowed anywhere in Amberton University facilities or grounds.  However, the nature of our university is that adult students may occasionally bring their children to campus for a short period while they conduct business, such as make payment on an account, register for classes, or pick up university information.  Licensed carriers should avoid areas in which children are present as prescribed by their training and existing law.

 

      Mental Health Counseling Facilities

      Currently, Amberton University does not operate a facility for mental health counseling.  Should the University at some future date decide to designate a University area as a mental health facility, this area will be marked clearly to designate its function and individuals carrying concealed weapons will be prohibited.

 

     Discipline or Hearing Areas

     Various rooms and areas of the campus function from time to time as areas for disciplinary hearings or for mediation sessions.  When so used, these areas will be marked clearly to designate their functions, and individuals carrying concealed weapons may not enter these areas.

 

     Exclusion or Gun-free Zones

 

      Amberton University facilities, including classrooms, multi-person administrative offices, individual faculty offices, library, and advisement and testing facilities, will all be accessible to individuals carrying concealed weapons in accord with their licenses and the law.  S.B. 11 allows the University to establish “exclusion zones” where the presence of concealed handguns would be inherently inappropriate or illegal.  These areas shall be designated as “exclusion zones.”  For these areas, entry will be forbidden to students, employees, and visitors who are carrying concealed handguns. Notice conforming to Texas Penal Code §30.06 will be provided for these “exclusion zones” as appropriate

 

     Noncompliance

 

      Failure to comply with this policy may result in criminal prosecution and discipline in accordance with applicable procedures up to and including termination of employment for employees and expulsion for students.

 

     Amendment of Provisions as Necessary for Campus Safety

 

      As provided by law, the President may, at his/her discretion, amend the provisions of this policy as necessary for campus safety, which shall take effect as determined by the President.