POLICY ON CARRYING WEAPONS OR FIREARMS

Source: Office of the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administrative Affairs

1. Purpose and Scope. The purpose of this policy is to establish restrictions on the ability to carry weapons or firearms at a UW System institution in accordance with 2011 Wisconsin Act 35.
2. Prohibitions.
   1. All college and university buildings, including stadia and athletic facilities, must be posted with signage prohibiting individuals from carrying weapons or firearms in the building. The signs must be posted in a prominent place near each and every entrance so that any individual entering the building can be reasonably expected to see the sign. Exceptions may be authorized by the chief administrative officer.
   2. All special events organized by the Colleges or Universities must be posted with signage prohibiting individuals from carrying weapons or firearms at the special event. The signs must be posted in a prominent place near each and every entrance to the event area so that any individual entering the event can be reasonably expected to see the sign. Exceptions may be authorized by the chief administrative officer.
   3. Employees and volunteers of UW System institutions are prohibited from carrying a firearm or weapon while acting in the course and scope of their employment or duties, either on or off university property, regardless of whether the employee has a license to carry a firearm or weapon. This prohibition does not apply to those employed as a law enforcement officer or peace officer or to those who have the written approval of the chief administrative officer to carry a firearm or weapon while on duty.
   4. No vehicle owned, leased, or otherwise under the control of a UW System institution may be used to store or carry a firearm or weapon, except as otherwise provided in this policy.
3. Parking Areas. Any person, including employees and students, with a license to carry a firearm or weapon, who is lawfully parked in a university parking lot, including lots under or in buildings, may store a weapon or firearm in his or her personal vehicle. While such a person is away from his or her vehicle, he or she must store the firearm cased, unloaded, and out of sight.
4. Violations. Violations of this policy may constitute a criminal offense, qualify as student misconduct subject to discipline, and/or result in employment discipline, up to and including termination of employment.
5. Adoption of Policy. UW System institutions may adopt policies and procedures consistent with this policy.
6. Effect. In the event any institutional policy conflicts with this policy, the terms of this policy shall govern.

As Amended: September 30, 2011; reviewed July 2014