Oct 05, 2024  
2022-2023 Catalog & Student Handbook 
    
2022-2023 Catalog & Student Handbook [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Weapons Policy


This policy regulates the possession and use of weapons on college property, in the conduct of college business, or at college sponsored events. These policy guidelines apply to all employees, students, visitors, contractors, and other third parties.

Policy

The college prohibits threats and acts of violence on college property; within college facilities; at any college sponsored event; while engaged in college business, educational, or athletic activities; and while traveling in state vehicles. The prohibition on the possession and use of weapons includes but is not limited to:

Employees: As a condition of employment, college employees are prohibited from possessing, brandishing, or using a firearm, weapon, or other weapon or device that could be used as a weapon that is not required by the individual’s position while on college property or engaged in college business; or is in violation of law or other college policy, except where the employee is a law enforcement professional. This prohibition applies even in the case where an employee has a permit to carry a concealed weapon. Employees violating this policy may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination and criminal prosecution using existing policies and procedures including Section 3 of the VCCS Policy Manual or DHRM Policy 1.60, Standards of Conduct.

Students: All students, as a condition of enrollment in the college, are prohibited from possessing, brandishing, or using a weapon while on college premises except where possession is a result of participation in an organized and scheduled instructional exercise for a course, or where the student is a law enforcement professional. This prohibition applies even in the case where a student has a permit to carry a concealed weapon. Students violating this policy will be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the college Student Handbook, and other college policies as appropriate.

Visitors and Third Parties: Individuals who are not college employees or college students, such as relatives, acquaintances, strangers, contractors, visitors, or other third parties are prohibited from brandishing, using, or possessing a weapon (except those with a permit to carry a concealed weapon, who retain the right to possess a weapon) while on campus in academic or administrative buildings; or, any individual while attending a sporting, entertainment or educational event, when specifically asked by the college to agree not to possess a weapon as a condition of attendance. This provision does not apply to law enforcement personnel. Visitors and third parties violating this policy will be subject to applicable, state, and federal laws, and associated regulations, and may be barred from the college at the college’s discretion for violating this policy.

Governance

This Policy has been reviewed and approved by VCCS legal counsel.