UTSA Campus Carry   Campus Carry Policy
Campus Carry

Campus Carry Policy

General Policy
Specific Building/Location Information/Background Applicable Laws & Regulations Makeup of Campus Population Safety Considerations Unique Environment
Campus storage for weapons will not be provided by UTSA. Senate Bill 11 does not require a university to provide storage for firearms. The Texas Government Code requires a handgun be stored in a manner that a child would not be at risk of accidental injury. The Texas Penal Code provides guidance on acceptable methods to secure a firearm. Senate Bill 11 allows the University President to establish reasonable rules, regulations, or other provisions regarding the carrying of concealed handguns by license holders on campus. Texas Penal Code 46.03. All license holders must meet requirements established by the Texas Government Code to obtain their license, which includes training on how to safely store and secure their firearm. Therefore individuals are responsible for maintaining ownership and control of their handgun and making appropriate decisions relating to gun storage when the handgun is not on or about their person. Providing storage increases the time and frequency spent handling a firearm, thus increasing the risk of accidental discharges, ability for others to identify license holders, and possibility of theft of firearms as storage locations would be generally well-known. Existing lockers, cabinets, closets and furnishings are property of UTSA and do not meet the definition of providing safe and secure storage for handguns. The 1995 Concealed Handgun License legislation and the new open carry legislation provide the foundation for Senate Bill 11. They do not require storage be provided for license holders.
Locations where alcohol is being served under a TABC license. Areas for which state law requires exclusion. Texas Penal Code § 46.035(b)(1) provides: (b) A license holder commits an offense if the license holder intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries a handgun under the authority of Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code, regardless of whether the handgun is concealed or carried in a shoulder or belt holster, on or about the license holder's person: (1) on the premises of a business that has a permit or license issued under Chapter 25, 28, 32, 69, or 74, Alcoholic Beverage Code, if the business derives 51 percent or more of its income from the sale or service of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption, as determined by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission under Section 104.06, Alcoholic Beverage Code. General public and including all students, faculty and staff.    
Meeting room in which a governmental entity is holding an open meeting subject to the Texas Open Meeting Act. Occasionally the campus may hold for the benefit of a governmental entity an "open meeting" subject to Chapter 551, Governmental Code. Senate Bill 273 General public    
Polling locations Areas for which federal and/or state law requires exclusion or in which weapons are prohibited by an accrediting authority. Penal code -Section 46.03 General public and including all students, faculty and staff.    
Faculty or Staff Offices not generally open to the public that are solely occupied by a single occupant and the occupant chooses to designate their office as an Exclusion Zone. Traditionally, the occupant of an office is vested with substantial control over his or her space if the occupant has been solely assigned to that office and the space is not generally open to the public. Senate Bill 11 allows the University President to establish reasonable rules, regulations, or other provisions regarding the carrying of concealed handguns by license holders on campus. In addition, the law has traditionally vested the occupant of an office with substantial control over his or her office space. General public and including all students, faculty and staff. Occupants of offices that are designated as exclusion zones must provide visitors verbal notice that the concealed carry of a handgun in the office is prohibited. When feasible, that notice also should be provided in writing. If the occupant's duties ordinarily entail meeting people who may be license holders, the occupant will make reasonable arrangements to meet them in another location. (See additional information for faculty and staff.) Traditionally, the occupant of an office is vested with substantial control over his or her space if the occupant has been solely assigned to that office and the space is not generally open to the public. Faculty and staff offices have traditionally been places where members of the university community can have open dialogue. There is concern that permitting the carrying of handguns in offices will inhibit open dialogue especially when discussing difficult and sensitive issues. Others have expressed the belief that introducing handguns into environments where matters of performance or discipline are discussed may heighten the risk of gun violence. Permitting the occupant with sole control over an office to limit access will preserve what many consider crucial to the uniqueness of the campus environment.
All campuses Training materials to guide students in the general understanding of rules, regulations or other provisions surrounding carrying of concealed handguns on campus would be useful. A public awareness campaign by University Communications would also be beneficial. Senate Bill 11 allows the University President to establish reasonable rules, regulations, or other provisions regarding the carrying of concealed handguns by license holders on campus. All students would be impacted by requirement to view training materials at least once that were developed for campus carry. Safety tips and guidelines would be referenced in training materials. Reporting violations would also be covered in materials.  
All campuses Training materials to guide faculty and staff in the general understanding of rules, regulations or other provisions surround carrying of concealed handguns on campus would be useful. A public awareness campaign by University Communications would also be beneficial. Senate Bill 11 allows the University President to establish reasonable rules, regulations, or other provisions regarding the carrying of concealed handguns by license holders on campus. All faculty and staff would be impacted by requirement to view training materials as a function of holding a position with UTSA. Safety tips and guidelines would be referenced in training materials. Reporting violations would also be covered in materials.  
Exclusionary Area: Locations Providing Counseling and Health Services
Specific Building/Location Information/Background Applicable Laws & Regulations Makeup of Campus Population Safety Considerations Unique Environment
John Peace Library (JPL) Dining Services The campus provides youth (minors) with official tours on a daily basis. The JPL or Roadrunner Café dining services are often utilized by campus tour groups. Senate Bill 11 allows the University President to establish reasonable rules, regulations, or other provisions regarding the carrying of concealed handguns by license holders on campus. Texas Penal Code 46.03. The Texas Penal Code prohibits weapons in pre-K thru 12 schools and on grounds/buildings where school-sponsored activities are being conducted. By analogy and extension, on-campus official tours whose participants are children under the age of 18 should be exclusion zones. This facility serves school-aged children and UTSA students. Given the population served, there are significant concerns about a child having the ability to access a firearm. It's impractical to place temporary signage for an exclusion zone given the numerous tour groups in this location at multiple times during the day.

Student Disability Services within the Multidisciplinary Studies Building and Buena Vista Street Building

This office provides disability counseling, disability services/accommodations, and an adaptive testing environment for students with disabilities.

 Senate Bill 11 allows the University President to identify areas where concealed handguns are prohibited. UTSA faculty, staff, students, and visitors will utilize these offices. Disability Counseling services are being provided to those that may be under stress or experiencing mental and behavioral health issues, which could create a concern for safety of students and staff of these offices. Furthermore, Adaptive Testing Services are provided to students that require them to store all personal items. This location is in a unique setting to serve students with disabilities.
Student Health Services and Counseling Services Offices within the Recreation Wellness Center and Buena Vista Street Building These offices provide patient care for general health services and mental health services for all registered students. The Center conducts services including diagnosing, dispensing pharmacy items and also providing mental health and substance abuse counseling. The Texas Penal Code provides an exclusion for the carrying of firearms on the premises of hospitals licensed under Chapter 241 of the Texas Health and Safety Code and by analogy and extension. Services are provided to all registered students. Services are provided to students that may require a physical examination of the body which could require removal of handgun. Mental health services are being provided to those that may be under stress or experiencing mental and behavioral health issues which could create a concern for safety of students and staff of these offices. Client treatment areas in this location are equivalent to those excluded in the referenced legislation.
Durango Building - Sarabia Family Counseling Center The Sarabia Family Counseling Center provides clinical services, education and research. They provide counseling services for social, emotional and relational functioning through supervised clinical training. The Texas Penal Code provides an exclusion for the carrying of firearms on the premises of hospitals licensed under Chapter 241 of the Texas Health and Safety Code. The Penal Code also prohibits firearms on any grounds or building on which a school sponsored activity is being conducted. Services are provided to the public, many of whom are school-aged children or their family members as the Center offers services to the community. Students provide these services in a supervised clinical setting. Services are provided to patients who are experiencing mental and behavioral health problems to include stress, anxiety, depression, anger issues, and suicidal thoughts. Patients can exhibit anger, aggression, abuse and violence toward staff or themselves, creating concerns for the health and safety of students, faculty and staff. Patient treatment areas in this location are equivalent to those excluded in the referenced legislation.
Durango Building - Teacher Education Autism Model (TEAM) Center The TEAM Center provides training to teachers for procedures used in teaching children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other intellectual disabilities. Children and adolescents are serviced at this center during supervised field experience for UTSA students. Senate Bill 11 allows the University President to establish reasonable rules, regulations, or other provisions regarding the carrying of concealed handguns by license holders on campus. Texas Penal Code 46.03. This facility serves young as well as adolescent children. The Center serves the public including the families of the children. Given the population served, there are significant concerns about a child having the ability to access a firearm. This location is in a unique setting to serve children and their families.
Buena Vista Building - The Reading Place The Reading Place offers assistance with reading and writing to area children. Also the center provides training to UTSA students through teaching experiences with children. Senate Bill 11 allows the University President to establish reasonable rules, regulations, or other provisions regarding the carrying of concealed handguns by license holders on campus. Texas Penal Code 46.03. This facility serves school-aged children and UTSA students. Given the population served, there are significant concerns about a child having the ability to access a firearm. This location is in a unique setting to serve children.
Buildings, campus owned residential facilities, dining facilities or any area of campus as needed when serving summer or youth related camps and events. The campus provides youth (minors) with camps and engagement activities throughout the year and in structured summer programs. Senate Bill 11 allows the University President to establish reasonable rules, regulations, or other provisions regarding the carrying of concealed handguns by license holders on campus. Texas Penal Code 46.03. The Texas Penal Code prohibits weapons in pre-K thru 12 schools and on grounds/buildings where school-sponsored activities are being conducted. By analogy and extension, on-campus summer/youth camps whose participants are children under the age of 18 should be exclusion zones. These locations serve school-aged children and UTSA students. Given the population served, there are significant concerns about a child having the ability to access a firearm. The locations may and will be unique to the activity conducted. Temporary provision will be made for signage and notices to the general public when an event is taking place.
UTSA Institute for Texan Cultures (ITC) Over the course of a year this history and cultural museum provides activities for numerous area school districts to actively conduct tours and learning activities on the campus of the ITC. Senate Bill 11 allows the University President to establish reasonable rules, regulations, or other provisions regarding the carrying of concealed handguns by license holders on campus. Texas Penal Code 46.03. This facility serves school-aged children from various school districts. As well the facility is open to the general public as a museum and cultural center. Many of the visitors are families visiting with their children as well as UTSA faculty, staff and students. Given the population served, there are significant concerns about a child having the ability to access a firearm. Additionally, there are many exhibits that contain rare and irreplaceable materials of historical significance that could be damaged in the event of an accidental firearm discharge.
UTSA Child Development Center The Center provides child care services for infant to 4 year olds. The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services prohibits the possession of firearms at licensed child care centers and at facilities with before- or after-school care. This facility serves small children, from infants to 4 year old children. The Center serves the public, including children of students, faculty and staff. Given the population served, there are significant concerns about a child having the ability to access a firearm. This location is a state licensed child care center. Firearms are prohibited by law at this facility.
Roadrunner Café dining services The campus provides youth (minors) with official tours on a daily basis. The JPL or Roadrunner Café dining services are often utilized by campus tour groups. Senate Bill 11 allows the University President to establish reasonable rules, regulations, or other provisions regarding the carrying of concealed handguns by license holders on campus. Texas Penal Code 46.03. The Texas Penal Code prohibits weapons in pre-K thru 12 schools and on grounds/buildings where school-sponsored activities are being conducted. By analogy and extension, on-campus official tours whose participants are children under the age of 18 should be exclusion zones. This facility serves school-aged children and UTSA students. Given the population served, there are significant concerns about a child having the ability to access a firearm. It's impractical to place temporary signage for an exclusion zone given the numerous tour groups in this location at multiple times during the day.
Exclusionary Area: Locations Primarily Used for NCAA, UIL or Professional Sports Events
Specific Building/Location Information/Background Applicable Laws & Regulations Makeup of Campus Population Safety Considerations Unique Environment
Convocation Center, Park West Athletics Complex, Main Campus Baseball, Softball and Tennis Complexes This Convocation Center is home to NCAA women's volleyball, women's basketball, and men's basketball teams; and occasionally hosts other UIL State competitions. The Park West Athletic Complex is home to NCAA women's and men's track and women's soccer teams and, as well, will occasionally host other county/city sporting events. The Main Campus is home to NCAA women's softball and tennis as well as men's baseball and tennis teams. The Texas Penal Code prohibits a firearm on the premises where a high school, collegiate, or professional sporting event or interscholastic event is taking place. UTSA students, faculty and staff attend or participate in events and practices, as does the general public. For safety purposes, the Texas Penal Code, NCAA and UIL all prohibit the possession of weapons at facilities hosting designated events. The majority of events held at these locations are NCAA or UIL events or practices. Large capacity NCAA and UIL events are hosted at these venues. These events require safety and security plans to be in place to provide a safe environment. UTSA Police are on-site for most events.
Exclusionary Area: Locations with Special or Unique Uses
Specific Building/Location Information/Background Applicable Laws & Regulations Makeup of Campus Population Safety Considerations Unique Environment
University Residence halls or housing units that are deemed to not provide a private room/space for the student Residence hall units which do not provide a private room and so the "room" portion of the housing unit is shared by residents and could subject a resident to having a firearm in his or her "room" with no choice. This could be even more problematic given that no univeristy firearm storage will be provided in any facility, as such residents would have to rely upon their roommates to provide their own secure storage. Senate Bill 11 allows a university to establish rules, regulations, or other provisions concerning the storage of handguns in dormitories or other residential facilities that are owned/leased and operated by the institution and located on the campus. Primary student body that resides in Housing is under 21 and therefore not eligible to be a licensed concealed handgun holder. Without secure location to store firearms there would be opportunity for the handguns to be stolen or tampered with by other students within the space or building. Most of the students living in housing are not eligible to obtain a concealed handgun license because they are under 21. The majority of rooms on campus are rooms that are shared and therefore not private. UTSA Housing and Residence Life will provide UTSA students, residing in a university-owned residence hall, housing options where campus carry is allowed.
Summer Camps & Orientation Events (May - August) in University-Owned Residence Halls Significant number of orientation and summer camp participants have an opportunity to reside in on-campus, UTSA owned residence halls during the summer, with many of these users being in grades K-12 along with family and children as participants during orientation. Senate Bill 11 allows a university to establish rules, regulations, or other provisions concerning the storage of handguns in dormitories or other residential facilities that are owned/leased and operated by the institution and located on the campus. The Texas Penal Code prohibits a firearm on the premises where a high school or interscholastic event is taking place. The majority of summer camp participants are in grades K-12. Families with children typically attend orientation along with their prospective UTSA student. During fall and spring semesters, license holders in university-owned housing in which firearms are allowed must have their firearm on or about their person, or they must safely secure or store their firearm to prevent tampering or theft. During the summer semesters, the majority of housing occupants are K-12 students or Families attending Orientation. This population and the activities these minor children participate in are the same or similar to those governed by the Penal Code. This location is in a unique setting to serve children and their families.
John Peace Library (JPL) - Special Collections area only The JPL Special Collection houses materials of special value so that access to the area is restricted. Senate Bill 11 allows the University President to establish reasonable rules, regulations, or other provisions regarding the carrying of concealed handguns by license holders on campus. The locations are available to all UTSA students, faculty and staff. They are also available to the public.   The JPL Special Collections contains materials that are rare and in many cases irreplaceable. An accidental discharge could cause damage to the materials.
Recreation Wellness Center (RWC) and Intramural outdoor playing fields The RWC houses a gymnasium, indoor/outdoor basketball/volleyball courts, racquetball/badminton courts, game room, table tennis, climbing wall, locker rooms, classrooms and offices. A number of competitive events are held at the center and the fields. The Texas Penal Code prohibits a firearm on the premises where a high school, collegiate, or professional sporting event or interscholastic event is taking place. The Government Code requires that license holders carry their firearms on or about their person, and that they cannot display their firearms in plain view of the public. The locations are available to all UTSA students, faculty and staff. They are also available to the public, and could be utilized by independent school districts and other organizations who host K-12 events. For safety purposes, the Penal Code and UIL prohibit the possession of weapons at facilities hosting designated events. Most participants in the various athletic activities would have a difficult time complying with Government Code requirements to keep their firearm on or about their person and concealed from view. Changing in locker rooms would complicate this further and result in display of the firearm. It would also require additional handling of the firearm, increasing the possibility of an accidental discharge. Also poses risk of theft of guns from lockers. These locations are multi-use facilities, host a range of activities and serve a diverse population. Many events or activities are governed by the Penal Code, although some are not. It would be impossible to effectively communicate to license holders all situations where they would be in violation of the law, placing them in a position of incurring criminal or administrative sanctions.
Physical Education Building (PEB) and Athletic annex buildings The PEB houses a weight room, lockers and treatment facilities for athletic related injuries or examinations. The Government Code requires that license holders carry their firearms on or about their person, and that they cannot display their firearms in plain view of the public. Due to the type and level of activity conducted in these locations it would be impractical for a license holder to ensure their firearm remained in a concealed condition. The locations are available to all UTSA students, faculty and staff.. Most participants in the various athletic activities would have a difficult time complying with Government Code requirements to keep their firearm on or about their person and concealed from view. Changing in locker rooms would complicate this further and result in display of the firearm. It would also require additional handling of the firearm, increasing the possibility of an accidental discharge. Also poses risk of theft of guns from lockers. These locations are multi-use facilities, host a range of activities and serve a diverse population. Many events or activities are governed by the Penal Code, although some are not. It would be impossible to effectively communicate to license holders all situations where they would be in violation of the law, placing them in a position of incurring criminal or administrative sanctions.
Laboratories at various locations at Main and Downtown Campuses Identification of laboratories with combustible, flammable or other dangerous materials would be designated as exclusion zones. Senate Bill 11 allows the University President to identify areas where concealed handguns are prohibited. General student, faculty, staff and visitors will be occupants of buildings considered mixed use containing these exclusion zones. Areas where discharge of a handgun might cause widespread harm, such as laboratories with extremely dangerous chemicals, biological agents, or explosive agents, or equipment that is incompatible with metallic objects such as magnetic imaging machines. Also in these restrictive areas the donning on and off of protective gear is required making it necessary to potentially remove concealed firearms from a person. All license holders must meet requirements established by the Texas Government Code to obtain their license, which does not include specific training on handling of handguns in such facilities. Impractical for building users to go in and out of numerous exclusion zones within one building.
Biosafety Laboratories and Vivarium Identification of laboratories with combustible, flammable or other dangerous materials as well as those used in animal holding facilities for research. Senate Bill 11 allows the University President to identify areas where concealed handguns are prohibited. General student, faculty, staff and visitors will be occupants of buildings considered mixed use containing these exclusion zones. Areas where discharge of a handgun might cause widespread harm, such as laboratories with extremely dangerous chemicals, biological agents, or explosive agents, or equipment that is incompatible with metallic objects such as magnetic imaging machines. Also in these restrictive areas the donning on and off of protective gear is required making it necessary to potentially remove concealed firearms from a person. All license holders must meet requirements established by the Texas Government Code to obtain their license, which does not include specific training on handling of handguns in such facilities.
Biosciences Building Buildings that have a mixed use in terms of those areas identified as potential exclusion zones and space that is not. Review of floor plans and building layout would show the majority of the spaces within the building are exclusion zones. Senate Bill 11 allows the University President to establish reasonable rules, regulations, or other provisions regarding the carrying of concealed handguns by license holders on campus. Texas Penal Code 46.03. General student, faculty, staff and visitors will be occupants of buildings considered mixed use containing these exclusion zones. Areas where discharge of a handgun might cause widespread harm, such as laboratories with extremely dangerous chemicals, biological agents, or explosive agents, or equipment that is incompatible with metallic objects such as magnetic imaging machines. All license holders must meet requirements established by the Texas Government Code to obtain their license, which does not include specific training on handling of handguns in such facilities. Impractical for building users to go in and out of numerous exclusion zones within one building. Designated to ensure campus safety and avoid confusion by making entire facility an exclusion zone.
Multidisciplinary Studies Building - The Testing Center Testing for admissions, credit by exam, licensing, proficiency, petition for credit, and Texas Success Initiatives. Requirements and policies of many of the testing companies prohibit personal items and/or specifically prohibit weapons in the Testing Center. Senate Bill 11 allows the University President to identify areas where concealed handguns are prohibited. Testing is available to UTSA students, non-UTSA college students, K-12 students and the general public. Contractual requirements of the testing companies prohibit personal items and/or specifically prohibit weapons in the testing center. These services are necessary to be accessible to our students and the public, therefore it would not be beneficial to cancel contracts with the test providers.
Official Proceedings and Hearings locations These meetings/hearings can be emotionally charged and generate a range of emotions to include; anger, frustration, irritation, disappointment, resentment, bitterness and hostility. Senate Bill 11 allows the University President to identify areas where concealed handguns are prohibited. The Texas Penal Code prohibits firearms on the premises of any government court. Formal disciplinary hearings and grievance actions can be similar to court proceedings. UTSA faculty, staff and students will utilize various locations for formal proceedings and hearings. Removal or elimination of handguns in an environment that has the potential to become emotionally charged reduces safety concerns for all attendees. There are numerous processes/hearing events such as faculty or staff grievance, faculty appeals of tenure, student grievance, personnel discipline or dismissal, student conduct and community standards, fitness to practice review and research misconduct. Meetings and events asociated with these processes are not unlike those associated with court hearings where handguns are not allowed in accordance with the Texas Penal Code.
Office of Equal Opportunity Services, Office of Institutional Compliance and Risk Services, and Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards These offices investigate potential violations of university policy and in the course of those investigations, conduct meetings that can be emotionally charged and generate a range of emotions to include; anger, frustration, irritation, disappointment, resentment, bitterness, and hostility. Senate Bill 11 allows the University President to identify areas where concealed handguns are prohibited. The Texas Penal Code prohibits firearms on the premises of any government court. UTSA faculty, staff and students will utilize these offices. Removal or elimination of handguns in an environment that has the potential to become emotionally charged reduces safety concerns for all attendees. These offices investigate potential violations of university policy and in the course of those investigations, conduct meetings have the potential to become volatile.
Bosque Building - University Police space University Police space within Bosque building has restricted access for entering the offices as well as the investigative rooms. Senate Bill 11 allows the University President to identify areas where concealed handguns may be prohibited. University Police require that access their spaces be restricted due to the nature of the work performed. No restrictions would be placed on the lobby area serving the general public and students, faculty and staff. The University Police department detains suspects that could become violent and seize opportunities to remove handguns from those that are legitimate licensed handgun carriers. Additionally, during investigative matters it would be disruptive to the police processing to have others within their confined space with handguns. Police department seeks to minimize unnecessary harmful events from occurring. No storage facility will be available for license holders if they arrive at the Police Department with a firearm.
Central Receiving Warehouse Receiving has deliveries and short term storage of combustible or dangerous materials in the warehouse building pending delivery to various labs on campus. Senate Bill 11 allows the University President to identify areas where concealed handguns may be prohibited. Limited access or visits to the warehouse occurs from the campus community most days. Areas where discharge of a handgun might cause widespread harm, such as storage of extremely dangerous chemicals, biological agents, or explosive agents, or equipment that is incompatible with metallic objects such as magnetic imaging machines. All license holders must meet requirements established by the Texas Government Code to obtain their license, which does not include specific training on handling of handguns in such facilities.

 

Exemption Process for Unique Situations - Senate Bill 11 allows the University President to identify areas where concealed handguns are prohibited. New dynamics or changes in facility usage, a specific event, temporary circumstances, unique or unforeseen circumstances, case law, and other subtleties may pose a safety threat to students, faculty, staff or visitors. The university will develop a policy to address these situations or circumstances.

The Texas Department of Public Safety defines a concealed handgun as a handgun, the presence of which is not openly discernable to the ordinary observation of a reasonable person. This same definition will be utilized at UTSA. At all times, the handgun must be on or about the license holder's body or secured and concealed safely.

Leased Spaces - The UT System Office of General Counsel's interpretation of "leased spaces" includes leases on the main campus to external parties. Examples include; The Oaks Apartments, Chisholm Hall, Follett Bookstore. Senate Bill 11 defines a campus as all land and buildings owned and leased by an institution of higher education. The Penal Code allows an entity (other than a government agency) to exclude concealed carry by giving sufficient notice. A review of the current leases requires compliance with University rules and practices, therefore these locations will follow Campus Carry rules, regulations and provisions.