Campus Carry Recommendations
Official rules have been approved by The Texas State University System Board of Regents, making this page obsolete. It is being maintained for archive pursposes only. View Campus Carry rules.
Last Update: February 22, 2016
General Policy Recommendations
| Policy | Room(s) | Information/Background | Relevant Laws, Regulations and/or Links | Nature of Student Population | Specific Safety Considerations | Unique Environment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Policy No Gun Storage Provided by the University on San Marcos Campus or Round Rock Campus | Room(s) | Information/Background Senate Bill 11 does not require universities to provide handgun storage for license holders*. There are many other ways to safely store a handgun. The Texas Government Code only stipulates that the storage of a handgun be such that a child would not be at risk of accidental injury. [*license holder as that phrase is used in this document includes an individual that holds the Concealed Carry License (CHL) or the License to Carry (LTC).] | Relevant Laws, Regulations and/or Links The Texas Government, Subchapter H, Section 411.188.4: | Nature of Student Population The student population of license holders does not differ from those in the general population in that both must meet the same requirements to obtain a license and safely store their weapons. | Specific Safety Considerations Texas Government Code requires that license holders are taught proper handgun storage. Providing handgun storage on campus would increase the time spent handling a gun, and thus increase the risk of an accidental discharge. It would raise issues regarding cost, availability, security, privacy, and liability. | Unique Environment Since the University's campuses are expansive and have many separated areas and buildings, one centralized storage area is not feasible. Multiple storage locations would be needed and would be very expensive to establish and maintain. |
Policy Exemption Request Process (Provost/Cabinet Member) | Room(s) | Information/Background Other universities have incorporated language in their policies that allows the Provost, in consultation with appropriate authorities, to establish areas exempt from concealed carry that includes areas where the carrying of concealed weapons pose obvious problems. A statement similar to the following would appear in the appropriate University policy: "When the nature of a particular academic setting or other activity would make it difficult or impossible for a permit holder to participate… the Provost or appropriate member of the President's Cabinet may make a recommendation to the President who exercises final approval." | Relevant Laws, Regulations and/or Links | Nature of Student Population | Specific Safety Considerations There may be unique, temporary, or unforeseen circumstances wherein the carrying of a concealed weapon would pose a threat to students, faculty, staff, or visitors. | Unique Environment Texas State University offers a broad curriculum that requires unique classroom and lab environments. The campuses host events that allow interactions with the broader community and many guests come on each campus daily. This clause will allow for flexibility in addressing safety concerns in circumstances that may not be foreseen in the pre-implementation phase of this new legislation. |
Carve-Out Recommendation: Premises Providing Service/Events for Minor Children
| Building(s) | Room(s) | Information/Background | Relevant Laws, Regulations and/or Links | Nature of Student Population | Specific Safety Considerations | Unique Environment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Building(s) The Child Development Center (CDC) | Room(s) | Information/Background CDC provides a model early education and child care program for students, staff, faculty, and the community. It serves infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Currently, there are 90 children enrolled. Each year, 500-600 University students visit as "lab students." The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services prohibits firearms on these premises. | Relevant Laws, Regulations and/or Links Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Child Care Licensing Division: Minimum Standards for Child-Care Centers, Sec. 746.3707, Subchapter S, Division 1.; Child Care Services (CCS), and the USDA Child Care and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). | Nature of Student Population Although enrolled students are not CDC clients, the client population consists of infants, toddlers, and pre-school age children. This population presents unique safety concerns. | Specific Safety Considerations Young children may exhibit behaviors that are unpredictable and aggressive. Armed adults in the CDC will increase the risk of an accidental discharge. | Unique Environment Not all universities operate a Child Development Center. Moreover, the state recognizes the uniqueness of the environment and state licensure regulations prohibit weapons in licensed child care facilities. |
Building(s) The Clinic for Autism Research Evaluation and Support (CARES) and the Assessment and Counseling Clinic (ACC) | Room(s) San Marcos Campus: 1st Floor of Education Building and Round Rock Campus: AVRY 111 and 112 | Information/Background CARES, housed in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and the Department of Counseling, Leadership, Adult Education, and School Psychology in the College of Education, provides assessment and treatment to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (e.g., autism.) More than a dozen such individuals between the ages of 2 and adulthood (18+ years old) are in CARES rooms, moving through the hallways between CARES rooms, or near the front doors. ACC houses several programs/departments and serves diverse client populations including members of the general public. The focus is on children and family counseling. Among the clients served, children are the most vulnerable, as are adults with mental illness, and individuals in abusive relationships seeking support. | Relevant Laws, Regulations and/or Links Gen. Government Code 411.172 | Nature of Student Population Although enrolled students are not CARES or ACC clients, the clinical population that includes children from age 2 to 18 years presents unique safety concerns. | Specific Safety Considerations CARES provides treatment to reduce aggressive behaviors. Grabbing someone who is armed could lead to an accidental discharge. CARES' adult clients with milder intellectual disabilities or mental illnesses, if a license holder, would be able to bring a gun into the clinic. Children and adults with intellectual disabilities may not know how to behave upon seeing a gun, and would likely not behave in predictable ways. ACC serves families in crisis who often exhibit problematic behavior including conflict, aggression, abuse, and/or violence. ACC also serves clients who are in the process of leaving abusive relationships. Providing mental health services to potentially volatile clientele creates safety concerns. | Unique Environment Not all universities operate clinics that serve individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities or clinics that provide counseling services to children and families in crisis. |
Building(s) Speech-Language-Hearing and Physical Therapy Clinics in the College of Health Professions | Room(s) HPB Rooms 101, 104, 111, 110A, 112-128 | Information/Background The Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic is a training facility for undergraduate and graduate students in the Department of Communication Disorders. An on-campus clinic is required for the program’s national accreditation. Disorders range from hearing loss and problems expressing wants and needs, to understanding others. The causes of these speech and hearing problems range from autism to developmental delays, reduced cognitive abilities, neurological problems, dementia, stroke, learning disabilities, and prenatal/birth defects. Aggression, tantrums, impulsivity, and agitation are common in these populations. The Physical Therapy Clinic is a clinical training facility for Doctor of Physical Therapy graduate students. About 70 patients are seen by these students under faculty supervision. Clientele include children and adults, many with neurological, developmental, and cognitive disorders. The mobility of all patients is compromised or reduced in some way. In certain cases, cognition may be compromised or reduced. | Relevant Laws, Regulations and/or Links Gen. Government Code 411.172 | Nature of Student Population Although enrolled students are not clients, the clinical population that includes children in pre-K through grade 12, presents unique safety concerns. | Specific Safety Considerations Behavioral, cognitive emotional/affective and communicative issues in the populations served by these clinics may cause situations wherein a patient does not understand the implications of playing with or touching a gun. Many younger patients cannot delineate between a toy and a real gun. Due to limited understandings, specifically through talking and hearing, many patients cannot follow directions, tell others what they saw, or hear a communicated warning. The safety of the patients would be jeopardized in the case of an accidental discharge or a found handgun. Additionally, in the Physical Therapy clinic a concealed handgun may restrict the prescribed theraputic program especially in situations where clothing must be removed and/or where body manipulations and treatments would make the requirement that all weapons remain "concealed" impossible. | Unique Environment Few public universities have a degree in Communication Disorders and/or Physical Therapy. Therefore, few have an on-campus Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic or Physical Therapy Clinic. |
Building(s) Locations Used for Pre-K Through Grade 12 Summer Activities / Camps on the San Marcos Campus and on the Round Rock Campus | Room(s) Residence Halls used for summer camps; Music Bldg. during summer terms; Avery Bldg. during Summer I term, and other summer camp locations | Information/Background During the summer months (June and July), the Department of Housing and Residential Life (DHRL) offers on-campus housing to over 50 camp and conference groups serving pre-K through grade 12 attendees. The School of Music and additional locations on the San Marcos Campus offer such programs. The Avery Building on the Round Rock Campus is used for these events during the Summer I term. | Relevant Laws, Regulations and/or Links Texas Penal Code Section 46.03 and 46.035 (PDF). | Nature of Student Population The majority of attendees are school-aged students. Typically, one adult supervises groups of roughly 30 participants. | Specific Safety Considerations Texas State University has a special responsibility to provide for the safety of young community participants. | Unique Environment Not all universities offer summer programs on campus for pre-K through grade 12 participants. |
Carve-Out Recommendation: Premises Providing Health Services
| Building(s) | Room(s) | Information/Background | Relevant Laws, Regulations and/or Links | Nature of Student Population | Specific Safety Considerations | Unique Environment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Building(s) The Student Health Center | Room(s) San Marcos Campus - SHC; Round Rock Campus - Room 116, Nursing Bldg. | Information/Background The Texas State University Student Health Centers at the San Marcos Campus and the Round Rock Campus provide primary, women’s, and psychiatric healthcare services to university students. The Student Health Centers have experienced healthcare providers, including physicians and nurse practitioners. Medical, laboratory, digital radiography, and pharmacological services and prescription drugs are available on-site. | Relevant Laws, Regulations and/or Links Gen. Government Code 411.172. Although it does not qualify as a hospital, many of the same safety concerns prohibiting handguns at such facilities apply. The Centers are nationally accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. (AAAHC). | Nature of Student Population All undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to receive services at the Student Health Centers. | Specific Safety Considerations The nature of the student population served and diversity of services provided raise concerns about the fear of injury to self and others in the Student Health Centers. The combination of mental health services and the ability to prescribe and dispense pharmaceutical medications, creates additional concerns. The law does not provide a mechanism, nor would it be safe or appropriate, for a mental health provider to require that a handgun be relinquished after a diagnosis is made. | Unique Environment The Student Health Centers serve students suffering from psychological, as well as alcohol and other drug abuse disorders that can lead to threatening behaviors and violence. |
Carve-Out Recommendation: Premises Used for Disciplinary, Legal Compliance and Counseling
| Building(s) | Room(s) | Information/Background | Relevant Laws, Regulations and/or Links | Nature of Student Population | Specific Safety Considerations | Unique Environment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Building(s) San Marcos Campus - LBJ Student Center - and Round Rock Campus in Nursing Building | Room(s) San Marcos Campus - LBJ 5th Floor and Round Rock Campus, Room 116 in Nursing Building | Information/Background The fifth floor of the LBJ Student Center contains Student Affairs offices that provide sensitive services to vulnerable and potentially volatile populations. The majority of distressed students served in this area have an immediate need for assistance and there is a high density of vulnerable and potentially volatile students served in this area. Distressed students are frequently walked between offices on this floor. It is not unusual for University Police Department officers to respond to situations involving safety concerns for students and/or staff. On the Round Rock Campus the Counseling Center provides clinical services to individuals, groups, and couples. It engages in crisis intervention and consultation. Concerns addressed include stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, substance abuse, and adjustment to college. The center also trains new mental health professionals. | Relevant Laws, Regulations and/or Links Gen. Government Code 411.172. Accreditation standards, International Association of Counseling Services. The doctoral internship program is accredited by the American Psychological Association and is a member of the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers. | Nature of Student Population Services accessible to students on the fifth floor of the LBJ Student Center, include the Dean of Students Office (which includes Student Justice), Alcohol and Drug Compliance Services, and the Counseling Center. On the Round Rock Campus, the Counseling Center provides counseling and crisis intervention services to students, including students in crisis with an immediate need for said services. Government code makes a chemically dependent person, or a person diagnosed by a licensed physician as suffering from a psychiatric condition, ineligible to be a license holder. | Specific Safety Considerations At Student Justice, violations of the code of student conduct are adjudicated. Students often demonstrate high levels of anger and frustration at adjudicatory proceedings. Additionally, populations prone to substance and alcohol abuse can be present at the Alcohol and Drug Compliance Services. Students with mental illness who might present a danger to themselves or others attend the counseling centers. The law does not provide a mechanism, nor would it be safe or appropriate, for a mental health provider to require that a handgun be relinquished after a diagnosis is made. | Unique Environment The fifth floor of the LBJ Student Center and the Counseling Center on the Round Rock Campus are unique because there is a density of vulnerable, volatile, and distressed students seeking services for which they have an immediate need. The majority of the offices on the San Marcos Campus that deal with disciplinary matters, quasi-judicial and administrative hearings, legal compliance issues, as well as substance abuse, mental health and disability issues are on the fifth floor. University Police Department officers are often required to assist in many of these situations. |
Building(s) Premises Used for Disciplinary Action as Defined in Official University Policy Statements | Room(s) Various locations on the San Marcos and Round Rock Campuses are used for disciplinary matters, legal and quasi-judicial matters, and legal compliance. | Information/Background Disciplinary actions can be taken against students, staff, organizations, and faculty members. Adjudication of a disputed matter is done in accord with the processes and procedures required by the applicable University policies. Processes often include quasi-judicial, administrative hearings and dispositions. Disciplinary sanctions vary from verbal warnings to employment termination or student expulsion. | Relevant Laws, Regulations and/or Links Texas Penal Code Section 46.03 and 46.035 (PDF). | Nature of Student Population A disciplinary action may be brought against an undergraduate or graduate student, an organization, a staff member, or a faculty member. Disciplinary action involves adjudicatory processes that can include individual and /or group meetings, hearings, mediations, quasi-judicial proceedings, and appellate proceedings. | Specific Safety Considerations Premises of the University wherein formal disciplinary actions are being conducted are comparable to governmental courts. The Texas Penal Code prohibits carrying weapons in a court. That same rationale provides justification to disallow weapons in matters involving adjudication at the university level. | Unique Environment Since disciplinary matters, hearings, and legal compliance of faculty, staff, organizations, and students may occur in a variety of locations, the University will create a policy and procedure statement to operationalize this recommendation. |
Carve-Out Recommendation: Premises When Used for Competitive Sporting, NCAA and UIL Events
| Building(s) | Room(s) | Information/Background | Relevant Laws, Regulations and/or Links | Nature of Student Population | Specific Safety Considerations | Unique Environment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Building(s) Locations on the San Marcos and Round Rock Campuses Used for Competitive Sporting, NCAA, and UIL Events While Such Events Are Occurring | Room(s) UFCU Stadium; Strahan Coliseum; Bobcat Baseball/Softball Complex; Track and Field Stadium, and other locations where such events are held | Information/Background Texas State University hosts a number of competitive sporting events where guns are prohibited by Texas law, NCAA and UIL rules and regulations. | Relevant Laws, Regulations and/or Links Texas Penal Code Section 46.03 and 46.035 (PDF). Texas State's Safety and Security Plan, approved by the NCAA; NCAA rules; and UIL Rules and Regulations: (PDF) | Nature of Student Population Students and the general public, including children, attend these events. UIL events are specifically held for middle and high school aged participants and their guests. | Specific Safety Considerations Texas law prohibits weapons at athletic and interscholastic events. Also, as reflected by NCAA and UIL rules that disallow firearms on premises hosting competitive sporting events, the prohibition of firearms in venues where these events are held is needed for the safety and security of participants and guests. | Unique Environment Large capacity sporting events and UIL events, are hosted on both the San Marcos and Round Rock Campuses. Said events require that safety and security plans are in place in order to provide a safe environment. |
Carve-Out Recommendation: Premises Used as Official Residence or for Polling
| Building(s) | Room(s) | Information/Background | Relevant Laws, Regulations and/or Links | Nature of Student Population | Specific Safety Considerations | Unique Environment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Building(s) President's House and Surrounding Grounds | Room(s) PRES | Information/Background The President's House is both a private residence and a location where the President hosts official University events. The President is required to reside in the President's House that is located on the San Marcos Campus. | Relevant Laws, Regulations and/or Links Texas Penal Code Section 46.03 and 46.035 (PDF). | Nature of Student Population Guests include individuals from the University community, community-at-large, minors, elected and/or appointed public officials, donors, prospective donors, University Presidents, the system's Board of Regents, Chancellor, staff, and invited speakers. | Specific Safety Considerations The President is the Chief Executive Officer of the University and is required to reside in the President's House. Specific safety concerns can suddenly arise when uninvited individuals arrive at the residence and/or when unanticipated intrusions occur at the residence. | Unique Environment The President's House is located on University property and is owned and maintained by the University. |
Building(s) LBJ Student Center - When Used For Polling | Room(s) 3rd floor, LBJ when used for polling purposes. | Information/Background During governmental elections, citizens are allowed to cast ballots at the LBJ Student Center. | Relevant Laws, Regulations and/or Links Texas Penal Code Section 46.03 and 46.035 (PDF). | Nature of Student Population | Specific Safety Considerations Under Texas law, license holders are not permitted to carry concealed weapons at polling sites. |
Operational Recommendations: Policies
| Policy | New Policy | Modify Existing Policy | Link to Existing | Ownership | Content Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Policy UPPS - Campus Safety Policy | New Policy New | Modify Existing Policy | Link to Existing | Ownership Academic Affairs | Content Considerations Procedure for enforcement of campus carry rules; definitions of "disciplinary action" for the purpose of carve-out areas; violation reporting process and consequences for policy violation; reserve right to use metal detectors as needed; UPPS to contain master list of carve-out areas |
Policy Student Honor Code/Academic Dishonesty Policy | New Policy | Modify Existing Policy Honor Code UPPS 07.10.01 | Link to Existing UPPS No. 07.10.01 | Ownership Academic Affairs | Content Considerations Location for meeting with student and presence of third party |
Policy Faculty Office Hours Policy | New Policy | Modify Existing Policy PPS 4.01 | Link to Existing PPS 4.01 | Ownership Academic Affairs | Content Considerations Electronic office hours; safe practices in student meetings |
Policy TSUS BOR Rules | New Policy | Modify Existing Policy Chapter VII, Sec. 4.5 | Link to Existing Page 153: Chapter 7, Sec. 4.5 | Ownership TSUS | Content Considerations Explain concealed carry exception |
Operational Recommendations: Informational Documents
| Document(s) | New Document | Modify Existing | Link to Existing | Ownership | Content Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Document(s) Faculty, Staff, Student and Residence Hall Informational Documents | New Document | Modify Existing Faculty Handbook | Link to Existing Faculty Handbook | Ownership Academic Affairs | Content Considerations Information about concealed carry expectations |
Document(s) | New Document | Modify Existing Staff Handbook | Link to Existing Staff Handbook | Ownership Human Resources | Content Considerations Information about concealed carry expectations |
Document(s) | New Document | Modify Existing Code of Student Conduct | Link to Existing Code of Student Conduct | Ownership Student Affairs | Content Considerations Information about concealed carry expectations |
Document(s) | New Document | Modify Existing University Housing Policy | Link to Existing University Housing Policy | Ownership Housing and Residence Life | Content Considerations Information about concealed carry expectations |
Document(s) Safe Meeting Practices FAQ | New Document New | Modify Existing | Link to Existing | Ownership Academic Affairs and Human Resources | Content Considerations Group meetings, individual meetings, staff meetings, faculty meetings |
Document(s) Safe Classroom Practices | New Document New | Modify Existing | Link to Existing | Ownership Academic Affairs | Content Considerations Size, time and location of classes and best practices |
Document(s) Legal Issues and Liabilities | New Document New | Modify Existing | Link to Existing | Ownership TSUS - OGC | Content Considerations Staff, faculty and students; Procedures for reporting concealed carry violations and possible sanctions. |
Document(s) Tips for CHL Holders | New Document New | Modify Existing | Link to Existing | Ownership UPD | Content Considerations Information and responsibilities |
Document(s) University Values and Mission Statement | New Document | Modify Existing Mission and Goals | Link to Existing Mission and Goals | Ownership President's Office | Content Considerations The Texas State University community supports reasoned and rational thinking as the way to resolve disputes. |
Document(s) Clinic and Program Policies | New Document | Modify Existing Professional Counseling Program Student Handbook | Link to Existing Professional Counseling Program Student Handbook (PDF) | Ownership Department | Content Considerations Campus Carry Information |
Document(s) | New Document | Modify Existing Speech-Language Hearing Clinic FAQ | Link to Existing Speech-Language Hearing Clinic FAQ | Ownership Department | Content Considerations Campus Carry Information |
Document(s) | New Document | Modify Existing Department of Physical Therapy Frequently Asked Questions | Link to Existing Department of Physical Therapy Frequently Asked Questions | Ownership Department | Content Considerations Campus Carry Information |
Document(s) | New Document | Modify Existing Counseling Services Overview | Link to Existing Counseling Services Overview | Ownership Department | Content Considerations Campus Carry Information |
Document(s) | New Document | Modify Existing Student Health Center Patient Rights and Responsibilities | Link to Existing Student Health Center Patient Rights and Responsibilities | Ownership Wellness Center | Content Considerations Campus Carry Information |
Document(s) | New Document | Modify Existing Child Development Center Handbook | Link to Existing Child Development Center Handbook | Ownership CDC | Content Considerations Campus Carry Information |
Document(s) Campus Map | New Document | Modify Existing Campus Map | Link to Existing Campus Map | Ownership Facilities | Content Considerations Consider whether to mark carve-out areas or add note to inform that concealed carry is not allowed in all areas |
Operational Recommendations: Notice Methods
| Document(s) | New Document | Modify Existing | Link to Existing | Ownership | Content Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Document(s) University Website | New Document | Modify Existing University Website | Link to Existing University Website | Ownership Information Technology and Marketing | Content Considerations Information about campus carry with link to campus carry website |
Document(s) Campus Carry Website | New Document | Modify Existing Campus Carry Website | Link to Existing Campus Carry Website | Ownership President's Office | Content Considerations FAQ with link to "Tips for License Holders" |
Document(s) UPD Website | New Document | Modify Existing UPD Website | Link to Existing UPD Website | Ownership UPD | Content Considerations FAQ |
Document(s) Human Resources Website | New Document | Modify Existing Human Resources Website | Link to Existing Human Resources Website | Ownership Human Resources | Content Considerations Concealed carry notice. However, no notice will be placed in any job posting, applications, or other hiring material. |
Document(s) Marketing Material | New Document New | Modify Existing | Link to Existing | Ownership Marketing | Content Considerations Quick reference guidelines for Texas State University |
Document(s) Website Notice | New Document New | Modify Existing | Link to Existing | Ownership Department/Program | Content Considerations Notice that public school field trip events occur on premises (i.e.., The Meadows Center) |
Document(s) Signage | New Document New | Modify Existing | Link to Existing | Ownership Relevant Division | Content Considerations Signage required by statute for carve out areas; additional signage to warn that hazardous materials are on the premises |
Operational Recommendations: Training and Educational Opportunities
| Training/Education | New | Modify Existing | Format | Ownership | Content Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Training/Education New Student, Faculty, Staff and Housing Orientations | New | Modify Existing Modify | Format Face to Face | Ownership Dean of Students, Academic Affairs, Human Resources, and Department of Housing and Residential Life | Content Considerations Campus carry FAQ |
Training/Education Professional Development Programs | New | Modify Existing Modify | Format Face to Face and/or Electronic | Ownership Professional Development | Content Considerations Conflict de-escalation training; response to intimidation, etc.; situational awareness; active shooter response protocol |
Training/Education Voluntary License Holder Training | New New | Modify Existing | Format Face to Face and/or Electronic | Ownership University Police Department | Content Considerations Voluntary enhanced training for license holders on Texas State University Campuses. |
Training/Education Ethics Compliance Training | New | Modify Existing Modify | Format Electronic | Ownership Human Resources | Content Considerations Modify existing content regarding weapons-free workspace |
Training/Education Education Regarding Behavioral Assessment Team (BAT) | New New | Modify Existing | Format Face to Face and/or Electronic | Ownership Professional Development and Behavioral Assessment Team | Content Considerations Information about how to access Behavioral Assessment Team in time of need |
Training/Education UPD Staffing | New New | Modify Existing | Format | Ownership University Police Department | Content Considerations Explore adequacy of staffing in light of campus carry |