(effective through June 30, 2024)
Until July 1, 2024, the answer is no. Fairmont State prohibits the possession or storage of deadly weapons and destructive devices on campus.
(effective through June 30, 2024)
Until July 1, 2024, the answer is no. Fairmont State prohibits the possession or storage of deadly weapons and destructive devices on campus.
(effective July 1, 2024)
July 1, 2024, is the take-effect date for the Campus Self-defense Act.
Passed by the West Virginia Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Jim Justice in 2023, the Campus Self-Defense Act allows a person to carry a concealed pistol or revolver on the grounds of an institution of higher education, with some exceptions, if that person has a current and valid license to carry a concealed deadly weapon.
The law applies to on-campus locations, with certain exceptions.
With limited exceptions, concealed pistols or revolvers may be carried on campus by individuals with current and valid concealed carry licenses from West Virginia or a state with which there is reciprocity.
This applies to Fairmont State University main campus, as well as all current and future properties.
In most instances, signs will be used to designate excluded areas. In some cases, “Weapons Prohibited” notices will be included on ads, tickets or other communications. Ultimately, though, it is up to the concealed carry license holder to know the specifics of BOG Policy #GA-08 and to follow the regulations while on campus.
Pistol is defined as “a short firearm having a chamber which is integral with the barrel, designed to be aimed and fired by the use of a single hand.”
Revolver is defined as “a short firearm having a cylinder of several chambers that are brought successively into line with the barrel to be discharged, designed to be aimed and fired by the use of a single hand.”
No. Only people who are licensed to carry a concealed pistol or revolver will be permitted to have the weapons in areas where they are allowed, and the weapons must not be visible.
Fairmont State will still prohibit all other firearms, deadly weapons, and dangerous objects.
Yes, if the license was issued in a state that you have a valid driver’s license from. For example, if you are 21 and have a concealed carry license from VA you must have a valid driver's license from VA.
Yes.
Although West Virginia is a constitutional carry state, a license to carry a concealed deadly weapon may provide that person with additional rights to carry a weapon in places where it might otherwise be prohibited, including other states or in specific areas on college campuses in West Virginia.
In West Virginia, applications for concealed carry permits are processed through sheriff’s departments in counties of residence. For non-residents, applications can be filed at any county sheriff’s department.
West Virginia law requires the completion of a training course in handling and firing a handgun “with live firing of ammunition by the applicant” to obtain a license to carry a concealed deadly weapon. The Campus Self-defense Act does not require any additional training.
The West Virginia Attorney General’s Office published A Guide to Concealed Handgun Laws in West Virginia in July 2020. It provides a significant amount of useful information for those wanting to learn more about the gun laws in West Virginia.
No.
No. The concealed carry exception only applies when the organized event is taking place – when the gates or doors to the event or game are opened. At all other times, the area is treated like the rest of campus.
No. Only daycare facilities and specific functions under exclusive use of the state Department of Education, the West Virginia Secondary Schools Activities Commission, a county school board or a local public school are exempt.
The attendance of Middle College students at an event or gathered in a certain area does not create an exception to the Campus Self-defense Act.
Prohibited areas will be identified with signs.
It is up to the private entity to provide information about the concealed carry allowances.
Starting July 1, 2024, firearms will be prohibited in the Student Health. “Weapons Prohibited” signs will be in place.
Starting July 1, 2024, these laboratories will be marked with “Weapons Prohibited” signs. These labs are primarily located in Hunt Haught Hall.
Yes, if the backpack is always in your sole, close possession. West Virginia law defines “concealed” as “hidden from ordinary observation so as to prevent disclosure or recognition.”
The law requires pistols and revolvers to remain concealed at all times.
If a person’s pistol or revolver is not concealed — meaning it is fully showing, outlined or becomes visible as they move — contact UPD at 304-367-4157 and provide as much information as possible. An officer will follow up, when warranted.
If you see a rifle or long gun on campus, or if an individual is acting in a threatening or suspicious manner with a firearm, including a pistol or revolver that is supposed to be concealed, call 911 immediately.
Members of the University community should make plans to store or leave at home anything that would be prohibited in a specific area where they must go to do their job or attend class.
Employees or students may, consistent with their schedule, decide to secure any pistols or revolvers they may be carrying in their vehicle, as long as vehicle is locked and the firearms is out of view, as required by the West Virginia Business Liability Protection Act.
Firearms are prohibited in residence hall rooms. Therefore, the University is providing secure locations for a student with a concealed carry permit who lives in residence halls to store their handgun.
Per BOG policy #GA-08, “any University employee or student who fails to abide by the requirements within this Policy is subject to appropriate disciplinary action, including warning, suspension, termination, other disciplinary action, or possible criminal charges as may be appropriate.”
Importantly, a holder of a License or any other person not expressly authorized to do so by this Policy, shall not carry a Pistol or Revolver (or any other firearm or Deadly Weapon) that is partially or wholly visible, or intentionally or knowingly display in plain view of another person in a way or manner to cause, or threaten, a breach of the peace, regardless of whether the firearm is holstered. Anyone who violates this may, in addition to any applicable criminal charges, be subject to discipline.
Conduct that does not violate BOG policy #GA-08 may be prohibited by the University under a different Policy or standard of behavior. In such cases, the University reserves the ability to take any necessary action.
Any visitor who fails to abide by the requirements of BOG Policy #GA-08 shall be subject to appropriate action, including a request by Campus Police to leave campus or temporarily relinquish the prohibited item and, if they fail to do so, referral for any appropriate criminal action and/or issuance of a trespass notice.
All faculty and staff can now access Active Shooter training on SafeColleges. The training is 14 minutes long and provides an overview of run-hide-fight principles. To request additional active shooter training, please contact University Police at 304-367-4157.
Firearms are prohibited in residence hall rooms. Therefore, the University is providing secure locations for students with concealed carry permits who live in residence halls to store their pistol or revolver.
However, in accordance with the Campus Self-defense Act, concealed handguns are permitted in common areas like lounges and study areas. Furthermore, employees with valid concealed carry permits whose job responsibilities require them to be in residence halls — including resident assistants, main desk administrators, maintenance workers, campus service workers, food service workers or a person leading a program – may possess their concealed firearm there.
The University Police Department will manage residence hall gun storage lockers. The fee structure is being finalized and will be shared with residents before the start of the fall semester.
Storage lockers will be available in the following campus locations:
Individual lockers will be complemented with physical and electronic security measures.
Per BOG policy #GA-08, “any University employee or student who fails to abide by the requirements within this Policy is subject to appropriate disciplinary action, including warning, suspension, termination, other disciplinary action, or possible criminal charges as may be appropriate.”
Any other person who fails to abide by the requirements of this Policy shall be subject to appropriate action, including a request by Campus Police to leave campus or temporarily relinquish the prohibited item and, if they fail to do so, referral for any appropriate criminal action and/or issuance of a trespass notice.
Yes, if their job responsibilities require the employee to be in the residence hall. This is only while the person is in the on-campus residence hall for purposes of employment. This is the only instance where the law allows an employee who is not in law enforcement to carry in a prohibited area.
It is important to note that resident assistants are considered in the residence hall for purposes of their employment when they are on-duty and actively working. At other times, resident assistants are expected to store any pistol or revolver like other students living in residence halls.
No. Although employees may be able to carry on campus, neither the Campus Self-Defense Act nor the Business Liability Protection Act contain provisions that allow employees to carry or store pistols or revolvers in state vehicles.
No.
For specific questions not addressed here, please send an email to urm@fairmontstate.edu. A member of the University Communications team will reply as quickly as possible.