University Firearms Policy

Introduction and Purpose:

Recent incidents involving shootings at institutions of higher education indicated a need to review the existing University firearms policy. It was determined that the existing policy should be revised to more clearly specify what weapons are prohibited on the university campus, and the conditions pertaining to possession, transport and storage of firearms.

Policy:

Montana State University defines the following items as prohibited weapons:  rifles, shotguns, handguns, knives with blades four (4) inches or longer, explosives, swords, nunchucks, throwing stars and other martial arts weapons, crossbows, compound bows, recurve bows, pepper spray (except for small, personal protection dispensers), BB guns, paintball guns, dangerous chemicals, and non-functioning replicas that could be confused with actual firearms.

Prohibited weapons may not be carried or possessed by individuals while in MSU buildings or on the MSU campus.  The university is a "prohibited place” under MCA 45-8-328, which suspends the privilege granted by a concealed carry permit to carry a concealed weapon.  Weapons may be stored in university storage facilities pursuant to specific university policies such as the Residence Life Handbook (available online at http://www.montana.edu/wwwocl/Reslife/pdfs/handbook.pdf), the Family & Graduate Housing Contract (available in hard copy at Family & Graduate Housing), and the University Facilities Use Manual (available online at http://www2.montana.edu/policy/facility_use/), etc.  Firearms may be transported in a vehicle if unloaded, cased and kept out of sight.

Procedures:

The policy is enforced by University Police, Auxiliary Services (Housing and Sports Facilities policies), and University Services (Facilities Use Handbook).

Internal control considerations, if applicable:

No internal controls are required.

Return to regular view	Text-only	Updated: 6/18/07