05.501 Weapons on Campus

Chief of Police

Revised January 2019; Established September 14, 2006

N.C.G.S §§ 14-269, 14-269.2

 N/A

University Police

Policy Details:

1. Purpose

   To state the regulations regarding weapons on UNCW property.

2. Policy

   1. The University of North Carolina system of campuses is classified as educational property under State law, with violations classified as either felony or misdemeanor.

   2. Subject to the listed exemptions in Section III, it shall be unlawful for any person to possess the following weapons on UNCW property:

      1. Dynamite cartridge, bomb, grenade, mine, fireworks or powerful explosive

      2. Any gun, rifle, pistol, or other firearm (whether unloaded or not)

      3. Any BB gun, air rifle, air pistol, stun gun

      4. Bowie knife, dirk, dagger, switchblade knife

      5. Razors and razor blades (except solely for shaving)

      6. Any sharp-pointed or edged instrument

      7. Slingshot, leaded cane, blackjack

      8. Metallic knuckles

      9. Other deadly weapons

      In the case of a gun, rifle, pistol, other firearm, dynamite cartridge, bomb, grenade, mine, or powerful explosive, it shall also be unlawful for any person knowingly to possess or carry such weapon to a curricular or extracurricular activity sponsored by UNCW.

      The possession, display, and/or brandishing of a weapon may also be punishable under the Code of Student Life.

3. Authorized Possession

   1. Exemptions exist for instructional supplies; unaltered nail files and clips; and tools used solely for preparation of food, instruction, and maintenance; weapons used solely for educational or school-sanctioned ceremonial purposes, or used in a school-approved program conducted with authorized supervision; and law enforcement and other emergency services personnel.

   2. By law enforcement, other emergency services personnel, and certain other persons, including positions in legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government, as may be permitted by North Carolina statute, specifically N.C.G.S. §§ 14-269 and 14-269.2.

   3. The possession of a handgun by a person who has a concealed handgun permit valid under Chapter 14 Article 54B of the N.C.G.S., or is exempt from obtaining a permit according to that Article, as long as the handgun remains and is properly contained in the person’s locked vehicle or in a locked container securely affixed to the person’s vehicle. Authorized possession includes unlocking, entering and exiting the vehicle as necessary to properly contain the handgun for storage, conceal the handgun on the person or allow a passenger to enter the vehicle, as more specifically provided in N.C.G.S. 14-269.2(k).

   4. This policy does not prevent the possession of a small ordinary pocket knife carried in the closed position, if the knife is designed to be carried in a pocket or purse, and its cutting edge and point are entirely closed by its handle, and it may not be opened by a throwing, explosive or spring action.

   5. Questions regarding authorized use and possession should be directed to the Chief of Police.

4. Violations
   
   Individuals found in violation of this policy may be subject to both criminal prosecution and disciplinary action, up to and including suspension for students, dismissal for employees, or trespass from campus for visitors.