Weapons Policy

Introduction and Purpose:

The purpose of this policy is to establish restrictions regarding the possession, carry, transportation and storage of weapons on the university premises.  See Policy 1006, Board of Regents Policy and Procedure Manual.

Definitions:

For purposes of this policy,

“Weapon” means an instrument, article or substance that is designed, used or likely to be used to cause bodily harm or property damage.  Weapons include the following items: firearms, including rifles, shotguns, handguns; bowie, dirks and knives (other than kitchen knives) with blades four (4) inches or longer, explosives, swords, nun chucks, throwing stars and other martial arts weapons, crossbows, compound bows, recurve bows, long bows, pepper spray (except for small, personal protection dispensers), BB guns, paintball guns, ammunition and non-functioning replicas that could be confused with actual firearms.

“University Premises” means the facilities and land owned, leased by or under the primary control of Montana State University-Bozeman and passenger vehicles owned, leased or otherwise under the control of the university.

Policy:

No person may carry or posses a weapon, regardless of whether the person has a permit to carry a concealed weapon, on university premises except as authorized by this policy.

1. Authorized Storage Facilities. MSU community members may store rifles, shotguns, crossbows, compound bows, recurve bows and long bows with field or broadhead points in university storage facilities.
2. Licensed Peace Officers and Security Personnel.  Licensed peace officers working in the course and scope of their employment as law enforcement officers and employees of a contracted private security company, registered to carry firearms pursuant to Title 37, Chapter 60, MCA, working in the course and scope of their employment, are authorized to carry loaded firearms on campus.
3. The transportation of unloaded firearms directly between a parking area on campus and the location authorized for its use, or transportation of a firearm to be stored in the university storage facility as outlined in this policy is permitted under this policy.
4. The use of starting pistols at athletic events, replicas in connection with authorized military drills by ROTC or theatrical productions sponsored by the university is permitted.
5. The display of unloaded firearms in connection with university events or events contracted under the Facility Use Policy by third parties if permitted, if the advance written permission from the University Police Chief or designee is obtained.   The Chief of Police shall provide notice to university administrators or employees who, in his or her discretion, should be advised of the granted exception.

Procedures:

Students and employees who violate the provisions of this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion or termination of employment.  The University Police Department shall be responsible for appropriate enforcement of the policy for visitors and others on campus which may include removal from the campus, restriction of access to campus per the Restricting Access to University Property Policy and criminal and/or civil proceedings.

Internal control considerations, if applicable:

No internal controls are required.