FAQ
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Who does the law apply to?
Full-time faculty and staff who have a handgun carry permit are eligible as long as they are not also enrolled as students at a public institution of higher education. Those wishing to carry a concealed handgun on campus are required to notify the ETSU Department of Public Safety. The notification form can be located on the left-hand side of this website. It must be turned in to the Department of Public Safety in person. -
Are there limitations to where I can carry my gun?
Yes. There are both geographic and situational limitations. For example, handguns are prohibited at University School, the VA campus, the Basler Center for Physical Activity (CPA), all child care facilities, and all on-campus and off-campus health care facilities/clinics operated by ETSU. In addition, guns are prohibited at all disciplinary hearings, tenure hearings as well as at any school-sponsored event held in any stadium, gymnasium and auditorium. This includes athletic events, student organization activities and performances/public lectures. Map marked with limited carry areas -
What are ETSU sponsored activities?
School-sponsored events include athletic events, student organization activities and performances/public lectures held at a variety of locations including athletic facilities like Brooks Gym, the Mini-dome and Thomas Stadium, as well as auditoriums and meeting spaces including the Culp auditorium and the ETSU amphitheatre. -
Are there times when I can carry at stadiums, gymnasiums and auditoriums?
Yes, only when school-sponsored events are not in progress. Please note, weapons are not allowed at any time in the CPA. -
How do I notify ETSU of my intent to carry?
A notification form is included on the left tab of this web site. Written notification must be submitted to the ETSU Department of Public Safety in person prior to bringing the handgun to campus. For more information, contact the Public Safety office at 423-439-4480. -
What constitutes “concealed”?
Concealed means not visible to ordinary observation. The handgun must remain on or about their person, which means the gun must be carried concealed on the person or it must be carried concealed in a handbag, briefcase or other carrying case that remains within an arm’s reach of the person at all times. -
What are the liabilities/responsibilities associated with carrying a concealed handgun on campus?
The employee is not acting in the course or scope of their employment when carrying or using the handgun, is not entitled to worker compensation benefits for injuries arising from the carrying or use of a handgun, and is not immune from personal liability with respect to use or carrying of a handgun. Failure to comply with firearms policy could result in criminal sanctions as well as administrative disciplinary proceedings. -
Should I still call Public Safety if I see someone with a weapon?
Yes, absolutely! This law allows concealed carry only. Public Safety will investigate and take appropriate action. -
Do I have to notify each ETSU campus on which I plan to carry?
Yes. For more information on the notification process, contact the ETSU Department of Public Safety. -
Can I carry in a state vehicle?
No. In addition to state-owned vehicles, carrying a concealed handgun is also prohibited in rental cars being used for ETSU business. -
Who will know I am carrying a concealed handgun?
The ETSU Department of Public Safety and/or the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction will maintain the records as confidential and not open for public inspection. No one else at ETSU, including your supervisor, will have access to this information. -
Can I have access to a list of those who have notified ETSU of plans to carry a concealed handgun?
No. The ETSU Department of Public Safety and/or the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction will maintain the records as confidential and not open for public inspection. -
If I decide to no longer carry a concealed handgun on campus, do I need to notify Public Safety?
Once you have notified Public Safety of your intentions to carry, it is up to you whether you decide to carry or not carry each day. However, if there is a change in your employment or handgun carry permit status that no longer makes you eligible to carry on campus, you must notify ETSU Public Safety. -
Are guns allowed in residence halls?
Unless prohibited for situational reasons (disciplinary hearing, student organization activity, etc.), then those eligible employees permitted to carry a handgun on campus may do so in a residence hall. -
Are students allowed to carry?
No. Even full-time faculty and staff who are also enrolled as students at a public institution of higher education are prohibited from carrying a concealed handgun on campus. -
Can visitors and guests who have handgun permits carry concealed handguns on campus?
No. This law only applies to full-time faculty and staff. -
What about University School?
The carrying of concealed handguns is strictly prohibited at University School. Guns are also prohibited in any classroom/space on the ETSU campus when being used by University School. -
What about the VA campus?
The carrying of concealed handguns is strictly prohibited on all federal property, which includes the Mountain Home VA Medical Center campus. -
What about the CPA?
In that the CPA is a gymnasium used almost exclusively for school-sponsored activities, as well as University School and a children’s daycare, the CPA is designated as a building where concealed carry is not allowed. -
What if I have other questions?
Other questions should be directed to ETSU Department of Public Safety at 423-439-4480.