Weapons on Campus

Violations

The chief administrative officer, or an officer or employee designated by the chief administrative officer to maintain order, may order a person to leave the property of an educational institution if the officer or employee believes that the person is committing any act or has entered the property with the purpose of committing any act that disrupts the lawful use of the property by others at the educational institution.

Violations of ABOR Policies 5-302 and 5-303 of the Code of Conduct are enforceable against all University of Arizona employees, students, and visitors. Any use, possession, display, or storage of a weapon, explosive device, or fireworks on the property of the institution after a reasonable request to remove the weapon, explosive device, or fireworks interferes with and disrupts the lawful use of the institution’s property by others. Persons in violation of any lawful order to remove the weapon or to leave the property are subject to arrest by a peace officer for interference with or disruption of an educational institution, ARS 13-2911(A)(3).

Unless specifically authorized by law, a person may also be in violation of “misconduct involving weapons” by knowingly entering a public establishment or attending a public event carrying a deadly weapon on their person after a reasonable request by the operator of the establishment or sponsor of the event or agent to remove the weapon from the area, per ARS 13-3102 (A)(10). A properly worded sign will serve as a “reasonable request.”

Enforcement

Violations of this policy by University students, faculty and staff will be considered misconduct, subject to disciplinary action in accordance with ABOR policy. Violation of this policy by members of the public may result in ejection from the property and/or confiscation of the weapon, dangerous instrument used, displayed or possessed. Violations may also result in arrest for applicable state statutes.
Confiscated weapon(s) or instrument(s) may be sold, destroyed or otherwise disposed of in accordance with Arizona Revised Statutes. All seizures of prohibited items will be carried out within current policies regarding the processing of evidence.

Request for Exceptions

Any request to use, possess, display, or store a weapon on University property in connection with official University business must first be reviewed by the responsible Dean or Department Head. The Dean or Department Head may comment and shall forward the request to the Provost for review and comment. The request must then be forwarded to the Chief of Police of the University of Arizona Police Department in writing at least ten (10) days prior to the intended date of such use, possession, display, or storage. The written request must

• Identify the purpose of the request.
• Identify how this request furthers the mission of the University.
• Identify the weapon.
• Identify the duration of the request.
• Identify a responsible person.
• Identity how the weapon will be secured.
• Identify how the weapon will or may be used.

The request will be evaluated by the Chief of Police, or their designated representative, and a written decision rendered within ten (10) working days. If the request is approved, the approval will include any conditions or restrictions necessary to require safety and consistency with the intent of the Arizona Board of Regents policy. If approval is given for an indefinite period of time it must be reviewed annually and renewed by the requestor. The University of Arizona Police Department will keep all approved requests on file and available for confirmation by police officers.