Until July 1, 2024, the answer is no. WVSOM prohibits the possession or storage of deadly weapons and destructive devices on campus.
July 1, 2024, is the take-effect date for the Campus Self-Defense Act.
Passed by the West Virginia Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Jim Justice in 2023, the Campus Self-Defense Act allows a person to carry a concealed pistol or revolver on the grounds of an institution of higher education, with some exceptions, if that person has a current and valid license to carry a concealed deadly weapon.
The law applies to on-campus locations, with exceptions.
WVSOM is following the state law passed by the West Virginia Legislature and signed by Gov. Jim Justice in 2023. All higher education institutions in West Virginia are required to adhere to the Campus Self-Defense Act.
No. WVSOM joined other colleges and universities to oppose this type of legislation in favor of local control for several years prior to last year’s passage. Now, WVSOM is required to follow state law.
Pistol is defined as “a short firearm having a chamber which is integral with the barrel, designed to be aimed and fired by the use of a single hand.”
Revolver is defined as “a short firearm having a cylinder of several chambers that are brought successively into line with the barrel to be discharged, designed to be aimed and fired by the use of a single hand.”
“By the use of a single hand” is the key phrase. Also, the pistol or revolver must be concealed and carried by a person who is licensed to do so.
No. Only people who are licensed to carry a concealed pistol or revolver will be permitted to have the weapons in areas where they are allowed, and the weapons must not be visible.
WVSOM will still prohibit other firearms, deadly weapons and dangerous objects.
Yes, if the license was issued in a state that has reciprocity with West Virginia.
See the Office of the West Virginia Attorney General’s reciprocity list.
Yes.
Although West Virginia is a constitutional carry state, a license to carry a concealed deadly weapon may provide that person with some additional rights to carry a weapon in places where it might otherwise be prohibited, including other states or in specific areas on college campuses in West Virginia.
In West Virginia, applications for concealed carry permits are processed through sheriff’s departments in counties of residence. For non-residents, applications can be filed at any county sheriff’s department.
West Virginia law requires the completion of a training course in handling and firing a handgun "with live firing of ammunition by the applicant."
The Campus Self-Defense Act does not require any specific additional training.
In general, the state law allows for exceptions to the Campus Self-Defense Act, meaning all guns, including pistols and revolvers, will remain prohibited for even licensed carriers in certain campus locations.
Read more about the exceptions listed in state code.
To address specifics of implementation throughout WVSOM review Institutional Policy PP-03.
Concealed pistols and revolvers are permitted anywhere on campus with the exception of areas that are posted as restricted areas.
“WVSOM Campus” means all areas, including buildings, that are under custodial possession of the WVSOM Board of Governors and within the same reasonably contiguous geographic area and used in direct support of, or in a manner related to, the University’s educational purposes. It does not include areas rented, leased, or under full-time occupancy and checkuse by a private entity.
Current licensed concealed carry individuals are NOT allowed to carry a pistol or revolver in the following areas:
No. Only daycare facilities and specific functions under exclusive use of the state Department of Education, the West Virginia Secondary Schools Activities Commission, a county school board or a local public school are exempt.
Prohibited areas may be identified with signs.
It depends. Concealed pistols or revolvers are not permitted in those types of hearings. If a hearing is not being held, and your office is not in a room where such a hearing is being held, concealed pistols or revolvers would be allowed if no other exceptions apply.
It is up to the private entity to provide information about the concealed carry allowances.
Designated areas will be marked with “No concealed carry” signage in many cases.
Starting July 1, 2024, most designated areas will be marked with “No Deadly Weapons Permitted” signage.
Yes, if the backpack is always in your sole, close possession. Please note that “concealed” is defined as “hidden from ordinary observation so as to prevent disclosure or recognition.” The backpack must be “on or about” your person.
No
If you are on campus, then it does not matter whether you are in a vehicle – the general rule will apply. However, if you are off campus, then employees will be subject to the applicable laws, and it is your responsibility to know them. Although employees may be able to carry on campus, there is nothing in the Campus Self-Defense Act or the Business Liability Protection Act that allows employees to store pistols or revolvers in state vehicles.
The individual carrying the gun or revolver is expected to know and follow applicable laws.
The law requires pistols and revolvers to remain concealed.
If a person’s pistol or revolver is not concealed — meaning it is fully showing, outlined or becomes visible as they move — contact WVSOM Security at 304-647-8911 and provide as much information as possible. An officer will follow up with the situation, when warranted.
If you see a rifle or larger firearm on campus or if anyone is ever acting in a threatening or suspicious manner with any firearm, including a pistol or revolver that is supposed to be concealed, call 911 immediately.
Signs will be used to designate excluded areas.
Additionally, in some cases, “No Deadly Weapons Permitted” notices will be included on ads, tickets or other communications, when applicable. A list of excluded areas can be found on the WVSOM map.
Members of the WVSOM community should make plans to store or leave at home anything that would be prohibited in a specific area where they must go to do their job or attend class.
Employees or students may, consistent with their schedule, decide to secure any pistols or revolvers they may be carrying in their vehicles as long as vehicles are locked and guns are out of view, as required by the West Virginia Business Liability Protection Act.
Contact WVSOM Campus Security at 304-647-8911. An officer will make the determination and, if necessary, ask the person to leave. Refusing to do so may warrant further action from Campus Security.
Any employee or student who does not follow the requirements of Campus Carry could face disciplinary action, including a warning, suspension, termination, expulsion, or other appropriate step. Conduct that may not violate this specific Institutional Policy, PP-03 Campus Use and Restrictions, Including Deadly Weapons could still be prohibited under a different policy or standard of behavior which may lead to additional action. Violators may also subject person to criminal liability.
That person may be asked to leave campus or temporarily turn over the prohibited item. Refusal could potentially lead to a criminal charge or a trespassing notice.