General
1. Can I legally carry a gun on West Virginia University property?
As of July 1, 2024, the W.Va. Campus Self-Defense Act passed by the West Virginia Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Jim Justice in 2023, 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 across the West Virginia University System, with exceptions.
All higher education institutions in West Virginia are required to adhere to the Campus Self-Defense Act.
2. How does the law define pistol? How does the law define revolver?
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.
3. Can people carry guns openly on campus property?
No. Only people who are licensed to carry a concealed pistol or revolver are permitted to have the weapons in areas where they are allowed, and the weapons must not be visible.
WVU still prohibits other firearms, deadly weapons and dangerous objects.
4. If I have a current and valid concealed carry license from another state, can I legally carry a pistol or revolver on permitted University property?
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.
5. Is a provisional license issued under West Virginia law acceptable under the W.Va. Campus Self-Defense Act?
Yes.
6. If most people can carry a gun in West Virginia without a license, why does someone need a concealed deadly weapon license?
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.
7. Where can I get more information about obtaining a current and valid license to carry a concealed weapon?
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.
8. Is training required to carry a concealed weapon in West Virginia?
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 W.Va. Campus Self-Defense Act does not require any specific additional training.
9. Where can I learn more about the gun laws in West Virginia?
The West Virginia Attorney General’s Office published A Guide to Concealed Handgun Laws in West Virginia in July 2020, and it contains a significant amount of useful information for those wanting to learn more about the gun laws in West Virginia.
Of particular note, the guide states that: “West Virginia recognizes the right of persons who are 21 years of age or older, not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm, and United States citizens or legal residents thereof to carry a concealed weapon within the state without first obtaining a concealed handgun license (“CHL”). This is commonly known as ‘constitutional carry.’”
Health Sciences
1. Are all Health Sciences Campuses exempt from the W.Va. Campus Self-Defense Act?
No. Some areas of the WVU campus are exempt from the W.Va. Campus Self-Defense Act. Specific rooms in affected campus buildings across WVU’s Morgantown, Beckley and Keyser campuses, where licensed concealed pistols and revolvers are not permitted are outlined in Exempt Locations and on Campus Maps and Restrictions.
Please note that the West Virginia Self-defense Act does not apply in areas under the control of other entities, such as WVU Medicine, United Hospital Center or Charleston Area Medical Center. This includes locations near the WVU campuses at Health Sciences - Morgantown, Charleston, and Martinsburg, and the School of Nursing Bridgeport Campus. Individuals should be aware of any applicable policies of those entities before entering those spaces. For instance, at the School of Nursing Bridgeport Campus, individuals cannot currently access WVU’s campus without walking through space where guns are prohibited. Therefore, while it may not be an exempt space, there will be no access point that allows for carrying into the School of Nursing Bridgeport Campus.
- WVU Morgantown - Health Sciences
- WVU Eastern Division - Health Sciences
- WVU Charleston Campus – (Health Sciences Charleston Campus Building only has private office exemptions as requested. There are no other exempt areas in the Charleston HSC Building.)
2. If I have a valid concealed carry license, where am I NOT allowed to carry my pistol or revolver on WVU Health Sciences property?
- In the secure area of any building used by University Police or other law-enforcement agency on WVU property; this includes the UPD office and space on the first floor of the Health Sciences Center building.
- In an area that has adequate security measures to ensure pistols or revolvers are not to be carried by the public into the area – any such area designated by the University under this exception will provide reasonable notice to the public and campus community;
- In an on-campus room or rooms in which a student or employee disciplinary proceeding is being held;
- In sole occupancy offices, but only in those offices where the sole occupant notifies those who may be entering that concealed pistols and revolvers are prohibited;
- At a primary or secondary education school-sponsored function being held in a specific location on WVU property that is rented, leased or under the exclusive use of the West Virginia Department of Education, the West Virginia Secondary Schools Activities Commission, a county school board or a local public school when the function is occurring;
- At a private function that is being held in a specific location on WVU property that is rented, leased, or under exclusive use of an entity when the function is occurring – any such function designated under this exception will provide reasonable notice to attendees;
- In any WVU property where possession of a firearm is prohibited by state or federal law;
- In specifically designated areas in which patient care or mental health counseling is being provided. In these cases, the University will provide reasonable notice to the public and campus community about what areas are designated under this exception;
- In high hazardous and animal laboratories, which are defined by the Campus Self-Defense Act. In these cases, the University will provide reasonable notice to the public and campus community about what areas are designated under this exception; and
3. What areas are designated as “patient care” or “mental health counseling” areas?
Designated areas are marked with “No Deadly Weapons” signage. Providers will notify patients and visitors of their policy.
Additionally, campus maps show general areas where concealed carry is and is not allowed.
4. What areas are designated as “high hazardous and animal laboratories?"
Most designated areas are marked with “No Deadly Weapons” signage.
Additionally, campus maps show general areas where concealed carry is and is not allowed.
5. What if I am carrying a concealed revolver or pistol and I have to go into an area where concealed revolvers and pistols are prohibited, such as an appointment in a patient care area?
Patients should make plans to store or leave at home anything that would be prohibited in specifically designated areas in which patient care or mental health counseling is being provided.
Members of the University 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.
6. How are the tunnel/stairways/elevators being managed that connect to WVU Medicine J.W Ruby Memorial Hospital, the WVU Cancer Institute and other patient care areas on the Morgantown Campus?
Signs designate exempt patient care areas. This includes the entrance to the connector leading to J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital and the entrance doors to the WVU Cancer Institute.
Additionally, in some cases, “No Deadly Weapons” notices will be included on ads, tickets or other communications, when applicable. Campus maps showing prohibited areas, in general, where licensed concealed pistol and revolvers are not allowed.
7. Are lockers available on the Health Sciences Campuses for patients, employees and students to store their guns if they visit a faculty member who has a “No Deadly Weapons” sign posted outside their office “sole occupancy” office?
No.
8. If there are minors on campus in a certain area, does that area automatically fall under the exceptions to the W.Va. Campus Self-Defense Act, meaning no campus carry?
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.
9. I work in a “sole occupancy” office that does not fall under any other exceptions. What do I need to do to block concealed carry by others in my workspace?
Occupants of these types of “sole occupancy” offices wishing to request an approved sign for a prohibited area can do so by submitting a signage request.
Faculty members are encouraged to use the Faculty Senate-approved statement addressing concealed carry in their syllabi. It is available at facultysenate.wvu.edu.
10. If I have an exempt “sole occupancy” office and teach a class, how do I let my students know that my office is an exempt space?”
For courses involving multiple teaching faculty, syllabi must indicate the specific faculty member’s preference regarding carrying a concealed pistol or revolver in their “sole occupancy office” or “workspace.”
Faculty members are encouraged to use the Faculty Senate-approved statement addressing concealed carry in their syllabi. It is available at facultysenate.wvu.edu.
Exceptions
1. What are the exceptions to the requirements in the W.Va. Campus Self-Defense Act?
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 the West Virginia University System, the Board of Governors approved BOG Finance and Administration Rule 5.14 — Deadly Weapons, Dangerous Objects and the W.Va. Campus Self-Defense Act on April 12, 2024.
2. Under BOG Rule 5.14, where on campus are concealed pistols and revolvers allowed by those with a current and valid license?
With limited exceptions, BOG Rule 5.14 requires WVU to allow concealed pistols or revolvers to be carried on campuses throughout the WVU System by people with current and valid concealed carry licenses.
The Rule applies to West Virginia University campuses including Morgantown, West Virginia University Institute of Technology in Beckley, WVU Potomac State College in Keyser and Health Sciences campuses in Charleston, Martinsburg and Bridgeport.
3. What is considered the “WVU Campus?”
Under BOG Rule 5.14, “WVU Campus” means all areas, including buildings, that are under custodial possession of the WVU 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 use by a private entity.
WVU Jackson’s Mill, county Extension offices, WVU farms and forests are not “on the campus” as defined by the law and BOG Rule 5.14.
4. If I have a valid concealed carry license, where am I NOT allowed to carry my pistol or revolver on WVU property?
Under the revised and approved BOG Rule 5.14, concealed carry remains prohibited in the following areas throughout the WVU System:
- At an organized event taking place at a stadium or arena with a capacity of more than 1,000 spectators;
- At a daycare facility located on WVU property;
- In the secure area of any building used by University Police or other law-enforcement agency on WVU property;
- In an area that has adequate security measures to ensure pistols or revolvers are not to be carried by the public into the area – any such area designated by the University under this exception will provide reasonable notice to the public and campus community;
- In an on-campus room or rooms in which a student or employee disciplinary proceeding is being held;
- In sole occupancy offices, but only in those offices where the sole occupant notifies those who may be entering that concealed pistols and revolvers are prohibited;
- At a primary or secondary education school-sponsored function being held in a specific location on WVU property that is rented, leased or under the exclusive use of the West Virginia Department of Education, the West Virginia Secondary Schools Activities Commission, a county school board or a local public school when the function is occurring;
- At a private function that is being held in a specific location on WVU property that is rented, leased, or under exclusive use of an entity when the function is occurring – any such function designated under this exception will provide reasonable notice to attendees;
- In any WVU property where possession of a firearm is prohibited by state or federal law;
- In specifically designated areas in which patient care or mental health counseling is being provided. In these cases, the University will provide reasonable notice to the public and campus community about what areas are designated under this exception;
- In high hazardous and animal laboratories, which are defined by the Campus Self-Defense Act. In these cases, the University will provide reasonable notice to the public and campus community about what areas are designated under this exception; and
- In on-campus residence halls, except common areas such as lounges, dining areas and study areas. This exception does not apply to employees whose responsibilities require them to be in an on-campus residence hall.
5. If I have a valid concealed carry license, can I legally bring a pistol or revolver to a WVU Athletics event at the WVU Coliseum, Milan Puskar Stadium, Kendrick Family Ballpark at the Monongalia County Baseball Complex or Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium?
No.
6. If I have a valid concealed carry license, can I legally bring a pistol or revolver to a concert or other event with more than 1,000 spectators at the Canady Creative Arts Center?
No.
7. If my office or class is in an Athletics facility, the Canady Creative Arts Center or another campus location that holds more than 1,000 spectators, are concealed pistols and revolvers prohibited at all times?
No. The concealed carry exception only applies when the organized event is taking place – when the gates or doors to the event or game are opened. At all other times, the area is treated like the rest of campus.
8. If there are minors on campus in a certain area, does that area automatically fall under the exceptions to the W.Va. Campus Self-Defense Act, meaning no campus carry?
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.
9. If my office is in a building that has student conduct or employee disciplinary hearings, am I allowed to carry a pistol or revolver?
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.
10. What is a “sole occupancy” office?
A “sole occupancy” office is defined as a room with at least one door and walls that extend to the ceiling that is assigned to one person as a workspace.
11. I work in a “sole occupancy” office that does not fall under any other exceptions. What do I need to do to block concealed carry by others in my workspace?
Occupants of these types of “sole occupancy” offices wishing to request an approved sign for a prohibited area can do so by submitting a signage request.
Faculty members are encouraged to use the Faculty Senate-approved statement addressing concealed carry in their syllabi. It is available at facultysenate.wvu.edu/home.
12. What if my office, which falls under the “sole occupancy” definition, is located in an area where pistols or revolvers are prohibited? Can I still legally carry a concealed pistol or revolver?
No. If the only access to a potentially allowable space is through a prohibited area, concealed carry is prohibited in the entire area.
13. I am attending a private function at a WVU location that is being rented, leased or designated for the exclusive use of that private entity. How will I know if concealed pistols or revolvers are permitted?
It is up to the private entity to provide information about the concealed carry allowances.
14. What areas are designated as “patient care” or “mental health counseling” areas?
Designated areas are marked with “No deadly weapons” signage in many cases. Providers will notify patients and visitors of their policy.
Additionally, campus maps show general areas where concealed carry is and is not allowed.
15. What areas are designated as “high hazardous and animal laboratories?"
Most designated areas are marked with “No Deadly Weapons” signage. Additionally, campus maps show general areas where concealed carry is and is not allowed.
Campus maps show general areas where concealed carry is and is not allowed.
16. If I have a valid concealed carry license, can I carry my pistol or revolver in my backpack?
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.”
17. If I have a valid concealed carry license, can I bring a pistol or revolver that is not visible to others on the PRT?
Yes.
18. Are concealed pistols or revolvers allowed in on-campus University residence halls?
For the most part, no. The exceptions are common areas and among employees with valid concealed carry permits whose job responsibilities require them to be in residence halls — including resident assistants, main desk administrators, maintenance workers, campus service workers, food service workers or a person leading a program.
Under BOG Rule 5.14, the University is required to provide a secure location for the storage of a pistol or revolver in at least two on-campus residence halls on the Morgantown Campus and at least one at both the Beckley Campus and Keyser Campus.
Residence hall residents with valid concealed carry permits would be required to store their pistols or revolvers in the designated lockers prior to heading to their living spaces.
The University was tasked with developing policies for reserving rooms in on-campus residence halls where the storage rooms are located for on-campus residents with valid concealed carry licenses, and with establishing a “reasonable” fee for the use of the secure storage facility or a safe.
19. I live in a residence hall. How do I get assigned a storage locker? What is the cost?
WVU students with a valid license to carry a concealed deadly weapon are eligible to reserve space in a secure gun locker to house their pistol or revolver, as required by the W.Va. Campus Self Defense Act.
Storage lockers are available across the WVU System in the following campus locations:
- Morgantown: Summit Hall, Room 107 and Evansdale Residential Complex, Brooke Tower M62
- Beckley: University Hall 119C
- Keyser: University Place G08
Qualifying students may request a storage locker by visiting myhousing.wvu.edu and following the Campus Carry link in the menu at the top. The cost to reserve a locker is $140. Students who are approved for a locker will receive additional information closer to their move-in date.
20. What are the penalties if I forget to place my pistol or revolver in a designated storage locker before going to my residence hall room?
Violations will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
21. Can a resident assistant, a main desk secretary, maintenance worker, campus service worker, food service worker, work study or person leading a program with a valid permit legally carry a concealed pistol or revolver anywhere in a residence hall?
Yes, if job responsibilities require the employee to be in the residence hall. Importantly, this is only while the person is in the on-campus residence hall for purposes of employment. This is the only instance where the law allows an employee who is not in law enforcement to carry in a prohibited area.
It is important to note that resident assistants are considered in the residence hall for purposes of their employment when they were on-duty and actively working. At other times, resident assistants are expected to store any pistol or revolver like other students living in residence halls.
22. What concealed carry regulations are in place for University Apartments (College Park, University Park, University Place and Vandalia)?
BOG Rule 5.14 applies to WVU Campus spaces and so that includes common areas and grounds around University Apartments, i.e., parking lots, hallways and offices which are treated like other areas of campus.
The apartments themselves for University Apartments are not subject to the Rule since those areas are rented, leased or are under an exclusive agreement for the full-time occupancy and use of a private entity.
23. Does the University provide lockers or safes for gun storage on campus by University community members who don’t live in on-campus residence halls?
No.
24. I am an employee with a valid concealed carry license. Am I allowed to carry my firearm while driving a state vehicle or a rental vehicle while on University business?
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.
Implementation
1. How has WVU been working to implement the W.Va. Campus Self-Defense Act?
After the West Virginia Legislature passed the W.Va. Campus Self-Defense Act in 2023, a Campus Safety Steering Group was created. The Steering Group consisted of various members of the University community and was tasked with enhancing the safety and well-being of our campus communities by continually evaluating and enhancing safety initiatives, community outreach and engagement, training opportunities and communication.
The Steering Group also created four sub-groups: Campus Carry, On-Campus Safety, Morgantown Partnership and Communications.
More information about the groups’ work can be found at: safety.wvu.edu/safety-on-campus/campus-safety-steering-group.
The Campus Carry subgroup met throughout the 2023-2024 academic year and, among other things, suggested to the Campus Safety Steering Group that it recommend to the Board of Governors that it create a Rule regarding the University’s implementation of the Act.
2. Why was it necessary for the Board of Governors to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to implement the W.Va. Campus Self-Defense Act?
Although the W.Va. Campus Self-Defense Act includes several exceptions to the campus carry requirement, those exceptions are not automatically required by law. Rather, consistent with the West Virginia Business Liability Protection Act, the Board, as the entity that owns West Virginia University property, had to decide which, if any, exceptions it would adopt. Accordingly, the Board did so through its rulemaking process.
3. What does the BOG rule implementing the W.Va. Campus Self-Defense Act do?
On Feb. 26, 2024, a proposed rule being considered by the Board of Governors, which was necessary to move forward with the implementation of the law, was put out for public comment. The Board approved BOG Finance and Administration Rule 5.14 — Deadly Weapons, Dangerous Objects and the W.Va. Campus Self-Defense Act on April 12.
The Rule prohibits deadly weapons and dangerous objects, as defined by the rule, on WVU campuses except for those individuals who hold a license to carry a concealed deadly weapon when they are carrying a concealed pistol and revolver in a permissible area.
Additionally, the Rule directed resources to be developed relating to the University’s compliance with the Act and frequently asked questions be answered and posted publicly.
Read more on the BOG Rules website.
4. Who is responsible for knowing and following the provisions in the W.Va. Campus Self-Defense Act?
The individual carrying the gun or revolver is expected to know and follow applicable laws.
5. What should I do if I see a person carrying a pistol, revolver or any other type of deadly weapon or dangerous object openly?
Follow the instructions in this guide: What To Do if You See Someone on Campus With a Gun .
6. How do I know where concealed carry is allowed and where it is not on campus?
In certain instances, signs are used to designate excluded areas.
Additionally, in some cases, “No Deadly Weapons” notices will be included on ads, tickets or other communications, when applicable.
To help raise awareness, Auxiliary and Business Services, working with the University Police Department and others, has developed resources such as Exempt Locations and Campus Maps and Restrictions.
These, in conjunction with signage, assist in informing where licensed concealed pistol and revolvers are not allowed.
Ultimately, though, it is up to the concealed carry license holder to know the specifics of BOG Rule 5.14 and to follow the regulations while on campuses throughout the WVU System.
7. What if I am carrying a concealed revolver or pistol and I have to go into an area where concealed revolvers and pistols are prohibited?
Members of the University 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.
8. What should I do if I think a person has a concealed pistol or revolver in a prohibited area?
Contact UPD by following the instructions in this guide: What To Do if You See Someone on Campus With a Gun .
9. What happens if a University employee or student violates Rule 5.14?
Any employee or student who does not follow the requirements of Rule 5.14 could face disciplinary action, including a warning, suspension, termination or other appropriate step. Conduct that may not violate this specific Rule could still be prohibited under a different Rule, policy or standard of behavior which may lead to additional action.
10. What happens if a person who is not a University employee or student violates Rule 5.14?
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.
11. What kind of training does the University offer on gun safety?
The University Police Department offers active shooter, self-defense and verbal de-escalation training.
12. As a student, am I safe on campus? As a faculty or staff member at WVU, am I safe on campus?
We want everyone to feel safe at West Virginia University and we work each day on measures to help ensure that.
Members of the University’s Campus Safety Steering Group have been building on existing University safety measures while establishing the groundwork for additional campus safety steps, including campus carry provisions.
Find University safety resources.
13. I am a parent, and I am worried about my student. Are they safe on campus?
We understand that parents are concerned about the safety of their students. We are committed to following the law while putting in place measures based on best practices to prioritize the safety of the entire University community.
See the latest Clery Act report.
14. Where can I get answers to additional questions?
For specific questions not addressed here, please send an email to the University’s Safety account at safety@mail.wvu.edu.