I. Definitions

College premises -- any property in use by the College; includes property leased or owned, property used for official functions sponsored by the College, and property used by the College in the conduct of any of its courses.

Weapons -- any object, visible or concealed, of a potentially threatening nature that could be used to harass, intimidate, or injure another person, including, but not limited to, firearms, knives with blades longer than four inches, except for equipment to be used in a course the employee is teaching or for which the employee is duly registered; explosive materials; and even those weapons for which the owner has obtained the required permits.

II. Regulations

A. Possession of Weapons

Employees, students, vendors, visitors, and members of the public who are on College premises or attending functions sponsored by the College are strictly prohibited from having weapons in their possession. This includes visible and concealed weapons, even weapons for which the owner has obtained the required permits.

B. Firearm Possession - Special Cases

1. The possession of a firearm that is not used solely for instructional purposes is prohibited on College premises.

2. Duly sworn law enforcement officers and deputy sheriffs acting in the discharge of their official duties as well as others mentioned specifically in the North Carolina General Statutes 14-269.2 are excepted.

3. Possession or use of firearms on College premises for instructional purposes must have the prior approval of the Vice President for Instruction.

III. Violations

A.  Employees, students, vendors, visitors, or members of the public who are on College premises or attending functions sponsored by the College are subject to criminal penalties outlined in North Carolina General Statutes 14-269.2 for having a weapon in their possession..

B. Any employee or student who has reason to believe that these regulations are being or have been violated must immediately report the matter to a College administrator.

C. Any employee or student who either violates these regulations or who fails to report reasonable suspicion of any violation will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal and/or being banned from visiting campuses, suspension, or expulsion.

Changes approved by Cabinet on 8/30/2004