Campus Carry

The Campus Carry Law and Texas Woman’s University

Under the new Campus Carry law, effective August 1, 2016, TWU has established reasonable rules, regulations or other provisions regarding the carrying of concealed handguns by license holders on its campuses. Under the law, TWU may not create provisions that generally prohibit license holders from carrying concealed handguns on TWU campuses.

In keeping with the law, TWU consulted with students, staff and faculty regarding special considerations for the student populations on each campus, any TWU-specific safety considerations, and the uniqueness of each campus environment to develop the most appropriate and fair rules under the new law. Continuing education concerning rules, regulations and policy will be an ongoing commitment.

Read TWU’s policy on Campus Carry.
Download our Campus Carry Brochure.

Gun Free Zones

The following categories of campus premises are designated as Gun Free Zones under TWU policy:

• Locations Providing Counseling and Health Services
• Locations Providing Childcare to Minors
• Locations Primarily Used for NCAA, UIL or Professional Sports Events
• Locations with Special or Unique Uses (Disciplinary Hearings)
• Location with Special or Unique Uses (Laboratory Venues)
• Locations with Special or Unique Uses (MISC)

Locations Providing Counseling and Health Services

Denton Campus

• Mary Gibbs Jones Hall – Student Health Services
• MCL Building – Speech-Language & Hearing Clinic (6th floor)
• MCL Building – Dental Hygiene Clinic - Room #102
• Denton Counseling Center, Mary Gibbs Jones Hall West
• Woodcock Hall, Counseling & Family Therapy Clinic - Room #114
• Faculty Ombudsperson’s Office, Stoddard Hall – Room #319

Dallas Campus

• Counseling Suite #8300
• Stroke Center

Houston Campus

• Counseling Suite #2250

Locations Providing Childcare for Minor Children

Denton Campus

• Lowry Woods Community Center including the TWU Clubhouse, 1600 Oakland Street
• Multipurpose Classroom Laboratory Building, Speech-Language & Hearing Clinic MCL 6th Floor
• Multipurpose Classroom Laboratory Building, Dental Hygiene MCL - Room #102
• Woodcock Hall, Room #114 Counseling & Family Therapy Clinic

Locations Primarily Used for NCAA, UIL or Professional Sports Events, Minor Children Sports Camps

Denton Campus

• Fitness and Recreation, 1607 Bell Avenue
• Pioneer Hall, 1600 Bell Avenue
• Pioneer Soccer Park, 1602 Hufford Court
• Softball Field, 1600 Reagan Houston Lane
• Tennis Courts, 1602 Reagan Houston Lane
• Dance, Gymnastics & Human Performance Lab Bldg., 1513 Bell Avenue
• Fashion and Textile Labs, Old Main Bldg. 1210 Old Main Circle (during summer camps with minors in attendance)

Locations with Special or Unique Uses (Disciplinary Hearings)

Denton Campus

• Students/Office of Student Life, Student Union – Room #206

Dallas Campus

• Designated Administrative Locations
• Students/Office of Student Life - Room #3600

Houston Campus

• Designated Administrative Locations
• Students/Office of Student Life - Room #2300

Locations with Special or Unique Uses (Laboratory Venues)

Denton Campus Labs

• Ann Stuart Science Complex, 1201 Old Main
• Scientific Research Commons, 10001 Old Main Circle
• Woodcock Hall, 1202 Old Main (Bottom Floor)
• Old Main, 1210 Old Main (3rd and 4th Floors)
• Pioneer Hall, 1600 Bell Avenue (1st floor Kinesiology labs)

Dallas Campus Labs

• Nursing Labs
• Occupational Therapy Labs
• Physical Therapy Labs

Houston Campus Labs

• Nursing Labs
• Occupational Therapy Labs
• Physical Therapy Labs

Locations with Special or Unique Uses (MISC)

Denton Campus

• Designated Administrative Special Event/Emergency Locations
• Hubbard Hall – Conference Services/Redbud Theater
• Board of Regents Meetings
• University House and Grounds, 610 East University Drive
• Testing Center – Oakland Complex 1201 Oakland St.

Dallas Campus

• Designated Administrative Special Event/Emergency Locations
• Board of Regents Meetings

Houston Campus

• Designated Administrative Special Event/Emergency Locations
• Board of Regents Meetings

Frequently Asked Questions

Who may carry a gun on campus?
Any individual who holds a current and valid Texas License to Carry (LTC) may carry a concealed handgun where permitted on university property.

Will guns be allowed in the dormitories or other residential facilities?
The law allows higher education institutions to establish rules, regulations or other provisions concerning the storage of handguns in dormitories or other residential facilities. Yes, those who hold a current and valid LTC may carry in the residential facilities.

Will guns be allowed in classrooms or at sporting events?
Under the law, TWU has established zones on campus where guns will not be permitted for reasons of campus safety. Guns may be carried in the classroom where permitted according to their valid LTC. All sporting events are “gun free” zones.

Will guns be allowed during disciplinary hearings?
Under the law, TWU established zones on campus where guns will not be permitted for reasons of campus safety. Disciplinary hearings have been designated as “gun free” zones.

What if I feel threatened?
Anyone who feels threatened should call the TWU Police Department or Emergency 911.

• In Denton, call (940) 898-2911 (or 2911 from a campus phone)
• In Dallas, call (214) 689-6666 (or 6666 from a campus phone)
• In Houston, call (713) 794-2222 (or 2222 from a campus phone)

How will I know if my classmates or students have guns?
If a License to Carry (LTC) holder is in compliance with the law, you should be unaware that the individual has a gun. The law prohibits licensed holders from carrying a handgun that is partially or wholly visible, or displaying the handgun intentionally and knowingly in plain view of another person. Campus Carry is concealed carry only.

Will faculty and staff be allowed to carry guns?
Any individual who holds a current and valid License to Carry (LTC) may carry a concealed handgun where permitted on university property.

What about campus safety?
TWU has one of the lowest rates of reported crime in the nation compared to universities of similar size. The new legislation supports universities’ rights to exercise local control.

How does the Open Carry law affect the Campus Carry law?
The Campus Carry law applies to all land and buildings owned or leased by an institution of higher education. Open Carry is not permitted on university property. Violators of the Campus Carry law will be subject to gun confiscation, legal action and possible revocation of their LTC by state authorities.

Who decides where and when I can carry my handgun?
TWU will decide as a community what is appropriate for its campuses, with the approval from the TWU Board of Regents. See the policy.

How will I know where I can and cannot carry a concealed handgun?
The TWU Policy denotes exact locations that have been designated as gun free zones. Each area will have a sign posted as prescribed by law. See the policy.

What if I accidentally take my handgun into a gun-free zone?
Those who hold a LTC are expected to maintain a high level of responsibility for the care and control of their concealed handgun at all times. Any violation — even accidental — will have consequences and will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

What about other weapons?
According to Texas Penal Code, Section 46.03, individuals may not possess illegal knives (blade longer than 5.5 inches, Bowie knives, daggers, etc.), clubs and other prohibited weapons while on university property.

When does the Campus Carry law go into effect?
August 1, 2016.

What if I see someone with a gun?
Contact campus police.