Firearms & Weapons

Oklahoma City University (the “University”) strictly prohibits the possession or use of a weapon on campus, as those terms are defined in this Policy, by anyone, unless that possession or use falls within the exceptions section of this Policy. Students and employees also have a duty to report violations of this Policy to the Oklahoma City University Police Department or Dean of Students.

"Weapon": A weapon is defined as any pistol, revolver, shotgun or rifle, whether loaded or unloaded, or any imitation or toy gun, airsoft or pellet gun, or any electronic control devices commonly known as Tasers, or any machete, dagger, bowie knife, dirk knife, switchblade knife, spring-type knife, sword cane, knife having a blade which opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring, or other device in the handle of the knife, blackjack, loaded cane, billy club, hand chain, metal knuckles, any knife with a blade measured greater than 4 inches, or any other offensive weapon, whether such weapon be concealed or unconcealed.

“Possession”: Possession includes, but is not limited to, carrying a weapon upon any person, whether concealed or unconcealed, and storage of a weapon in residential facilities, lockers, bags or backpacks, desks, briefcases, or personal vehicles parked on the University's property.

“Campus”: The term campus includes all the lands, buildings, and facilities of Oklahoma City University, whether owned or leased, and whether located in the United States or abroad, including university housing.

The following are exceptions to the weapons policy:

1. Law enforcement officers authorized by the State of Oklahoma or any of its political subdivisions, or authorized by the federal government, to carry a firearm, if they are carrying the firearm in compliance with law and the policies established by their employing departments.
2. A firearm may be kept in a personal vehicle on any property specifically set aside for the use or parking of any vehicle, whether attended or unattended, provided the firearm is carried or stored as required by law and the firearm is not removed from the vehicle.
3. A person may carry personal protection chemical spray devices, which contain a small limited amount of defensive spray, (e.g., key chain sprays) intended, reserved and used solely for defensive purposes.
4. Tools possessed and used in accordance with departmental policies.
5. The use of disabled stage firearms and other stage weapons used in theatrical performances, provided they are inspected and approved in advance and in writing, by the Oklahoma City University Police Department Chief of Police or designee.
6. The use of firearms or other weapons such as but not limited to fencing foils, used in a classroom or training environment for a specific teaching purpose, provided they are under the supervision of a qualified instructor, and disabled or unloaded, and approved in advance and in writing, by the Oklahoma City University Police Department Chief of Police or designee.
7. Specific exceptions granted by the President of the University, provided that any said exception must be in writing, must automatically terminate on a certain date, and must be kept in the possession of the person obtaining the exception at all times when that person possesses a weapon on campus. The exception may also be revoked by the President of the University at any time for any reason.

Oklahoma City University expects all members and visitors of the campus community to help maintain safety and security at the University and at University-sponsored activities off campus.

All persons who have knowledge of weapons on campus have an obligation to report that knowledge promptly to the Oklahoma City University Police Department.

All persons concerned about a situation that is potentially violent have an obligation to report that concern promptly to the Oklahoma City University Police Department, to the Dean of Students Office, or to a supervisor.

All persons concerned about an imminent threat of violence or about the imminent destruction of property have an obligation to report that concern immediately to the Oklahoma City University Police Department or by dialing 911.

Sanctions will be imposed in accordance with the policies of the University as well as local, state and federal laws.

Employees: With respect to the University's employees (which includes faculty, staff, and student employees, volunteers, vendors and independent contractors for the purposes of this Policy), possession of weapons on campus or while attending or participating in a University-sponsored activity off campus will subject that person to corrective action, up to and including termination of employment, cancellation of any applicable contract and/or further criminal or civil legal action.
Students: With respect to students, possession of weapons on campus or while attending or participating in a University-sponsored activity off campus will subject that person to sanctions up to and including suspension, expulsion, and/or further criminal or civil legal action.
Visitors: With respect to visitors, possession of weapons on campus will subject that person to removal from campus and/or further criminal or civil legal action.
Updated September 19, 2016

Approved by the President’s Cabinet: October 25, 2016