A new state law took effect on July 1, allowing full-time UT employees with valid handgun permits to carry a concealed handgun on UT property.
The university has adopted a new safety policy concerning firearms and has posted a list of commonly asked questions including background on the law, establishing eligibility to carry, and the manner in which a person should carry their firearm.
Anyone who intends to carry a concealed handgun on UT property must notify the UT Police Department. To fulfill the notification requirement, go to the UTPD office at 1101 Cumberland Avenue to complete the paperwork and sign the application in the presence of a sworn UTPD officer. Learn more about what you need to do if you intend to carry a handgun on campus.
UTPD will retain the list of permit holders who have given their notice of intent to carry; this list can be shared only with other law enforcement agencies.
Full-time employees are prohibited from carrying a concealed handgun into meetings about tenure and employee discipline. Full-time employees may not carry a handgun into any stadium, arena, or auditorium when university-sponsored events are under way. Other prohibited locations are hospitals and offices where medical and mental health services are the primary services provided: the Student Health Center, the College of Veterinary Medicine teaching hospital, the Early Learning Center, and the speech and hearing clinics. View a map of all prohibited locations.
This new law does not extend the right to carry a concealed handgun on campus to students. Full-time employees enrolled in a class at UT are not allowed to carry a concealed handgun on UT property.
UTPD offers a voluntary training course that covers firearm safety, reiteration of statutory requirements and limitations, a review of prohibited locations, and personal liabilities. Upcoming courses are scheduled for August 19, September 7, and September 19. The complete schedule is available online.
If you have questions, contact UTPD at 865-974-3114.