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.
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.
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 UT Police Department. 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.
UTPD offers a voluntary training course to those who submit their intent to carry that covers firearm safety, reiteration of statutory requirements and limitations, a review of prohibited locations, and personal liabilities.
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 including 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.
Permit holders are required to keep their handguns secured at all times and the firearms must not be visible to ordinary observation. Handguns cannot be stored in offices unattended.
If you have questions, contact UTPD at 865-974-3114.