On July 1, Senate Bill 10, the W.Va. Campus Self-Defense Act, took effect in West Virginia. Passed by the West Virginia Legislature in 2023, the Campus Self-Defense Act allows a person who has a current and valid license to carry a concealed deadly weapon, to carry a concealed pistol, or revolver on the grounds of an institution of higher education, with some exceptions.
The West Virginia University Campus Safety Steering Group has been working for many months on how the law will be implemented across the WVU System. They have been coordinating with several sub-groups, including one focused solely on what is commonly known as campus carry. This week, the University updated the resources available at safety.wvu.edu/campus-carry. The PSC campus map with exempt locations and restrictions is now available. This map and signage provide information about where licensed concealed pistols and revolvers are and are not permitted on the Keyser campus.
The facilities staff has begun installing signs in areas specifically exempt from the law under BOG Finance and Administration Rule 5.14 — Deadly Weapons, Dangerous Objects, and the W.Va. Campus Self-Defense Act.
Ultimately, it is up to the concealed carry license holder to know the specifics of the Law and BOG Rule and to follow the regulations while on campuses throughout the WVU System. Violations will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. Also, please take a look at the FAQs for updated information, including a section specifically for Health Sciences, and step-by-step What To Do if You See Someone on Campus with a Gun Guide. There are storage lockers for qualifying students living in residence halls, since they are not permitted to have weapons in the living areas.
Occupants of “sole occupancy” offices wishing to request an approved sign for a prohibited area can do so by submitting a signage request form. Faculty members are encouraged to use the Faculty Senate-approved statement addressing concealed carry in their syllabi.
The WVU administration wants everyone to feel safe on campus and works each day on measures to help ensure that. For example, the University Police Department offers active shooter, self-defense, and verbal de-escalation training. Find additional University safety resources here.