July 1, 2024

“Campus Carry” is the common name for the law that authorizes a license holder to carry a concealed handgun at institutions of higher education in West Virginia.

The difference between campus carry and open carry lies in their regulations regarding the carrying of handguns:

1. Campus Carry:

· Definition: Campus carry, also known as Senate Bill 10, permits individuals with a valid concealed handgun license (CHL) to carry concealed weapons in specific areas on college campuses, including Pierpont Community & Technical College.

· Scope: It applies only to those with a valid license and allows concealed carry in designated areas.

· Exemptions: Universities can create guidelines and exempt certain parts of campus from the law, but they cannot violate the spirit of the law.

2. Open Carry:

· Definition: Open carry refers to the open display of handguns.

· Campus Prohibition: The open carry of weapons on college campuses is not permitted.

In summary, campus carry allows concealed carry with a valid license, while open carry pertains to openly displaying handguns and is prohibited on college campuses in West Virginia.

There are 12 exceptions to the campus carry law and those are the only times a gun-free zone can be established.

1. Organized Events: Concealed carry is prohibited at organized events held in stadiums or arenas with a capacity of more than 1,000 spectators.

2. Campus Daycare: Concealed carry is not allowed at campus daycare facilities.

3. K-12 School-Sponsored Functions: During K-12 school-sponsored events occurring on campus, concealed carry is banned.

4. Patient-Care Areas: Concealed carry is prohibited in patient-care areas.

5. Residence Halls (Except Common Areas): While concealed carry is generally not allowed in residence halls, common areas are an exception.

6. Arena or Stadium Events: Concealed carry is forbidden at organized events in arenas or stadiums with a capacity exceeding 1,000 spectators.

7. Childcare Facilities: Concealed carry is not permitted in childcare facilities on campus.

8. K-12 School Functions: Concealed carry is banned during K-12 school-sponsored functions held on campus.

9. Patient-Care and Mental Health Spaces: Firearms are prohibited in patient-care areas and mental health/patient care counseling spaces.

10. Formal Disciplinary/Grievance Hearings: Concealed carry is not allowed during formal disciplinary or grievance hearings.

11. Individual Office Spaces: Private offices have the option to be gun free zones.

12. Residence Hall Rooms (Except Lounges, Dining Areas, and Study Areas): While concealed carry is generally not allowed in residence halls, it is permitted in common areas such as lounges, dining areas, and study spaces. Note – guns will be stored in a safe in the students’ room, but carrying in other private rooms will not be permitted.

No. Senate Bill 10, also known as the Campus Self-Defense Act, permits individuals with a valid license to carry a concealed weapon in specific areas on Pierpont’s campuses and centers. However, it’s important to note that this law does not allow everyone to carry a concealed weapon; it applies only to those with a valid license.

To be eligible for a concealed handgun license (CHL) in West Virginia, a person must meet the following requirements:

1. Age: Applicants must be at least 21 years old to apply for a regular CHL. However, individuals between 18 and 20 years old can obtain a provisional CHL to lawfully carry a concealed handgun without other lawful authorization.

2. Firearm Training: Applicants must complete a West Virginia concealed carry permit course that provides firearm training.

3. Citizenship or Legal Residency: Applicants must be a United States citizen or legal resident.

4. County of Residence: Applicants must reside in the county from which they are making the application.

The WV statue covers only handguns. A handgun is a pistol, revolver or other firearm the length of the barrel, which, not including any revolving, detachable, or magazine breech, does not exceed 12 inches. Other weapons -rifles or shotguns – are not permitted in campus buildings.