Dangerous Weapons and Firearms

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Policy 12.3
Approved by:	President
Responsible Officer:	Vice President for Business & Administrative Services
Responsible Office:	Business & Administrative Services
Originally Issued:	03/26/2009
Last Revision:	08/25/2025
Category:	Safety, Security, Environmental Health, and Risk Management
Related Policy
SDBOR Policy 1.4.5. Safety in the Workplace and Educational Settings
SDBOR Policy 1.4.7 Threat Assessment Procedures
SDBOR Policy 1.4.8 Exclusion of Member of the Public for Disruption of Institutional Activities or for Misconduct
SDCL 22-1-2 Crimes Definitions and General Provisions
SDCL 23-7 Firearms Control
SDBOR Policy 3.4.1 Student Code of Conduct

1. Reason for Policy

   This policy and the accompanying procedures set for the provisions applicable to dangerous weapons and firearms on University premises in compliance with SDBOR Policy 1.4.5.

2. Definitions

   1. Concealed Pistol. For purposes of this policy, concealed pistol is defined by SDCL 22-1-2(6) as “any firearm that is totally hidden from view. If any part of the firearm is capable
      of being seen, it is not concealed.”
   2. Dangerous Weapons. For purposes of this policy, dangerous weapons is defined by SDCL 22-1-2(10), "Dangerous weapon" or "deadly weapon," any firearm, knife or device, instrument, material or substance, whether animate or inanimate, which is calculated or designed to inflict death or serious bodily harm, or by the manner in which it is used is likely to inflict death or serious bodily harm.
   3. Firearm. For purposes of this policy, firearm is defined by SDCL 22-1-2(16), "Firearm," any weapon from which a projectile or projectiles may be discharged by gunpowder. The word "gunpowder" includes any propellant that upon oxidization emits heat and light and is commonly used in firearms cartridges.

3. Statement of Policy

   1. Prohibition. Dangerous weapons and firearms are prohibited within the boundaries of the University or while in any building or structured owned or leased by the Board or the University unless specifically authorized by this policy or by the University President
   2. Responsibilities:
      
      1. The VP for Business & Admin Services shall maintain an internal registry of locations where the carrying or possession of items set forth in the exceptions section of this policy shall be restricted or limited by this policy. For each location listed, the University shall include the rationale for the restriction. Registry entries shall be designated as either permanent or temporary pursuant to requirements identified in SDBOR 1.4.5.(3.5.2):
      2. Facilities Management shall coordinate the on-campus weapons storage plan, including but not limited to, processes, storage, and Weapons Storage Agreements.
   3. Sanctions. Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary actions.
      
      1. Students found to be in violation of this policy may be subject to discipline in accordance with BOR Policy 3.4 and/or University policies.
      2. Employees found to be in violation of this policy may be subject to discipline up to and including termination, in accordance with BOR and/or University policies.
      3. Members of the public found to be in violation of this policy may be subject to exclusion from University premises pursuant to BOR Policy 1.4.8.

   Exclusions

   N/A

   Exceptions

   The following exceptions are permitted, unless otherwise specified in this policy, within the boundaries of an institution or while in any building or structure owned or leased by the Board or the University.

   1. Concealed pistols and compatible ammunition, by an individual holding an enhanced permit, a restricted enhanced permit, or a reciprocal permit issued pursuant to SDCL 23-7 Firearms Control;
   2. A stun gun;
   3. Mace, pepper spray; or other chemical irritant;
   4. Any starting gun while in use at an athletic event, and any firearm or air gun at a firing range, a gun show, or supervised school or session for training in the use of firearms; 
   5. The ceremonial presence of any unloaded weapon at a color guard ceremony; 
   6. Any weapon under the control of military personnel while carrying out official duties or training associated with the South Dakota National Guard or the Reserve Officers Training Corps; 
   7. Any lawful firearm held in a weapon storage facility operated by the University or while such firearm is being transported unloaded in a firearm case to or from such a storage facility; or 
   8. Storage of any lawful firearm inside a locked personal motor vehicle is permitted on University property (unloaded and in a firearm case). 

4. Procedures (Major)

   1. Other Lawful Firearm Storage. Other lawful firearms that do not qualify as exceptions under this policy may be stored unloaded in a locked privately owned vehicle or checked in to Facilities Management for secure storage. If the firearm is checked in for secured storage at Facilities Management, the individual shall sign and abide by a University Firearms Storage Agreement. Individuals on University premises shall ensure the firearm, not subject to exemptions in the policy, is unloaded, inoperable, and in a case during conveyance to and from storage.
   2. Registry of Restricted Locations. The VP for Business & Administrative Services shall submit the annual registry of restricted locations as described in Section III.B.i to the SDBOR Executive Director by September 1 of each year.
   3. Concealed Weapons. Each individual who possesses an item identified in exceptions shall at all times, have that item in the individual’s custody or control, and shall be wholly and solely responsible for carrying, storing, and using the item in a safe manner and in accordance with possession of any item set forth in exceptions, the individual shall store the item in a locked case or safe.
   4. Academic or Special Use Request. If a weapon is necessary for academic purposes or for a special visiting group, the responsible party shall submit a request to the Vice President for Business & Administrative Services and Vice President for Student Affairs two weeks in advance of the academic activity or group visit. The request will then be taken to the Executive Committee of Cabinet.
   5. Event/Activity Monitoring. If the Executive Committee of Cabinet approves the event/activity, the supervisor of the individual authorized to carry a weapon on campus shall be responsible for monitoring the event or activity in its entirety, ensuring the weapon is securely transported and stored.
   6. Weapons Storage Communication. The Director of Facilities Management shall provide the plan for weapons storage and the resulting utilization of provided storage to the Vice President/Dean for Student Affairs, Director of Residence Life, and Vice President for Business and Administrative Services for informational purposes only on an annual basis.
   7. Policy Violation Notification. Any employee or student who becomes aware of a violation of this policy is required to immediately notify Residence Life, their supervisor, or law enforcement.

5. Related Documents, Forms, and Tools

   University Firearms Storage Agreement

6. Policy History

   Adopted:             03/26/2009

   Revised:              07/17/2017

   Revised:              08/25/2025