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TSU Firearms Safety Policy Governing Concealed Handguns on TSU Property

Effective July 1, 2016

As of July 1, 2016, Tennessee Law TCA 39-17-1309 allows, generally, Tennessee State University full-time employees with a valid handgun permit to carry a concealed handgun on TSU property. 

Full-time employees who work at TSU and intend to carry a concealed handgun on TSU property should read the TSU Firearm Safety Policy. Full-time employees must also notify TSUPD of their intent to carry a concealed handgun on TSU property by completing the Notification of Intent to Carry a Concealed Handgun Form and submitting it in-person at the TSUPD offices located in the Queen Washington Building on the main campus at 3500 John Merritt Blvd.

Upon the employee’s submission of the Notification of Intent form, TSUPD will review the form for compliance with the Firearms Safety Policy.  TSUPD will also provide the employee with a copy of the TSU Firearm Safety Policy.  Due to the validation and confirmation process that must be followed, these forms can only be accepted during the regular business hours of the university (Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm; Monday – Thursday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Summer Hours). In order to provide the fastest service to employees wishing to carry a concealed handgun, an appointment should be made with TSUPD by calling 615-963-5171.

Applicants must bring their:

• Faculty/staff identification card
• Valid Tennessee driver’s license
• Valid Tennessee handgun permit

Full-time employees who are enrolled as a student at the university are NOT eligible to carry a concealed handgun on TSU property.

Full-time employees are prohibited from carrying a concealed handgun into meetings involving tenure or disciplinary matters.

Full-time employees may not carry a handgun into any stadium, gymnasium, or auditorium when university-sponsored events are underway. At no time may full-time employees carry a handgun into locations where medical and mental health services are the primary services provided (the TSU Student Health Center and TSU Counseling Center).  View the list of all prohibited locations.

Part-time employees are not permitted to carry a handgun on TSU property.

Students are not permitted to carry or otherwise possess a handgun or other firearm on TSU property. 

For more information, see the TSU Firearm Safety Policy and TSU Firearms FAQ.

Firearms Safety Training 

TSUPD will provide voluntary training on campus firearm safety and firearms on campus. The classes are offered free of charge. Contact Lt. Glenn Hesson to schedule a class. If you have any questions, please contact the TSUPD at: 615-963-5171.

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Listing of All Prohibited Locations

Prohibited at All Times

The following locations are prohibited at ALL times. Full-time employees may not carry a handgun at these locations: 

University-sponsored Events Prohibited Locations

Full-time employees may not carry a handgun DURING University-sponsored events at these locations:

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