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Campus Concealed Carry Policy

Effective July 1, 2016

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

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

The form will be reviewed and the employee's handgun carry permit status will be confirmed.  Provided all information is on the form and the handgun permit status is valid, the form will then be accepted and placed on file. The employee will be provided with 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 in a class or classes at the university may not carry a concealed handgun on TSU property.

Full-time employees are prohibited from carrying a concealed weapon into meetings about tenure and employee discipline.

Full-time employees may not carry a handgun into any stadium, arena, or auditorium when university-sponsored events are underway. Other prohibited locations are hospitals and offices where medical and mental health services are the primary services provided: Student Health Center, Early Learning Center, and the speech and hearing clinics. View list of all prohibited locations.

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 will be held at TSUPD twice a month and are free.  Classes will be offered on a first come basis due to limited space.  If you have any questions, please contact the TSUPD at: 615-963-5171.

Class Schedule

Thursday, July 14^th, 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Thursday, July 21st, 5:30pm -6:30pm

Wednesday, August 3rd, 5:00pm -6:00pm

Friday, August 19th, 10:00am-11:00am

Wednesday, September 7th, 10:00am-11:00am

Monday, September 19th, 5:30pm-6:30pm

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Listing of All Prohibited Locations

NOTE: Full-time employees may not carry a handgun DURING University-sponsored events.

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