Policy PO001: Weapons, Firearms and Dangerous Devices on Campus
Recommended for Approval by:
Susanne K. Fenske, Ph.D.
Senior Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness and Student
Affairs
Approved by:
Dr. Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson, President
Effective Date: 07/01/2022

A. Intent
The President of PennWest University of Pennsylvania and the Chancellor of the State System of
Higher Education under the guise of Act 188 of 1982 are responsible to provide a safe and secure
educational environment and are authorized to establish policies governing the use of University
facilities and property. In addition, PennWest University, under the “Rights and Responsibilities” has
defined that the students and the University has the responsibility to ensure the safety and security
of others; and thus this policy is to address and regulate the possession of deadly weapons on the
campus of PennWest University of Pennsylvania. This policy applies to all persons who are enrolled,
employed by, visiting or providing services to any portion of the campus or grounds of the
University.
B. Definition(s)
For the purpose of this policy, a weapon includes (but not limited to) fireworks; a paintball, air soft,
and/or BB gun; explosives; any item designed and/or used in a way to threaten, inflict bodily harm,
and/or physical damage; and (i) a firearm and/or (ii) firearm ammunition.
C. Policy
The possession of carrying of any weapon by any person is prohibited in University academic
buildings, administrative buildings, student residence buildings, dining facilities, or while attending a
sporting, entertainment, recreational or educational event on the University’s property. Entry upon
University property in violation of this prohibition is expressly forbidden and will result in the
individual(s) being directed to remove the weapon immediately from University property; or to have
the weapon securely stored at the University Police station, per the procedures of Handling and

Storage of Firearms Policy. Failure to comply with this directive may result in further disciplinary
actions for students in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct or employees.
Authorized Exceptions: Certified, Commissioned and Sworn Police Officers employed by this
University Police Department or other State System University Police Departments on official
business; or sworn and certified municipal, county, state or federal police officers, probation and
parole officers who carry proper identification are exempt from this policy.
Notification of Use of Replica or Prop Weapons: Due to an inherent risk of being misidentified as a
real weapon capable of causing serious bodily injury or death, any item which looks like a firearm,
knife, or other weapon must be reported to the University Police Department prior to use in any
activity. Examples of such activities include official ROTC military exercises, color guard,
intercollegiate athletics, class room instruction or presentations, dramatic plays and similar artistic
events. The retention and storage of realistic looking or replica style weapons in student resident
hall is prohibited and shall be construed as a violation of University Policy and may result in
disciplinary action. Replica and Prop weapons that are used for ROTC military exercises, color guard
activities, intercollegiate athletics, class room instruction or presentations or dramatic plays and
similar artistic events may be stored in convenient locations for the particular event, department or
activity provided that each can be accounted for and are not left in unsecured areas in a manner
that would permit them to be readily available to any unauthorized person.
D. Procedure(s)
N/A
E. Related policies
Student Code of Conduct
Handling and Storage of Firearms Policy
F. Contact Information
PennWest University Police California: (724) 938-4299
PennWest University Police Clarion: (814) 393-2111
PennWest University Police Edinboro: (814) 732-2921
G. Policy Review Schedule
Contact office responsible for dates
All policies will be reviewed every two years or on an as needed basis if a change in BOG, PASSHE or
Pennsylvania law would create the need for an immediate change.