Firearms, Weapons, and Other Prohibited Items Policy

The purpose of this policy is to establish restrictions regarding the possession, carry, transportation and storage of firearms and weapons and other dangerous items on Rocky Vista University properties or areas of responsibilities. This policy applies to all RVU students, faculty, staff, guests, visitors and contractors.

Possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives, fireworks, and/or other dangerous weapons, which may cause fear, alarm, or threat to another person within or upon the grounds, buildings, or other facilities of RVU or at any RVU-sponsored or supervised functions or events is prohibited.

However, if the individual is legally permitted to transport, possess, purchase, receive, transfer, or store the firearm in the state of the RVU location where they are working, studying, or visiting, it is allowable for the firearm(s) to be stored in the individual’s private vehicle in the University parking lot. The firearm must be locked securely in the motor vehicle or in a locked container attached to the motor vehicle while the motor vehicle is not occupied; and the firearm is not in plain view from the outside of the motor vehicle. Any employee or student who intends to have a permitted firearm in their vehicle while in the University parking lot must complete a disclosure form, available at the Department of Campus Safety and Security. If the weapon is a loaded handgun, employee or student must provide proof on the form that the employee or student has a concealed carry permit valid in the state of the RVU location where they are working or attending school. In no event may a person store or possess a loaded rifle, shotgun, or muzzle-loading rifle in a vehicle in the University parking lot.

Purpose and Scope:
The purpose of this policy is to establish restrictions regarding the possession, carry, transportation and storage of firearms and weapons and other dangerous items on Rocky Vista University properties or areas of responsibilities. This policy applies to all RVU students, faculty, staff, guests, visitors and contractors.

Policy Statement:
Possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives, fireworks, and/or other dangerous weapons, which may cause fear, alarm, or threat to another person within or upon the grounds, buildings, or other facilities of RVU or at any RVU-sponsored or supervised functions or events is prohibited.

However, if the individual is legally permitted to transport, possess, purchase, receive, transfer, or store the firearm in the state of the RVU location where they are working, studying, or visiting, it is allowable for the firearm(s) to be stored in the individual’s private vehicle in the University parking lot. The firearm must be locked securely in the motor vehicle or in a locked container attached to the motor vehicle while the motor vehicle is not occupied; and the firearm is not in plain view from the outside of the motor vehicle. Any employee or student who intends to have a permitted firearm in their vehicle while in the University parking lot must complete a disclosure form, available at the Department of Campus Safety and Security. If the weapon is a loaded handgun, employee or student must provide proof on the form that the employee or student has a concealed carry permit valid in the state of the RVU location where they are working or attending school. . In no event may a person store or possess a loaded rifle, shotgun, or muzzle-loading rifle in a vehicle in the University parking lot.

Any person(s) in violation of this policy shall be subject to University disciplinary action and/or criminal charges.

Exception to this policy would be granted to city, state, or federal law enforcement officers on RVU property for official business.

Other Prohibited Weapons or Dangerous Items:
RVU disallows the following items within its facilities due to existing RVU policies, fire safety laws, as well as federal, state, and local laws. Possession of any of the following items may result in seizure and/or destruction of the items by an RVU representative and may result in disciplinary action:

  • Rifles, weapons, ammunition and related paraphernalia, BB guns and air guns.
  • Narcotics, recreational or illicit drugs and drug-related items.
  • Explosive materials.
  • Realistic replicas of firearms or other weapons.
  • Gasoline, kerosene and other fuels.
  • Firecrackers and fireworks.
  • Combustible decorations.
  • Candles, lanterns, incense, etc. (No open flames).
  • Toxic and hazardous chemicals, except cleaning chemicals and approved lab chemicals.
  • Unauthorized cooking equipment (i.e., grills, toaster ovens, hot pots, hot plates, fry pans, etc.).
  • Immersion heaters.
  • Any other items that may affect the safety or security of the University.

Additional Information:
Employees or students who are aware of violations of this policy are required to report such violations to the Department of
Campus Safety and Security.

Clinical Rotations:
Students on Clinical Rotations must learn and adhere to the policy of the facility in which they are rotating, as RVU policy does not supersede any outside facility’s policies in this regard.