Weapons on Campus

Generally, possession of a firearm or other weapons and instrumentalities (does not apply to pepper spray) is not permitted on campus. Individuals may a request an exception to carry a weapon in writing using the following procedure:

1. Submit request to carry weapon in writing to the Director of Campus Safety and Security.
• Written request includes reason for needing to carry weapon on campus.
• If requestor is asking to carry a concealed pistol they must provide a copy of current valid concealed pistol permit license and copy of current valid state driver’s license.
• Requestor signs a release form for a Washington State Patrol criminal background check to determine if there have been violent convictions since obtaining the concealed permit license.
2. Director of Campus Safety and Security forwards the request to the Chancellor of the University of Washington Tacoma, per WAC 478-120-020(3(f).
3. Director of Campus Safety and Security reviews the request with the Chancellor.
4. Chancellor consults with Chief of Police of the University of Washington Police Department in Seattle who will provide recommendation and advice on the request.
5. Chancellor consults with the Attorney General’s Office.
6. Chancellor meets with appropriate Vice Chancellor and/or Associate Vice Chancellor to review the request. Student requests are reviewed with the Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs; faculty requests are reviewed by the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, and staff requests are reviewed by the Vice Chancellor of Administrative Services.
7. Chancellor responds to requestor in writing, a copy of the letter is kept on file in the Chancellor’s office; a copy is forwarded to the University of Washington Attorney General’s Office and UW Tacoma Campus Safety and Security office.

For more information, please contact Susan Wagshul-Golden, Director of Campus Safety and Security.

• Process to Request Exception to (WAC) 478-124-020(3) (f): Policy Restricting Firearm or Other Weapons and Instrumentalities on Campus
• Washington State Attorney General’s Concealed Weapons Guidelines

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