Appendix I: Weapons, Firearms, Combustibles, and Explosives
All students must abide by the university's Weapons on Campus Code of Virginia Regulation.
The following additional provisions apply to students. Students cannot:
- Possess illegal or unauthorized possession of firearms, explosives, fireworks, other weapons, or dangerous chemicals or combustibles on university premises.
- Use any such item, even if legally possessed, in a manner that harms, threatens or causes fear to others.
- Possess pellet, paint, and bb guns.
- Possess counterfeit, replica, or blank-firing firearms or realistic-looking toy firearms, knives, or swords.*
Confiscation. The university reserves the right to confiscate weapons, firework, and any instruments, non-conforming toys or prop weapons, or other items that reasonably appear to be weapons or other prohibited items listed above, to hold those items for appropriate disposition, and to refer the possessor for student conduct accountability.
Obtaining Permission to Possess. Any student who wishes to possess an object that is deemed a "weapon" by this policy on campus for any reason, including participating in an academic activity, club sport, or any extracurricular activity, must seek and obtain approval from WMPD prior to bringing the object to the university. The university reserves the right to refuse permission to any request and/or to place conditions on the approval of such requests.
Self-Defense Items. Students may possess mace, pepper spray, and other such items that are intended for self-defense purposes only. Use in other ways would constitute a violation of university regulations. Stun guns and Tasers are prohibited.
*Students may, however, possess single-edged knives with blade lengths of three inches or less. Students who live in residence halls may possess kitchen knives; such knives must be stored out of sight when not in use.
