Providing a safe and secure environment is a priority at the University of Arkansas. We are committed to a safe and full implementation of the state’s new concealed carry laws that will allow for concealed weapons to be carried on campus in the future. However, concealed weapons will not be permitted on campus until the Arkansas State Police develops and implements the training program and permit process.
The new laws went into effect Sept. 1, 2017, however concealed carry on the U of A campus will not be allowed until the enhanced carry permit is available.
The Arkansas State Police has 120 days after the laws’ effective date to develop the enhanced certification training and permit process required in order to carry a concealed weapon on campus. Additional information will be available about the implementation of the law when that process is complete.
Concealed carry is only allowed on campus if:
- A person (who generally must be 21 or over, with limited exceptions) holds a valid concealed weapon permit, and
- Holds an endorsement from the Arkansas State Police after successfully completing an additional enhanced certification-training course of up to 8 hours
Open carry is not allowed on campus.
U of A faculty and staff do not have the authority to ban handguns from any location not specified in Acts 562 and 859.
A person with the required permits who is carrying a concealed handgun is not required to notify faculty, staff, or students that he/she is carrying a weapon.
Concealed weapons are prohibited from:
- Being stored in any university facilities, including classrooms, locker rooms, offices, residence halls or university-owned fraternity and sorority houses
- U of A sporting and athletic contests, events and practices with approved security plans
- Jean Tyson Child Development Center
- Grievance and disciplinary hearings meeting certain requirements
Concealed weapons can only be:
- Carried on campus by people who hold an valid concealed carry permit and enhanced permit.
- Stored in locked and unattended motor vehicles on university or public property.
