I. Scope:
The policies and procedures provided herein apply to all George Mason University faculty, staff, students, and members of the public. This Policy applies to all George Mason University locations, owned and leased.
II. Policy Statement:
Consistent with the Code of Virginia, the Board of Visitors has approved a restriction against weapons on campus for faculty, staff, and students. The possession of any weapon (as defined by this policy) on campus by any member of the faculty, staff or student body is prohibited. A conceal carry permit does not exempt faculty, staff, and students from this restriction.
The exception to this prohibition is for law enforcement officials and sworn federal law enforcement officers as defined by the Code of Virginia sections §15.2-1609, §15.2-1700, §23-232, §29.1-200, and §52.1. Law enforcement officials and sworn federal law enforcement officers must notify University Police of their intent to carry a weapon into university buildings and outdoor events.
Students and employees are permitted to possess a weapon on campus and within university buildings so long as the weapon is required by course curriculum or activities and approved in writing by University Police.
Employees and students in possession of a weapon(s) transported onto campus are responsible for securing the weapon in their vehicle in a locked hard sided container secured to their vehicle and out of sight in accordance with Code of Virginia § 18.2‑308.7:2. At no time may the weapon leave the vehicle or be carried on their person. Employees and students who are unable to secure their weapon while on campus are prohibited from being on university property or inside university owned or leased buildings.
Members of the public may possess or carry weapons on University property only to the extent permitted by applicable law. Pursuant to Code of Virginia § 18.2-283.2, no person may carry a firearm or explosive material into any University building owned or leased by the Commonwealth except as otherwise authorized by law. In addition, no member of the public may possess or carry any weapon into a University event where weapons are prohibited by this policy.
Due to the risk of being identified as a real weapon, any item which looks like a weapon in appearance and which is utilized for any purpose on all properties of George Mason University as defined in section (I. Scope), must be reported to and approved by the University Police prior to being used in any activity. Examples of these activities include but are not limited to plays, class presentations, ROTC military exercises and Intercollegiate Athletic events.
Nothing in this policy prohibits carrying pepper spray.
III. Definitions
Event: In accordance with University Policy 1103 an event means; A meeting, conference, presentation, gathering, or other activity that occurs on Facilities. The definition of “Event” does not include gatherings taking place in common, public and/or non-reservable areas that are typical for the area, do not impact individuals other than the individuals participating in the gathering, and do not use campus resources such as production, catering, or furniture rentals (e.g. individuals having a meal, study groups).
Law Enforcement Officer or Officials Means any individual appointed pursuant to §15.2-1609, et seq., of the Code of Virginia; §15.2-1700, et seq. of the Code of Virginia; §23-232, et. seq. of the Code of Virginia; §29.1-200, et seq. of the Code of Virginia; §52-1, et seq. of the Code of Virginia;
Member of the Public: Means any individual who is not an employee of George Mason University or enrolled in university courses.
Possession: Means having on one’s person, easily accessible, within one’s reach, or transported into, stored, or kept inside of a university owned or leased space or event.
Weapon: Means any pistol, revolver, or other weapon designed or intended to propel a missile of any kind, or any dirk, bowie knife, switchblade knife, ballistic knife, razor slingshot, spring stick, metal knucks, blackjack, or any flailing instrument consisting of two or more rigid parts connected in such a manner as to allow them to swing freely, which may be known as nun chahka, nun chuck, nunchaku, shuriken, or fighting chain, or any disc, of whatever configuration, having at least two points or pointed blades which is designed to be thrown or propelled and which may be known as throwing star or dart. Weapon also includes any electroshock weapon, including any device designed or intended to temporarily incapacitate a person by delivering an electric shock, such as a stun gun or stun baton.
IV. Responsibilities:
Faculty, staff, and students must observe this policy and are expected to report violations of this policy to University Police.
V. Compliance:
Faculty, staff, and students found to be in violation of this policy may be subject to corrective or disciplinary actions, up to and including termination and personnel actions in accordance with university Standards of Conduct.
VI. Timetable for Review:
This policy, and its related procedures, shall be reviewed triennially.
VII. Amendments:
Amendments will be approved by Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and the Provost and Executive Vice President.
VIII. Dates:
Date approved: July 23, 2007
Reviewed: November 3, 2020
Revised: April 1, 2025
Revised: August 24, 2026