Members of the West Virginia University Campus Safety Steering Group have been working for months to build on existing University safety measures while establishing the groundwork for additional campus safety steps, including campus carry provisions.
President Gordon Gee created the group in 2023— co-chaired by Corey Farris, dean of students, and Sharon Martin, vice president for University Engagement and chief marketing officer — to enhance the safety and well-being of the University’s campus communities by continually evaluating safety initiatives, community outreach and engagement, training opportunities and communication.
Find more information about the Campus Safety Steering Group.
Sub-groups for the Campus Safety Steering Group include those focused specifically on Campus Carry, On-Campus Safety, Morgantown Partnership and Communications.
The work of the sub-groups includes the Morgantown, Beckley, Keyser and Health Sciences campuses.
On July 1, Senate Bill 10, the Campus Self Defense Act, will take effect in West Virginia.
Passed by the West Virginia Legislature in 2023, the Campus Self Defense Act allows a person to carry a concealed pistol or revolver on the grounds of an institution of higher education, with some exceptions, if that person has a current and valid license to carry a concealed deadly weapon.
In the coming weeks, the University will begin sharing information and resources as part of a comprehensive implementation plan. Feedback from the UPD survey circulating now will help guide communications and messaging throughout the spring semester.
For the latest information, follow MOUNTAINEER E-News and the Safety and Wellness website at safety.wvu.edu.
Questions can be directed to safety@mail.wvu.edu.