1. Policy Statement
1.1. The university is committed to promoting a safe living, learning and working environment for all members of the university community. Accordingly, the university prohibits the possession, use, or threatened use of Weapons, Dangerous Chemicals, or Destructive Devices on university-owned or -controlled property, or at university events held on property not owned or controlled by the university, except as expressly authorized by law or authorized in this University Standard.
1.2. Weapons, Dangerous Chemicals, or Destructive Devices may be used only in connection with a University Sanctioned Use. Use must be consistent with the regulations of the unit conducting the sanctioned use.
1.3. Personal protection devices like pepper spray (in dispensers containing less than two ounces), stun guns, or collapsible batons used in a lawful manner and for personal protection purposes are not considered Weapons, Dangerous Chemicals, or Destructive Devices under this University Standard.
1.3.1. Pepper spray in a dispenser containing more than two ounces when used as an animal deterrent in a university Research Forest, Experiment Station, or similar university property, is not considered a Weapon or Dangerous Chemical under this University Standard.
2. Reason for Policy
2.1. The university recognizes that the presence and use of Weapons, Dangerous Chemicals, or Destructive Devices on university property presents a potential threat to the safety of all university community members. This University Standard is necessary to maintain a community conducive to learning and advances the educational objectives and mission of Oregon State University.
3. Scope & Audience
3.1. This University Standard applies to all university employees, students, contractors, volunteers, visitors, and anyone on university-owned or -controlled property. This University Standard also applies to university events held on property not owned or controlled by the university.
3.2. Police officers, peace officers, and military personnel acting in the course and scope of their official duties may use and possess Weapons, Dangerous Chemicals and Destructive Devices on university-owned or-controlled property provided each such individual is authorized by law to do so.
3.3. The possession and use of firearms on university-owned or -controlled property is governed by University Policy 07-315 Firearms.
4. Definitions
4.1. Dangerous Chemicals: Any chemical or compound in any state that could cause bodily injury and has the potential to be used as a Weapon.
4.2. Destructive Device: Any explosives (including fireworks), incendiary, bomb, grenade, missile, mine, projectile containing an explosive or incendiary material, or any other chemical substance, or similar device or dangerous materials, or any launching device that could cause bodily injury.
4.3. Weapons: An instrument, article or substance that is designed, used or likely to be used to cause bodily harm or property damage, or that could create a dangerous situation by their possession or use. Weapons include the following items:
4.3.1. Any knife having a blade that projects or swings into position by force of a spring, by centrifugal force or by gravity, and is commonly known as a switchblade knife;
4.3.2. Any hunting or target bow, any crossbow;
4.3.3. Any dirk, dagger, slingshot, metal knuckles, or any similar instrument that, when used, could inflict injury upon the person or property of any other person;
4.3.4. Pepper spray (in dispensers containing greater than two ounces, except as provided in Section 1.3.1 of this University Standard), tear gas, or similar deleterious agent capable of generating offensive, noxious or suffocating fumes, gases or vapor or capable of immobilizing a person;
4.3.5. Paintball guns, ammunition, and non-functioning firearm replicas that could be confused with actual firearms.
5. Responsibilities & Procedures
5.1. University Sanctioned Use. The following uses are allowed pursuant to this University Standard when necessary to achieve their program, academic, or research purposes and objectives, and in alignment with relevant safety policies and protocols:
5.1.1. Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC);
5.1.2. 4-H Youth Development, with adult supervision if used by a minor;
5.1.3. Classroom activities;
5.1.4. University-sponsored or -authorized sports involving Weapons;
5.1.5. Chemicals purchased by the university and used for their intended purpose; or
5.1.6. Uses approved in writing by the Vice President for Finance and Administration or their designee. The Vice President for Finance and Administration or their designee may revoke permission for any University Sanctioned Use if in the best interest of the university and to the extent not prohibited by law.
5.2. Enforcement.
5.2.1. Enforcement procedures for possession, use, or threatened use of Weapons, Dangerous Chemicals, or Destructive Devices may be found in University Standard 07-300 Proscribed Conduct.
6. Related Policies, Procedures, or Information
6.1. Other guidance for students may be found in the Code of Student Conduct and the University Housing & Dining Services Policy Guide. In the event of a discrepancy between any documents and this University Standard, the provisions of this University Standard will prevail.
6.1.1. Code of Student Conduct.
6.1.2. University Housing & Dining Services Policy Guide.
6.2. University Standard 07-315 Firearms.
History
Oregon State University adopted University Standard 576-065 Weapons & Destructive Devices from Oregon Administrative Rule 576-065 Weapons & Destructive Devices on July 1, 2014. University Standard 576-065 Weapons & Destructive Devices was revised and renumbered as University Standard 07-310 Weapons, Dangerous Chemicals and Destructive Devices on August 28, 2024.
Next scheduled review date: August 2029.
Contacts
Public Safety
541-737-3010
https://publicsafety.oregonstate.edu