Effective Date: July 1, 2023
Issuing Authority: Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance
Policy Contact: Mercer Police, mercerpolice@mercer.edu, 478-301-4357
Purpose
Mercer University is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all members of the campus community and visitors through the reasonable regulation of firearms, weapons, fireworks, and explosives.
Scope
This policy applies to all students, faculty, staff and visitors at Mercer University.
Exclusions
A Mercer student attending class/conducting Mercer business while in uniform and determined to be in an official duty/ emergency recall status by local police and/or law enforcement department/agency (city police department, county sheriff, Georgia Public Safety, etc.) may have a firearm/weapon. The student must submit a written request to the Chief of Mercer Police and receive approval in writing to have the firearm/weapon at a Mercer facility. The student’s written request must include a written certification from the appropriate police or law enforcement department/agency certifying the officer-student is required to have the firearm/weapon while in uniform and on official duty/emergency recall status. The appropriate police or law enforcement department/agency must certify the officer-student is required to have the firearm/weapon while in uniform and on duty/emergency recall status and submit request to Mercer Police for approval to have firearm/weapon in a Mercer facility.
Policy Statement
Firearms and weapons are prohibited on all Mercer University campuses, including Regional Academic Center (RAC) facilities. All firearms and weapons are prohibited, including, but not limited to, rifles, handguns, revolvers, shotguns, crossbows, hunting weapons, BB guns, stun guns, air rifles, air pistols, paintball guns, bowie knives, daggers, dirks, slingshots, leaded canes, metal knife sharpeners, switchblade knives, blackjacks, metallic knuckles, and any sharp, pointed or edged instrument (except instructional supplies, unaltered nail files and clips, and tools used solely for preparation of food, instruction, and maintenance). All fireworks or explosives (defined as any substance prepared for the purpose of producing visible or audible effects by combustion, explosion, or detonation) are prohibited. The only exception is for students who are in uniform (police, law enforcement officers, etc.) in an official duty status who have received a written approval from the Chief of Mercer Police.
Website Address
Mercer Police Department: https://police.mercer.edu/