Weapons and Firearms on Campus

At Texas Woman’s University (TWU), the safety of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors is a top priority. The University respects the rights of individuals who are properly licensed under Texas law to carry concealed handguns on campus, while also ensuring a secure and conducive learning and working environment.

TWU's policy on firearms and concealed handguns is designed to comply with state law while maintaining the safety and well-being of our community. This policy applies to all TWU students, employees, university affiliates, and guests, and outlines where and when firearms, including concealed handguns, are permitted on campus property. Certain areas are designated as firearm-free zones to protect the integrity and safety of the University environment.

License holders are permitted to carry concealed handguns in most public areas on campus, unless specifically restricted by law or University policy. The open carry of firearms is prohibited. Additionally, the University reserves the right to temporarily restrict the carrying of concealed handguns in response to specific safety concerns or high-risk events.

We are committed to ensuring that our campus remains a safe, respectful, and welcoming place for all. For more information, including areas where concealed carry is prohibited, please refer to the full policy. The policy is reviewed regularly to align with state and federal regulations and to address emerging safety considerations.

Read: TWU Weapons and Firearms Policy

Gun Free Zones

The following categories of campus premises are designated as Gun Free Zones under TWU policy:

• Locations Providing Counseling and Health Services
• Locations Providing Childcare to Minors
• Locations Primarily Used for NCAA, UIL or Professional Sports Events
• Locations with Special or Unique Uses (Disciplinary Hearings)
• Location with Special or Unique Uses (Laboratory Venues)
• Locations with Special or Unique Uses (MISC)

Locations Providing Counseling and Health Services

Denton Campus

• Mary Gibbs Jones Hall - Student Health Services
• Mary Gibbs Jones Hall - Counseling & Psychological Services Center
• MCL Building - Speech-Language & Hearing Clinic (6th floor)
• MCL Building - Dental Hygiene Clinic - Room #102
• Woodcock Hall - Counseling & Family Therapy Clinic - Room #114
• Stoddard Hall - Faculty Ombudsperson’s Office - Room #319

Dallas Campus

• Counseling Suite #8300
• Stroke Center

Houston Campus

• Counseling Suite #2250

Locations Providing Childcare for Minor Children

Denton Campus

• Lowry Woods Community Center including the TWU Clubhouse, 1600 Oakland Street
• Multipurpose Classroom Laboratory Building - Speech-Language & Hearing Clinic MCL 6th Floor
• Multipurpose Classroom Laboratory Building - Dental Hygiene MCL - Room #102
• Woodcock Hall - Counseling & Family Therapy Clinic - Room #114

Locations Primarily Used for NCAA, UIL or Professional Sports Events, Minor Children Sports Camps

Denton Campus

• Fitness and Recreation, 1607 Bell Avenue
• Pioneer Hall, 1600 Bell Avenue
• Pioneer Soccer Park, 1602 Hufford Court
• Softball Field, 1600 Reagan Houston Lane
• Tennis Courts, 1602 Reagan Houston Lane
• Dance, Gymnastics & Human Performance Lab Bldg., 1513 Bell Avenue
• Fashion and Textile Labs, Old Main Bldg. 1210 Old Main Circle (during summer camps with minors in attendance)

Locations with Special or Unique Uses (Disciplinary Hearings)

Denton Campus

• Students/Office of Student Life, Student Union - Room #206

Dallas Campus

• Designated Administrative Locations
• Students/Office of Student Life - Room #3600

Houston Campus

• Designated Administrative Locations
• Students/Office of Student Life - Room #2300

Locations with Special or Unique Uses (Laboratory Venues)

Denton Campus Labs

• Ann Stuart Science Complex, 1201 Old Main
• Scientific Research Commons, 10001 Old Main Circle
• Woodcock Hall, 1202 Old Main (Bottom Floor)
• Old Main, 1210 Old Main (3rd and 4th Floors)
• Pioneer Hall, 1600 Bell Avenue (1st floor Kinesiology labs)

Dallas Campus Labs

• Nursing Labs
• Occupational Therapy Labs
• Physical Therapy Labs

Houston Campus Labs

• Nursing Labs
• Occupational Therapy Labs
• Physical Therapy Labs

Locations with Special or Unique Uses (MISC)

Denton Campus

• Designated Administrative Special Event/Emergency Locations
• Hubbard Hall – Conference Services/Redbud Theater
• Board of Regents Meetings
• University House and Grounds, 610 East University Drive
• Testing Center – Oakland Complex 1201 Oakland St.

Dallas Campus

• Designated Administrative Special Event/Emergency Locations
• Board of Regents Meetings

Houston Campus

• Designated Administrative Special Event/Emergency Locations
• Board of Regents Meetings

Frequently Asked Questions

Who may carry a gun on campus?
Any individual who holds a current and valid Texas License to Carry (LTC) may carry a concealed handgun where permitted on university property.

Will guns be allowed in the dormitories or other residential facilities?
The law allows higher education institutions to establish rules, regulations or other provisions concerning the storage of handguns in dormitories or other residential facilities. Yes, those who hold a current and valid LTC may carry in the residential facilities.

Will guns be allowed in classrooms or at sporting events?
Under the law, TWU has established zones on campus where guns will not be permitted for reasons of campus safety. Guns may be carried in the classroom where permitted according to their valid LTC. All sporting events are “gun free” zones.

Will guns be allowed during disciplinary hearings?
Under the law, TWU established zones on campus where guns will not be permitted for reasons of campus safety. Disciplinary hearings have been designated as “gun free” zones.

What if I feel threatened?
Anyone who feels threatened should call the TWU Police Department or Emergency 911.

• In Denton, call (940) 898-2911 (or 2911 from a campus phone)
• In Dallas, call (214) 689-6666 (or 6666 from a campus phone)
• In Houston, call (713) 794-2222 (or 2222 from a campus phone)

How will I know if my classmates or students have guns?
If a License to Carry (LTC) holder is in compliance with the law, you should be unaware that the individual has a gun. The law prohibits licensed holders from carrying a handgun that is partially or wholly visible, or displaying the handgun intentionally and knowingly in plain view of another person. Campus Carry is concealed carry only.

Will faculty and staff be allowed to carry guns?
Any individual who holds a current and valid License to Carry (LTC) may carry a concealed handgun where permitted on university property.

What about campus safety?
TWU has one of the lowest rates of reported crime in the nation compared to universities of similar size. The new legislation supports universities’ rights to exercise local control.

How does the Open Carry law affect the Campus Carry law?
The Campus Carry law applies to all land and buildings owned or leased by an institution of higher education. Open Carry is not permitted on university property. Violators of the Campus Carry law will be subject to gun confiscation, legal action and possible revocation of their LTC by state authorities.

Who decides where and when I can carry my handgun?
TWU will decide as a community what is appropriate for its campuses, with the approval from the TWU Board of Regents. 

How will I know where I can and cannot carry a concealed handgun?
The TWU Policy denotes exact locations that have been designated as gun free zones. Each area will have a sign posted as prescribed by law.

What if I accidentally take my handgun into a gun-free zone?
Those who hold a LTC are expected to maintain a high level of responsibility for the care and control of their concealed handgun at all times. Any violation — even accidental — will have consequences and will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

What about other weapons?
According to Texas Penal Code, Section 46.03, individuals may not possess illegal knives (blade longer than 5.5 inches, Bowie knives, daggers, etc.), clubs and other prohibited weapons while on university property.

When did the Campus Carry law go into effect?
August 1, 2016.

What if I see someone with a gun?
Contact campus police.