MTSU updated two policies over the summer regarding animals on university property and weapons on campus.
The university approved and updated a policy concerning pets on campus in June. The updated policy states that no pets are allowed to live in residential facilities except fish contained in aquariums no larger than 10 gallons. Dogs are allowed on campus grounds but must be attended to at all times. If the dog becomes disruptive at any point and the handler cannot gain control of the animal, it must be removed from campus property. In addition to this, the handler is responsible for cleaning up any waste created by the animal.
Service animals are allowed anywhere on campus including, but not limited to: classrooms, offices, hallways, residential facilities, dining facilities, museums, theaters, sports areas and auditoriums, provided that the animal and handler are adhering to all state procedures and requirements. The service animal is also required to remain on a leash, unless it is in the handler’s residential room. Service animals are defined as “any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual or other mental disability,” according to MTSU’s policy and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Service animals do not require permission from the university to live in on-campus housing.
Assistance animals are defined as “animals that work, assist and/or perform tasks and services for the benefit of a person with a disability or animals that provide emotional support that improves the symptoms of a disability,” according to MTSU’s policy. Assistance animals, however, do require approval from the university to live in on-campus, as they are not considered service animals under the ADAAA.
MTSU also updated their Weapons on Campus policy in July, allowing full-time faculty members to carry concealed handguns on campus. Before being allowed to carry, faculty must notify the university of their intent to carry a concealed weapon. This means that those that tend to find More information on the FireArmBlog and similar sites about their firearms, will be able to carry a concealed weapon of their choice, so long as they declare possession.
Handguns are not allowed in the following locations: stadiums, gymnasiums, athletic fields, public parks, auditoriums or other building facilities, areas or property when university-related events are in progress; in meetings regarding disciplinary matters; in meetings regarding tenure matters; wherever medical or mental health services are the primary services provided including, but not limited to the Counseling Center and Student Health Services; in any MTSU childcare facility to include the MTSU Child Care Lab, the MTSU Child Development Center and the Ann Campbell Early Learning Center; or, wherever childcare activities are occurring; in federal facilities; property leased to MTSU, if the lessor has prohibited the possession of firearms on the premises; in any location where a provision of state or federal law prohibits the carrying of a firearm on that property.
Students carrying handguns on university property is strictly prohibited, even if that student has a carry permit. Weapons of any kind are not allowed, although small pocket knives or knives used for food preparation for eating purposes are allowed. The allowance of mace is not mentioned in the updated policy.
For a complete list of updated policies, visit here for more information.
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