Students, faculty,
staff, and other members of the UT Health Science Center San Antonio community
met for the second “Campus Carry” open forum on Nov. 9.

The forum provided an opportunity for campus constituents to
share their input regarding the implementation of Senate Bill 11. This
legislation, also known as “campus carry,” was signed into law by Gov. Greg
Abbott in June 2015. The legislation requires that public universities and
colleges allow handgun license-holders to carry concealed weapons on campus
beginning in August 2016.

The bill also allows the University to recommend locations
where concealed carry should be prohibited. To learn about the places that have
been discussed as
exclusion zones, click here.

Dr. Jacqueline Mok mentioned that since the first
Campus Carry
meeting
, the elasticity of the timeline has changed. The plan is for the
HSC workgroup to present framework options to President William Henrich by
mid-November. In December or January, President Henrich will present the plan
to UT System.

She encouraged people who are interested in being part of
the workforce to get involved. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, contact Mika Sifuentes (
sifuentesmm@uthscsa.edu) for any questions, comments, or concerns. You may also contact the workgroup by filling out this survey. Anyone is welcome to attend the workgroup meetings.

Michael Parks, chief of police, mentioned that there has been
confusion over the terms ”
open carry”
versus ”
campus carry.”

Parks explained that “Open Carry,” refers to
House
Bill 910
, which will allow people with Concealed Handgun Licenses to openly
carry a handgun in a belt or shoulder holster. Under the provisions passed in
the open carry legislation, open and unconcealed carry of handguns on campuses
will not be allowed. This law goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2016.

The “Campus Carry” law refers to
Senate
Bill 11
, which will allow handgun license holders to carry a concealed
handgun on the campuses of public and private colleges and universities, as
well as other independent institutions of higher learning. The law goes into effect on Aug. 1, 2016.

“Open carry is not allowed in a higher education facility
which means that the handgun should not be seen by a casual observer on
campus,” Parks said.

The UT Health Science Center Police Department is offering
specialized active shooter and targeted violence awareness training to the campus community.

An active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and other populated area. Because active shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly, we are providing employees with the necessary tools to protect themselves.

All employees can help prevent and prepare for potential active shooter situations. This course provides guidance to individuals, including managers and employees, so that they can prepare to respond to an active shooter situation. If you are interested in hosting training for your department, please contact UTPD at
UTPolice@uthscsa.edu to schedule a 60 minute presentation.