Beginning Aug. 1, 2017, all persons over age 21 who are licensed to carry concealed handguns will be able to do so on community college campuses throughout Texas, including the Temple College campus.

Temple College has established a campus policy that prohibits weapons in three areas: in the Testing Center, on sites where collegiate sporting events and University Interscholastic League (UIL) events are taking place, and in the Board Room when Trustee meetings are being held.

The exclusion for the Testing Center, which is located in the Student Success Center, was required because of language in contracts the college has with several outside vendors.

The exclusions for sporting events, UIL events, and Board of Trustee meetings are outlined in the Texas Penal Code Sec. 46.035.

Mark Smith, vice president for educational services, noted that concealed carry should not be confused with open carry of handguns, which is not permitted on college campuses. Smith said anyone who sees a person who is improperly displaying a handgun or carrying a handgun in a location where concealed carry is not permitted, should call the campus police at 254-298-8911.

The campus carry policy applies only to the Temple College campus in Temple, not other locations. Temple College offers classes at several other locations that will have different policies regarding the carrying of concealed weapons:

East Williamson County Higher Education Center – Hutto: Faculty, staff and students must follow the campus carry policy established by Texas State Technical College, which owns that building. This policy has been in effect since Aug. 1, 2016.

East Williamson County Higher Education Center – Taylor: The Taylor Independent School District (ISD) owns this facility. Temple College will follow the policies established by Taylor ISD related to the carrying of concealed handguns at this location.

Texas Bioscience Institute (TBI): Temple College will follow the policies established by Baylor Scott & White Healthcare System related to the carrying of concealed handguns at this location.

Students who live in the University Courtyard Apartments and Temple College Apartments, which are not owned by Temple College, must follow the policies established by these entities related to the carrying and storage of concealed handguns.

The Temple College Campus Carry Policy, as well as some FAQs about campus carry, can be found at www.templejc.edu/campuscarry.