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Purpose
Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) is dedicated to maintaining a welcoming and safe environment for its students, employees, and visitors. This policy establishes clear guidelines on the possession and use of dangerous weapons and firearms on campus and during university-sponsored events.
Policy Statement
The possession, use, or storage of firearms and other dangerous weapons is strictly prohibited on PHSU property, affiliated facilities, or at university-sponsored events. Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action, which may include:
- Immediate removal from campus or events.
- Suspension, dismissal, or termination of employment or academic standing.
- Referral to law enforcement for potential criminal charges.
Exceptions may be made for:
- Certified law enforcement officers performing official duties.
- Specific academic or research purposes approved by the University President or designee.
Scope
This policy is applicable to all members of the University community, including students, faculty, staff, visitors (invited or uninvited), contractors, and guests at any University campus, facility or event.
Definitions
- Dangerous weapon refers to any weapon, device, instrument, material, or substance readily capable of causing death or serious physical injury under the circumstances in which it is used or threatened to be used. This includes, but is not limited to: firearms, pellet guns, BB guns, paintball guns, and air guns, stun guns and tasers, bows and arrows, swords and non-kitchen knives longer than three (3) inches, switchblades, gravity knives, butterfly knives, and throwing stars, brass knuckles, clubs, and blackjacks, box cutters, slingshots, and ice picks,
- Firearm refers to any instrument that ejects any type of projectile, including, but not limited to a pistol, handgun, rifle, or shotgun and any associated ammunition.
- Employee is any person receiving a salary, wage, grant, stipend, or other periodic remuneration from the University for performing teaching, administrative, or maintenance tasks.
- Student refers to any person enrolled in the Ponce Health Sciences University.
Procedures
- Incident Reporting:
- Any violations of this policy must be reported immediately to the Vice President of Student Affairs or Campus Security.
- Reports should include the nature of the violation, names of individuals involved, and any immediate actions taken.
- Investigation Process:
- The University’s Security Department will investigate all reported incidents.
- Legal counsel and law enforcement will be consulted as necessary.
- Sanctions:
- Violations by students will be referred to the VP of Students Affairs for adjudication.
- Employees will face disciplinary actions in accordance with the PHSU Employee Handbook.
- Visitors or contractors found in violation will be banned from campus and reported to the relevant authorities.
- Notification:
- Individuals involved in violations will receive formal notice of actions taken, including any imposed sanctions or referrals to law enforcement.
Prevention and Education
PHSU is committed to preventing weapon-related incidents through:
- Security measures: Campus security will conduct regular patrols and inspections to ensure compliance with this policy.
- Awareness campaigns: Educational materials on the dangers of weapons and firearms will be provided to all students and employees.
- Emergency training: Active shooter and emergency response training will be offered to prepare the university community for potential threats.
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