The University of Alabama seeks to maintain a welcoming and safe environment for students, employees, and visitors to our campus.
The University prohibits possessing, transporting, and using firearms and other dangerous weapons on all property owned, leased or controlled by the University and any affiliated foundation or healthcare entity, including buildings and outdoor premises, such as parking lots and other outdoor property.
This applies to anyone on campus including students, employees, contractors, patients, residents, and visitors.
Definitions
Firearms – A pistol, handgun, rifle, or shotgun and any ammunition.
Dangerous Weapon – includes the following:
- Any device that shoots or delivers a bullet, BB, pellet, arrow, dart, flare, electrical charge, or other projectile, whether loaded or unloaded, including those devices powered by CO2.
- Any explosive device, including fireworks.
- Any instruments/devices that are designed or may be used as a weapon to injure or threaten another individual, including, but not limited to, non-culinary knives with a blade greater that four inches.
Enforcement
- Anyone on campus who violates the Dangerous Weapons and Firearms Policy will be considered a trespasser and may be dealt with accordingly, including being removed from campus and receiving a written directive to remain off campus.
- Contractors and vendors are expected to comply with policy and contract terms.
- Those who violate Alabama law may be dealt with by appropriate law enforcement.
- Student violations may be addressed by the Code of Student Conduct and other applicable policies and may include sanctions, including expulsion.
- Employee violations may be resolved following employee policies, including termination.
Exceptions
The following people may use or possess dangerous weapons or firearms on campus:
- Certified law enforcement officers acting within the scope of their employment.
- UAPD officers who are attending classes as students.
- Private security who, with express prior written permission of UAPD, possess firearms or dangerous weapons while employed by the University or for a permitted event.
- Members, coaches, and authorized staff of a recognized team or course who are acting within the scope of activities that UAPD has pre-approved (e.g. ROTC members).
No other individual may possess a firearm on campus, except for a lawfully possessed firearm properly maintained in the individual’s privately owned motor vehicle in a manner that satisfies all requirements and prerequisites of Alabama law.
Any other use or possession of dangerous weapons or firearms on campus must be authorized by UAPD.
Students Who Own Firearms or Dangerous Weapons
UAPD understands that some students lawfully possess firearms and other dangerous weapons for hunting, sports, or hobbies.
Students who live on campus and own firearms or dangerous weapons may not store weapons inside UA residence halls. UAPD offers storage for lawfully possessed firearms or dangerous weapons at the UA Police Center, 1110 Jackson Ave., Tuscaloosa.
Students who store their firearms or dangerous weapons at the UA Police Center may check them out as needed by contacting a UAPD supervisor at 205-348-5454.
Responsible Hunting and Target Practice
Hunting and recreational shooting can be safe and lawful outdoor activities when practiced responsibly. Students and community members are expected to comply with all Alabama state hunting laws, complete approved hunter education courses, and follow standard firearm safety practices at all times. These practices include positively identifying targets and what lies beyond them, wearing appropriate high-visibility clothing, and remaining alert to others in the area.
Hunting and recreational shooting should never be done on private property, and is prohibited on any land owned by The University of Alabama.
For safe practice off campus, the following shooting ranges and facilities in the Tuscaloosa area provide designated space for firearm use:
- Tuscaloosa Shooting Sports Inc. — 13413 Lake Harris Rd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35406. Offers multiple outdoor rifle and pistol ranges.
- South Sandy Shooting Range — National Forest Rd 706, Moundville, AL 35474. Public outdoor range with benches and target berms up to 100 yards.
- FOP Range Inc. — 91 1st St, Pleasant Grove, AL 35127. Outdoor range with multiple bays and steel plate targets (membership may be required).
- Vick Shooting Range — Talladega National Forest, Centreville/Brent, AL. Public outdoor range open during daylight hours; permits may be required for access.
Students and hunters should always follow posted range rules, use hearing and eye protection, and comply with all Alabama hunting and firearm laws.
Hunting responsibly helps protect both participants and the wider community while promoting safe and enjoyable outdoor experiences.
More Information
For further information, view the Dangerous Weapons and Firearms Policy, or contact UAPD at 205-348-5454.