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Campus concealed carry policy submitted to Regents
▶ CHANDLER BOESE @Chandler_Boese
On Monday, the office of Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little submitted a draft of the University's proposed policy on allowing concealed weapons on campus to the Kansas Board of Regents.
The draft amends the University's policies on allowing weapons on campus to fit with the Personal and Family Protection Act, which was amended in 2013 to allow concealed weapons on public property. The University's exemption from the amendments expires on July 1, 2017.
The policy submitted by the University would allow anyone over the age of 21 to carry a gun on University property unless the building is
equipped with adequate security measures (defined by the law as metal detectors and security guards) or a system for restricted access.
The draft policy did not specify which buildings would get security measures. Joe Monaco, the University's director of strategic communications, said further implementation of the policy would be discussed after the November review.
Residents of on-campus housing facilities would be allowed to store
In August, members of the Lawrence committee said they were looking at restricted access to research facilities temporary security measures for sporting events and communications to members of the University community.
weapons in their room under the policy if they provide secure storage for the weapon and their hall does not have adequate security measures.
Those who would like to carry a concealed weapon would be required to carry it with the safety on, in a holster that covers the entire weapon. If the weapon is carried in a purse or backpack, that purse or backpack should be in the owner's hands at all times, according to the policy.
In her statement, the chancellor said she knew that creating a policy for the University that would still prioritize safety would be difficult.
"But thanks to the committees and so many of you, I believe we've created the best possible policy for KU," she said.
KU aims to help students maintain mental health
"Pause for Pups" is one of the ways the University hopes to improve student mental health.
► RYAN MILLER
@Ryanm_reporter
The University has increased efforts over the past few years to help students maintain their mental health at the University and stay in school.
Some of these measures include hiring more mental health specialists and using massage and animal therapy programs, as well as stress-busting breaks.
"That's a problem for us," McKee said of students leaving the University. "Because we want to retain and graduate as many students as possible."
Last year Counseling and Psychological Services provided service to 1,782 University students, or eight percent of the student population. CAPS Outreach Coordinator Christian Vargas said.
Counselors and mental health experts said untreated mental health problems can affect students' academic performance and cause them to leave the University, opting instead for community college or online classes to help boost their GPA, according to
Jenny McKee, a health educator at Watkins Memorial Health Center.
That number was a five percent increase from the previous year, which is on the high end
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