The University of Texas at El Paso has finalized the membership of its Campus Concealed Carry Task Force that will meet over the course of the fall semester to recommend policies associated with next year’s August 1 implementation of S.B. 11.
“I look forward to working with this dedicated team of UTEP professionals as we prepare for the implementation of Texas’s new campus concealed carry law. Our process will be open and transparent. We want to hear from the campus community and will provide numerous opportunities for feedback,” said Gary Edens, UTEP Campus Concealed Carry Task Force chair and vice president for Student Affairs.
The Task Force is charged with identifying campus spaces (i.e., laboratories, child care facilities) where concealed handguns would be excluded; developing policies and communication strategies associated with educating the campus and visitors about the new law; and recommending safety and enforcement practices that will ensure the rights of all campus constituents. The UT System Board of Regents has final authority in approving all policies associated with implementing the campus concealed carry legislation.
Work of the Task Force will include the facilitation of several open forums where feedback will be gathered and information shared. These forums are being scheduled throughout the month of October and will be advertised broadly.
Members of the campus community are encouraged to contribute to the conversation by submitting suggestions and concerns to the Task Force using the following email address: campuscarry@utep.edu.
Campus Carry Task Force Membership
Chair
Gary Edens, Student Affairs
Faculty Representatives
Vince Burke, College of Liberal Arts
Marc Cox, College of Science
Jim Holcomb, College of Business Administration
Mark Lusk, College of Health Sciences
Elias Provencio-Vasquez, School of Nursing
Bess Sirmon Taylor, Graduate School
Michael Smith, Provost’s Office
John Wiebe, Provost’s Office
Patricia Witherspoon, College of Liberal Arts
Staff Representatives
Ben Carnevale, Staff Council
Ryan Holmes, Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution
Catie McCorry Andalis, Office of Student Life
Greg McNicol, Facilities Services
Arizve Ochoa-Retana, Human Resources
Jorge Vasquez, Special Events
Cliff Walsh, University Police
Student Representatives
Roberto Dominguez, Student Government Association
Diamond Martinez, Student Employee
Hector Quintero, Student Government Association
Nadia Rivas, Graduate Student
Sheryl Rodriguez, Resident Life Association
Parent Representative
Isabel Sanchez, UTEP Parent Association
Ex-Officio Representatives
Richard Adauto, President’s Office
Lee Ann Koehler, Legal Affairs
Robert Moss, Environmental Health and Safety
Information from UTEP