Objective

To assess the perceptions and practices of a national sample of college and university presidents regarding their support for concealed handguns being carried on college campuses.

Participants

The sample for this study consisted of a national random sample of 900 college or university presidents.

Methods

In the spring of 2013, a 3-wave mailing procedure was used to ensure an adequate response rate to a valid and reliable questionnaire.

Results

The response rate was 46%, more than what was needed based on the power analysis. The vast majority (95%) of respondents were not supportive of carrying concealed handguns on campuses. They perceived there to be more disadvantages than advantages to handguns on campus. However, college administrators were not focused enough on the primary prevention of campus firearm trauma.

Conclusions

The findings of this study suggest a number of activities that could be implemented to enhance safety on college and university campuses.