As of Nov. 1, it will be legal for individuals to carry concealed weapons on the UW-Madison and all other UW schools' campuses.
Gov. Scott Walker signed 2011 Wisconsin Act 35 into law on July 8. The law legalizes licensed citizens to carry a weapon as long as they do not display criminal intentions.
A permit to carry a concealed weapon, good for five years, will be issued by the Wisconsin Department of Justice for $50.
While the law prohibits armed individuals from entering police stations, sheriffs' offices, schools, courthouses or prisons, it does not ban them from entering university campuses and buildings. Wisconsin state legislators denied requests from UW staff to add such provisions to the law.
The law does, however, allow colleges and universities to place signs near entrances to campus buildings such as residence halls and athletic arenas restricting armed individuals from entering.
UW system spokesperson David Giroux said UW officials plan to take advantage of the provision and mark all university buildings as off-limits to armed persons.
The signs prohibiting weapons in buildings will not account for areas such as parking lots and public spaces.
Licensed individuals are permitted to ""carry a gun, electric weapon, billyclub and a knife other than a switchblade,"" according to a statement by the UW system.
UW system officials said students and staff should be prepared to take action if they see a person carrying a weapon in an area where the weapon is prohibited.
""No matter what, do not place yourself or others in danger or harm's way,"" UW officials said in a press release.
ASM chair Allie Gardner said the idea of armed individuals walking around campus was frightening.
""It is scary that while people are tailgating for football games someone could be carrying a weapon,"" Gardner said.
College Republicans member Dan Shanahan said the legislation could present opportunities for profit from weapon and permit sales.
""On a larger scale, it could open market opportunities that were previously unavailable,"" Shanahan said.
