Story highlights Students at the University of Texas will soon be allowed to carry handguns on campus.

University of Texas President Gregory Fenves approved the guidelines for gun owners in light of a recently passed state law

(CNN) Students at the University of Texas at Austin will soon be allowed to carry handguns on campus.

University of Texas President Gregory Fenves approved Wednesday the guidelines for gun owners in light o f a recently passed state law allowing guns on campuses.

"I have thoroughly reviewed the policy recommendations of the Campus Carry Working Group and decided to adopt them," Fences said. "Under the law, I cannot adopt a policy that has the general effect of excluding licensed concealed handguns from campus."

In 2015, the Republican-led Texas Legislature voted to allow guns within buildings on public college campuses throughout the state.

Photos: What's the answer to gun violence? Photos: What's the answer to gun violence? Hide Caption 1 of 11 Photos: What's the answer to gun violence? Hide Caption 2 of 11 Photos: What's the answer to gun violence? Hide Caption 3 of 11 Photos: What's the answer to gun violence? Hide Caption 4 of 11 Photos: What's the answer to gun violence? Hide Caption 5 of 11 Photos: What's the answer to gun violence? Hide Caption 6 of 11 Photos: What's the answer to gun violence? Hide Caption 7 of 11 Photos: What's the answer to gun violence? Hide Caption 8 of 11 Photos: What's the answer to gun violence? Hide Caption 9 of 11 Photos: What's the answer to gun violence? Hide Caption 10 of 11 Photos: What's the answer to gun violence? Hide Caption 11 of 11

The bill requires a university president to adopt and implement the law. Open carry on campus is still prohibited. According to the University of Texas at Austin, since the law says you have to be 21 before applying for a concealed carry license, fewer than 1% of students will qualify for a license to carry a concealed weapon in classrooms or academic buildings.

Read More