You're definitely running a risk. It's up to each person to decide if the risk is worth it. And it's not like the advice was to carry concealed, or keep a pistol under your pillow.

Admittedly, keepin a shotgun in the trunk is unusual. But based on my 8 years in the system, it's also (a) not the most unusual weapon I've seen on campus and (b) unlikely to be discovered. My car was simply never searched. Never. Granted, post 9/11, this could change, but really... how often do the campus cops stop you and demand to see in the trunk?

Whether or not it's legal in the community is also a different subject. If you're going to do this, make sure the gun is at least stored and transported according to all applicable laws.