The Faculty Senate is proposing changes in the current tobacco policy, making the State a 100 percent tobacco-free campus. Vaping is included. The new policy would take effect on Jan. 1, 2020, if approved by the Board of Governors.
The current tobacco policy prohibits smoking indoors and within 20 feet of building entrances and exits. The new policy bans tobacco use of all forms anywhere on campus. Prohibited tobacco and tobacco related products include, but are not limited to, cigarettes, electronic smoking devices, chewing tobacco, dip, pipes, cigars, cigarillos, hookah or water pipe smoking and snuff.
The new policy will apply to any person on campus — faculty, staff, students, contractors, vendors and visitors. It also applies to any and all indoor and outdoor events.
The basis for the amendment is to ensure a safe and healthful environment to students, faculty, staff and visitors. The amendment will enforce the prohibition of tobacco advertising as well.
Those who violate the policy are subject to verbal contact with a trained compliance agent relaying the tobacco-free campus policy, fines, and/or disciplinary sanctions.
