The University of Central Arkansas will become a tobacco-free campus beginning July 1.
The Board of Trustees approved a policy Nov. 6 that mirrors the state law that prohibits tobacco products on all state-supported institutions of higher education. The use of tobacco products will not be allowed on the grounds, any vehicle owned or leased by the university and all university-owned building including off-campus housing. The ban includes smokeless tobacco products.
Anyone using tobacco products on campus could face a fine from $100 to $500, according to the state law.
The state’s Clean Air on Campus Act requires all institutions of higher education to be smoke-free no later than Aug. 1. The goal of the act is to reduce secondhand smoke exposure to nonsmokers on university campuses. The law states that “scientific research data has shown that nonsmokers often receive damage to their health from the smoking of tobacco by others.”
Currently, UCA allows the use of tobacco products within 25 feet from any entrance to a building.
Smoking cessation classes were offered in the spring for faculty and staff. Officials with UCA Health & Wellness Center say additional classes will be offered in the future. For information about upcoming classes, contact Lee Schwager at schwager@uca.edu or 450-3133.
Tips on how to quit smoking are available at the state’s Stamp Out Smoking website at http://www.stampoutsmoking.com.