The University of Central Arkansas Board of Trustees approved the university?s first smoking and tobacco-use policy at it?s meeting on Friday, Aug. 13.
Previously, smoking on campus had been addressed individually by departments and building administrators.
While all buildings on campus are smoke-free, numerous complaints about smokers congregating near entrances prompted the Student Government Association and administration to recommend a formal policy.
The new policy formally established the university as a ?smoke-free? workplace. Neither smoking nor the use of any tobacco product is allowed in any building or structure on the campus or under control of the university, according to the new policy.
Use of tobacco products is also prohibited in all athletic buildings and facilities and in vehicles owned or leased by the university.
The new policy requires smokers to move at least 25 feet away from any university building entrance, and calls for tobacco users to properly dispose of their products after use.
The new policy also prohibits the advertising, sale or distribution of free tobacco product samples on the university campus.
-Jennifer Boyett
