Last spring I appointed an Ad Hoc Committee to review our current policy regarding tobacco use on campus. The committee consisted of faculty (William Hicks and Matthew Payment), staff (Carol Tyler, Jay Eisenhauer, and Andrew Lewis), and students (Linda Wright and Evan Marmie). The Committee met throughout the Fall Semester to present various options. The Committee submitted their findings to me last month, and I asked Dr. Katrina D’Aquin, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Bill Hicks, Chair of the Committee, to submit their report to the full faculty for consideration. With faculty endorsement, I submitted the following to the Finance and Administration Committee of the Board of Trustees on Friday:
Tobacco Use Policy
The use of tobacco products, including, but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco, is prohibited inside any of the College’s facilities or vehicles. The use of tobacco products is allowed in designated areas outside any facility. Appropriate signage will be placed at entrances to all buildings advising employees and visitors that Bethany College maintains a tobacco-free environment. Designated tobacco-use areas will be located at least 25 feet away from any building entry way or ventilation intake. This policy relates to all work areas at all times, including before and after normal working hours.
I am pleased to inform you that the Board Committee approved the new policy statement, which is scheduled for implementation on July 1, 2014. A map with designated areas will be prepared and distributed prior to July 1.
Special thanks to the Ad Hoc Committee for their leadership on this issue.
