Effective Aug. 1, LSU a tobacco-free campus

As of Friday, Aug. 1, LSU will become a tobacco-free campus in accordance with the Louisiana Legislature’s smoke-free requirement for all public post-secondary institutions in Louisiana and the governor’s “Well Ahead” program.
“Going tobacco-free underscores our commitment to a healthy environment for our students, faculty and staff,” said LSU President & Chancellor F. King Alexander. “It is also in keeping with policies in place at many universities across the country. Overall, it’s simply the right thing to do for LSU.”
LSU’s new policy statement, PS-118, states, “Smoking and the use of other tobacco products on the LSU campus is prohibited.” The new policy applies to all individuals while on the LSU campus, including faculty, staff, students, administrators, contractors, and visitors.
This policy is intended to comply with state law and to balance the individual liberty of members of the LSU community with concern for the significant negative health effects of tobacco use, the costs associated with campus facilities administration, and LSU’s ability to recruit students, faculty and staff. The policy was developed with input from faculty, staff and students participating in the Smoke-Free Campus Committee.
Effective implementation of this policy relies on the courtesy, respect and cooperation of all members of the university community. Ashtrays are no longer being provided on campus, and tobacco-free signage and other materials are being developed to educate the campus community of the new policy.
Exceptions to the new policy are limited to:
· Research involving tobacco products, provided the university employee obtains the prior approval of the executive vice chancellor & provost and the vice chancellor for research & economic development. Smoke, like any other laboratory air contaminant, shall be controlled and subject to any applicable health and safety standards.
· By artists or actors who participate in university authorized performances that require tobacco use as part of the artistic production.
· Educational, clinical, or other appropriate purposes with prior approval of the dean or director responsible