By Brienna Williams | According to the Howard Payne University policy on Smoking and Tobacco, HPU is a smoke-free campus. So what does this mean for the university?
Many Howard Payne students are unaware of these changes that occurred with the university’s smoking policy. As of this past summer, the university administration implemented a new plan banning all smoking on campus. The student handbook states, “Smoking (including vaping and the use of electronic cigarettes (E-Cigarettes), etc.) is prohibited on campus.”
The student government association had previously completed research on the topic of smoking on campus which was helpful to the administration in their decision-making process. The new smoking plan also prohibits the possession of any smoking, electronic cigarettes and vaping products on campus. Students found in possession of or using these products will be made aware of the updated policy and warned against further use or possession.
The policy also addresses the topic of smokeless tobacco products, “The use of smokeless tobacco is prohibited inside all university buildings.” In order to use smokeless tobaccos products, you must be at least 25 feet away from any building entrance.
“We really wanted to create a safer and healthier environment for the campus and our community,” said Dr. Magen Bunyard, Dean of Students and Vice President for Student Life.