The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is offering a review period for a revision to its smoking policy that is being developed.
Last year, the state passed legislation requiring public universities to develop smoke-free policies by fall 2014. A committee of representatives from across the University has been refining UL Lafayette's policy for several months, according to Joey Pons, associate director of public safety.
The proposed draft prohibits smoking and the use of all tobacco products on the entire campus, with limited exceptions. For example, people would be allowed to smoke on sidewalks along the perimeter of campus and within their parked cars, according to Pons.
The committee also decided to address e-cigarettes, which do not utilize tobacco and generate vapor rather than smoke. E-cigarettes would be permitted on campus grounds, but not within any buildings.
"Faculty, staff and student comments are welcome before the policy is finalized," Pons said. "The committee will review the policy six months after its implementation, and regularly thereafter."
The policy draft is at http://www.louisiana.edu/policy-draft/smoke-and-tobacco-free. Comments can be sent to safetyman@louisiana.edu by May 14.