June 25, 2018

Lewis & Clark To Become Smoke- And Tobacco-Free

In order to become a healthier community, Lewis & Clark will be smoke- and tobacco-free effective August 1, 2018.

In order to become a healthier community, Lewis & Clark will be smoke- and tobacco-free effective August 1, 2018. Eliminating smoking and tobacco use on our campuses—including the effects of second-hand smoke—will improve the well-being of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The full policy, approved by Executive Council, may be found here.

Any community member who is interested in quitting smoking can receive help through Smoke-Free Oregon. Resources include quitting guides, aids (such as nicotine replacement), and online and personal coaches.

Employees who are benefit eligible can access a number of free resources to support smoking cessation by utilizing our Employee Assistance Program and medical insurance plans.

Students can access on-campus support for smoking or tobacco cessation by contacting the Health Promotion and Wellness office (healthed@lclark.edu) located on the lower floor of Odell residence hall. If there is sufficient student interest, Wellness staff plan to offer a tobacco cessation support group on campus for students this fall.

Many of our peer institutions have been smoke-free for some time. The decision for Lewis & Clark to go smoke- and tobacco-free followed years of self-study and consideration that took into account differing perspectives of members of our community. It was also influenced by Oregon’s Smokefree Workplace Law and Oregon Senate Bill 754. The bill prohibits the purchase of tobacco products by persons under 21 years of age, and prohibits persons under 21 years of age from possessing tobacco products or inhalant delivery systems while the person is present on college grounds or in facility buildings, or is attending college-sponsored activities.

Current DSAs, or designated smoking areas, will be removed in July. Some will be converted to bike parking. Smoke- and tobacco-free signs will be posted around campus.

Additionally, in keeping with our obligations as a recipient of federal funding and our commitment to fostering healthy and engaging learning environments, Lewis & Clark follows federal laws that prohibit marijuana use, as well as the use of illegal drugs or abuse of alcohol by students and employees.

Thank you for your cooperation with our community health policies.