The Daily Bulletin Archive

From the President
At its May 13, 2011, meeting, the College Senate voted to approve and forward to the president for review and action the following Smoking Policy Resolutions:

Student Welfare Committee Smoking Policy Resolution
WHEREAS, New York State has declared public buildings smoke free; and

WHEREAS, smoking near buildings constitutes a health risk for faculty, students, and staff; and

WHEREAS, smoking outside creates unsightly litter and diminishes the quality of life for all at Buffalo State College; and

WHEREAS, Buffalo State College has a vital interest in maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, visitors, and others who utilize campus facilities. Research findings show that use of tobacco products in general constitutes a significant health hazard. Under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines, secondhand smoke is a Group A carcinogen (cancer-causing agent) known to cause heart disease, cancer, respiratory issues, and irritation of the eyes and nose. In keeping with Buffalo State’s desire to protect the health of its students, faculty, staff, visitors, vendors, and guests, as well as other campus constituents and the public in general; and

WHEREAS, there is a desire to show respect for other students, faculty, and staff, the policy will include a period of educational training,

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that it is Buffalo State’s policy to provide a smoke-free and tobacco-free environment in all university facilities and outdoor areas in full conformance with applicable statutes, including the New York State Clean Indoor Air Act (Public Health Law Article 13-E).

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Buffalo State College administration will develop a plan to implement this no-smoking policy and will share it with the Senate for discussion before it is put into effect.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Buffalo State College will become a tobacco-free campus on January 1, 2012, following a period of education and awareness conducted during the fall semester 2011, during which smoking-cessation programs will be made available to faculty, staff, and students; promotional efforts aimed at smoking cessation and prevention will be actively carried out; and a campaign to inform the campus community of the university’s smoking policy will be implemented. Further, to show respect for other students, faculty, and staff, the enforcement of smoking or any use of tobacco within 25 feet of building entrances will be enforced starting September 1, 2011.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that faculty, staff, and students have a shared responsibility for enforcement of the university’s tobacco-free-campus policy. Individuals found in violation are to be reminded in a professional and courteous manner of the university’s policy. Repeat offenders are to be reported to their respective supervisors, for faculty and staff, and to the Judicial Affairs Office, for students.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that effective January 1, 2012, Buffalo State College reserves the right to initiate progressive disciplinary action against any individual found to be in violation of the university’s tobacco-free-campus policy. Disciplinary action may include verbal counseling and education about the health effects of tobacco use, written warnings, a monetary fine or community service, or other appropriate disciplinary actions in accordance with the Code of Student Rights, Freedoms, and Responsibilities for students and Human Resource Management policy guidelines for faculty and staff. Visitors, vendors, contractors, and other guests will be informed that Buffalo State College is a tobacco-free campus. Any visitors who continue to violate the policy following a warning will be escorted off campus.

I accept the recommendation of the College Senate regarding a smoke-free policy for Buffalo State. I charge the vice president for student affairs with the responsibility of overseeing the implementation of an education and awareness program to begin on September 1, 2011. I further charge the vice president for student affairs with the responsibility of overseeing the development of a policy to be distributed and implemented by January 1, 2012.