Ivy Tech's Bloomington campus to become tobacco-free

New policy creates healthier learning environment

June 30, 2009                             

 Bloomington, Ind. – In order to promote a healthier learning and work environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors, Ivy Tech’s Bloomington campus announces that it will become tobacco-free effective August 4, 2009.

Under the new policy, the use of tobacco products on all college owned or leased facilities is prohibited, including the main campus, the Indiana Center for the Life Sciences, the Depot downtown, and the college’s Liberty Drive location.

Under the new policy, tobacco use is limited to personal vehicles. College policy states that all tobacco debris must be extinguished or eliminated in a container inside the car before exiting the vehicle. The college asks that persons who choose to use tobacco in their vehicles comply with the new proper disposal policy.

The success of a tobacco-free facility depends upon the cooperation of all people on college properties to not only comply with the new policy, but to encourage others to comply in an effort to promote a cleaner, healthier environment for everyone.

The desire of the college to align itself with community efforts to eliminate tobacco use in all public settings is among the reasons that prompted Ivy Tech-Bloomington to become a tobacco-free facility.

The college is offering free tobacco cessation classes to its full-time employees.

“We are among the last two regions in our 14 region system to still permit space-limited areas for smoking.  Because of our huge enrollment growth, and our need to redirect scarce financial resources, we can no longer afford to use the campus’ operating budget to provide the custodial support nor the specially designated, isolated space for smoking.  It is our hope that this policy attempts a reasonable balance between those who choose to smoke in their personal vehicles, while protecting non-smokers and visitors to campus who wish to avoid the risks associated with second-hand smoke,” said Chancellor John Whikehart.