Tobacco use on the University of Montana campus could be banned by the fall of 2011 under a proposal put forth by President George Dennison.

Dennison sent an email on October 19th informing faculty, staff and students of the proposal.  The ASUM Senate, the student governing body, endorsed the ban last month.

The tobacco ban would include Washington-Grizzly Stadium, where smoking currently is allowed along perimeter fences. It would also include the UM Golf Course and all campus parking lots.

The policy would ban the use of all tobacco products, including Snus, chew, and snuff anywhere on land owned by or leased to UM.

University officials will gather comments from students, faculty and staff over the next year. They will also hold public meetings and smoking cessation programs as the fall 2011 deadline approaches.

Text of President Dennison's letter (from the University of Montana website):

For some time, the Tobacco Task Force, a sub-committee of the University Drug and Alcohol Advisory Committee, has engaged in a study of the need for a University policy excluding tobacco products from the campus of The University of Montana. In 2006, the Associated Students of The University of Montana adopted a resolution calling for better enforcement of the twenty-five barriers around buildings as well as expansion of the restricted areas.  More recently, on 8 October 2009, ASUM adopted a resolution supporting a tobacco-free policy for The University of Montana.  Most campuses have found enforcement of the barriers difficult if not impossible, and that they do not effectively protect people from second-hand smoke.  Several campuses around the country, including some relatively large institutions such as Oklahoma State University, have adopted tobacco-free policies to provide protection for people on campus.  In view of the evidence concerning the effects of second-hand smoke and the need to sustain a healthy environment for students, faculty, and staff, I believe the time has come for The University of Montana to take action.

The Tobacco Task Force presented a report recommending a policy making the campus tobacco free for adoption and implementation over the next two years.  The recommended policy rests on the guidance of the American Cancer Society, the U. S. Surgeon General, and other relevant individuals and groups focusing on the assurance of a healthy environment for all people.  The Curry Health Center has a link to the report and the supporting documentation assembled by the Task Force.  I urge everyone to review it carefully, since the report contains the specific policy recommendation and a step-by-step process for its implementation, including cessation strategies and programs to assist tobacco users.

I have accepted the report and recommendation and have authorized the next step in the process.  As mentioned, the proposed implementation will come in phases, with the initial phase devoted to surveying attitudes and concerns.  Educational programming and assistance for those wishing to become free of the tobacco habit will follow, including a new tobacco-cessation program offered through the Montana University System Benefits Plan, beginning on 1 July 2010.  Full implementation of the tobacco-free policy will occur in Fall 2011.

Thank you very much for your attention to this issue that relates to the well being of all members of the campus community.