September 11, 2008

Dear KU students, faculty and staff:

We have received many follow-up questions in response to yesterday’s e-mail concerning the new state smoking laws.  I would like to share some facts to address your common questions.  

Governor Rendell signed the Pennsylvania Clean Indoor Air Act on June 13, 2008.   The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education legal staff began discussions concerning implementation of the act during the summer.  The discussions continued into this month, as the language for the statute had to be the same for all 14 PASSHE institutions.  The decision was finalized yesterday in Harrisburg and was distributed immediately to the campuses.

The act states that smoking “is prohibited in the workplace as well as in locations defined as public places.”   The interpretation we received from legal staff is that this includes all areas within the campus boundaries, or within the boundaries of any university property.

We understand the inconvenience this change may cause.  As a university, our immediate focus will be on implementing educational programs, rather than taking punitive actions.  This will include access to our smoking cessation programs offered through our Health and Wellness Center; for more information, please access this website: http://www.kutztown.edu/divisions/studentservices/departments/hwcs/education/quit.aspx

Thank you again for your cooperation.

Sincerely,
F. Javier Cevallos
President