September 10, 2008

KU students, faculty and staff:

The Pennsylvania Clean Indoor Air Act (Senate Bill No. 246), prohibiting smoking in the workplace and locations defined as “public places” throughout the Commonwealth, goes into effect tomorrow, September 11, 2008.   This act specifically indicates that no person shall carry a lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe, or other lighted smoking device in an enclosed area which serves as a workplace or in an area where the public is invited or permitted, including an educational facility.

We have recently been informed that it is the position of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education that smoking, as defined by the statute, is prohibited on the entire campuses (including any open areas) of the 14 PASSHE institutions.   “No Smoking” signs will be prominently posted at appropriate locations throughout the campus and maintained by the university in the near future.   It will be a violation of this law for KU employees and students to smoke on campus.

The unions representing PASSHE employees have been notified by the Chancellor’s office that effective close of business on September 10, 2008, all current local agreements and/or practices related to smoking on campus will be considered null and void.  Previously designated smoking areas will be closed and previous smoking arrangements will be discontinued.

It is PASSHE’s policy that any complaints regarding a possible violation of the Act are to be referred to the Department of Health for enforcement.  

A variety of smoking cessation programs are offered through the PASSHE’s benefits program and other sources.  These programs are listed on the Human Resources Website: http://www.kutztown.edu/admin/personnel/CleanIndoorAirActImplementation.pdf

Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.

Sincerely,
F. Javier Cevallos
President