<img width="289" height="353" class="FloatRight" alt="TobaccoFreePromo" src="/site/files/oldnewsfiles/TobaccoFreePromov2.jpg">In order to promote a healthy environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors, Widener University will become <a href="/CampusLife/TobaccoFreePolicy.aspx">tobacco-free</a>, effective <strong>July 1, 2010</strong> on all four campuses. The Tobacco-Free Policy will apply to all university faculty, staff, students, visitors, contractors and guests at all times and the use of tobacco, including smoking, will be prohibited within university facilities, outdoor areas, and university owned vehicles. Although this initiative is new for Widener, we will be following the lead of many colleges and universities throughout the nation whose campuses are currently tobacco-free.<br><br>Law School Dean <a href="/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx">Linda L. Ammons</a> sat down to answer a few questions about the new policy.<br><br><strong>Q:</strong> What do you perceive as the primary benefits of the new Tobacco-Free Policy?<br><br><strong>A:</strong> The new policy will promote a healthier environment in which to learn, and will help students and employees stay healthy.<br><br><strong>Q:</strong> Once the new policy is effective as of July 1st, 2010, how will enforcement be handled?<br><br><strong>A:</strong> Initially, the plan is for employees to have small cards to hand out to someone who is smoking that will alert them of our policy. No fines will be issued for at least several months after the policy takes effect.<br><br><strong>Q:</strong> The President’s memo mentioned resources to assist those who want to quit smoking. Can you talk about what these resources will include?”<br><br><strong>A:</strong> There will be a <a href="/CampusLife/TobaccoFreePolicy/TobaccoCessationResources.aspx">page on our website that lists resources for smoking cessation</a>.<br><br><strong>Q:</strong> Do you think that there is any possibility that the new policy could impact Admissions by making applicants who smoke or use tobacco products less likely to come to Widener Law?<br><br><strong>A:</strong> There may be some who choose not to come to Widener, but the Administration believes that there will also be those who chose Widener because they do not want to be in a smoking environment.<br><br><strong>Q:</strong> How will contractors and guests be made aware of the Tobacco-Free Policy so that they know to remain in compliance?<br><br><strong>A:</strong> We are going to post our policy on signage, and it will also be stated on our programs and invitations.<br><br><strong>Q:</strong> Do you have anything else in particular that you would like to articulate about the new policy?<br><br><strong>A:</strong> I know that breaking bad habits is not easy, but we will try to support those who are kicking the habit in ways that are appropriate and helpful.