Southeastern Louisiana University has become a tobacco-free campus as of August 1st,
2014. This decision has been prompted both by ongoing concerns for the health and
wellness of the community, as well as ACT 211 that was passed the summer of 2013 asking
all universities and technical colleges to increase their clean air policies for their
campuses.

Certainly the ill effects of tobacco are well documented:

• The Surgeon General states that tobacco use in any form, active and/or passive, is
  a significant health hazard (Office of the Surgeon General).

• Environmental tobacco smoke has been classified as a Class-A carcinogen and there
  is no safe level of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (US Environmental Protection
  Agency).

• Smoking is responsible for more deaths each year than drugs, alcohol abuse, car crashes,
  AIDS, murder, and suicide combined (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Becoming a tobacco-free campus is in keeping with Southeastern Louisiana University’s
commitment to promote and support a healthy and safe campus environment for all –
it is a core value and a central part of our mission. As of June 2014, over 925 colleges
and universities are tobacco free (1343 100% smoke free and 167 prohibit the use of
e-cigarettes). The American College Health Association (ACHA) has adopted a “no tobacco
use” policy and encourages colleges and universities to achieve a 100% indoor and
outdoor campus-wide tobacco free environment.

Our Southeastern policy applies to all University students, faculty, staff, visitors and contractors. Tobacco
use includes, but is not limited to cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, pipes, hookah-smoked
products, electronic cigarettes, and oral tobacco products such as dips, chews, etc.

Southeastern recognizes that quitting tobacco use can be a significant personal challenge,
and that tobacco-cessation programs are an integral component in implementing this
policy

Faculty, Students and Staff, who struggle with quitting tobacco are encouraged to
contact the University Counseling Center for resources both on and off campus at (985)549-3894.