BY KYLE RAINEY|NEWS EDITOR

Tobacco is no longer allowed on any property controlled or owned by Lindenwood.

The ban, which started Aug. 1, is the final step of a tobacco-free policy that was implemented in phases. It started as an initiative of the Lindenwood Student Government Association.

Banned tobacco includes: cigarettes, cigars, pipes, water pipes, hookahs, electronic cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, snuff, chewing tobacco and any non-FDA approved nicotine delivery device.

According to a university newsletter, the purpose of the policy is to “reduce harm from tobacco use and secondhand smoke, provide an environment that encourages individuals to be tobacco-free, reduce health insurance and health care costs, and promote a campus culture of wellness.”

Public Safety and Security Director John Bowman said so far security has asked a couple of people to stop smoking on campus, but officials have yet to run into problems enforcing the ban.

People caught smoking will initially be given warnings and asked to stop, Bowman said. Now that the use of tobacco is a policy violation, students who are repeatedly asked to stop smoking will be subject to repercussions.

“If it’s a student and we’ve warned them several times, then they’re going to be referred to the dean of students,” he said.

Students are likely to be referred after two or three warnings, he said.

“It all depends,” Bowman said. “If I give a person a warning two days in a row, then the third one is probably going to be referred.”

Smoking cessation classes will be offered at the counseling center.

“Members of the University community are to respectfully inform others about the policy to ensure compliance,” the newsletter states.