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Lenoir-Rhyne University Adopts Tobacco-Free Policy Across All Campuses

  • 02/15/19

HICKORY, NC – Tobacco-free campuses are a growing trend among colleges and universities across the nation. Lenoir-Rhyne University (LR) recently announced that the university will move to become tobacco- and smoke‐free across all campuses beginning with a soft launch in spring 2019, with a full implementation of the tobacco-free policy starting June 1, 2019. The use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipes, hookah, smokeless tobacco, all nicotine delivery devices (excluding Nicotine Replacement Therapy) and all other tobacco products will be prohibited across all university-owned or leased properties, facilities, athletic fields and stadiums, parking lots, and vehicles.

As part of LR's strategic priority to enhance health and wellness, the university is committed to the health and well-being of its students, employees, and visitors. On June 1, 2019, LR will join the nearly 2,000 tobacco-free campuses in the U.S. and more than 80 other colleges and universities in North and South Carolina to implement such a policy.

"The health of our faculty, staff, and students is a top priority for Lenoir-Rhyne, and this is an important step toward providing a safe and clean learning and working environment," says University President Dr. Fred Whitt.

The new tobacco-free policy will allow nonsmokers to avoid exposure to second-hand smoke. Simultaneously, campuses will offer support for individuals who are current tobacco users and those who may be working toward quitting. More information about university-supported resources and programs will be forthcoming.

"We encourage the entire Lenoir-Rhyne community to champion this policy by helping to communicate, educate, and provide support to students and their peers and colleagues," Whitt says.

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