COLUMBIA — The first phase of MU's new smoking policy, which will take effect on Jan. 20, prohibits smoking within 20 feet of any entrance, exit, window or air intake system of any building on MU owned or leased property, according to a release from the MU News Bureau.
MU intends to execute the next phase of the policy, which will prohibit smoking on campus except for designated areas, by July 1, 2011, the release said. The final phase will prohibit smoking campus wide and is targeted for Jan. 1, 2014.
The new smoking policy is a result of a "smoking policy task force," according to the release. The task force held open forums and conducted a campus-wide survey on opinions about smoking, then made recommendations to Jacquelyn K. Jones, the vice chancellor for administrative services, the release said. MU's Faculty Council, Staff Advisory Council, the Missouri Students Association and the Graduate Professional Council were all involved in discussing the new smoking policy.
MU will work with the Atkins Wellness Program to provide programs to help employees quit smoking. The MU Wellness Resource Center will do the same for students, the release said. Starting on Jan. 1, prescription drugs for the same purpose will be covered under the University of Missouri Health Care Program at the same level as other drugs.