Carson-Newman becomes a smoke-free campus

(Aug. 22, 2017) – Carson-Newman University’s Department of Public Safety has announced a change in the on-campus smoking policy. Effective immediately, the 125-acre campus is designated as smoke-free.

Smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco or personal vaporizer devices, including electronic cigarettes, are not allowed on campus. This prohibition includes all buildings, facilities, parking lots, athletic fields and stadiums, the main campus grounds and parking lots.

Prior to this policy change, designated smoking areas were located throughout the campus. Those areas now fall under the new policy.

Steven Lake, Carson-Newman’s director of Safety and Security, said, “From a safety and security standpoint, this new policy lessens fire dangers on campus as well as improves overall health on campus.”

According to Lake, Tennessee state law provides for a $50 fine for violation of the Tennessee Non-Smoker’s Protection Act.

Founded in 1851, Carson-Newman is located in Jefferson City, Tennessee, among the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The University has over 2,600 students and offers 50 undergraduate majors, as well as associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees.