Hennepin Technical College Goes Tobacco Free July 1

A new policy banning the use of tobacco on the Eden Prairie and Brooklyn Park campuses of Hennepin Technical College goes into effect July 1.
This is the third post-secondary school to go tobacco free as a result of funding and technical assistance provided by Hennepin County through the Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP 2.0).

Under the new policy, smoking, tobacco use and tobacco sales (including the use or sale of smokeless tobacco products and electronic cigarettes) will be prohibited on property the college owns, operates or leases. The policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, administrators, outside contractors and the general public. Tobacco use will be allowed inside enclosed private vehicles that are parked in the college’s parking lots.

“After careful consideration, it was decided that a tobacco-free campus policy would contribute to the health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors,” said Cecilia Cervantes, Hennepin Technical College president. “It’s important to note that we’re not asking campus users to quit using tobacco products but to refrain from using them while in campus buildings and on campus grounds. Hennepin Technical College's tobacco free policy contributes to a healthier college — one that more fully supports our students' efforts to succeed academically through a cleaner and improved environment.”

The college will become one of nearly 50 campus locations across the state that have gone smoke and tobacco free. These include two from Hennepin County suburban areas that have also been assisted by Hennepin County and SHIP 2.0 funding:

• Crown College in St. Bonafacius revised its tobacco-free policy and added signage on July 1, 2012.

• Rasmussen College in Brooklyn Park passed a comprehensive tobacco-free policy on July 1, 2012.