State act declares smoke-free campus

Spring 2015 semester introduced students and staff to the expectation of a smoke-free and tobacco free campus. This took effect over the summer on July 1, 2015. While this was not well received by many students, it is a law that must be enforced.

Keep in mind that this law was not at the hands of Black Hawk College, its president, board members, trustees or student leaders. Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed Senate Bill 2202, the Smoke-free Campus Act, in August, 2014. Now it is up to all state-supported colleges to put necessary measures in place aiding students with this transition.

Smoke-Free Campus is no laughing matter

Soon, BHC students will no longer be allowed to smoke on campus without facing consequences. On April Fool’s Day Chief of Police Shawn Cisna and Dean of Students Luis Moreno met with a few faculty members and the Student Life Council in the SLC office to discuss implementation of the new law – but this wasn’t a joke.

In 2014 the Illinois Smoke­free Campus law was passed. Chief Cisna said that before fines are levied there will be disciplinary action, as the college doesn’t seek to make money off the new regulation. There will also be workshops to assist in quitting smoking, according to Counselor Wendy Bock.

Signs will be posted around campus to remind students to kick the habit, not the can.

This law will go into affect as of July 1, 2015.