UNION TWP, Lawrence County — Butler County Community College will be tobacco free next academic year.

The policy approved Wednesday by the college's board of trustees prohibits the use of all tobacco products everywhere on all campus sites beginning July 1.

BC3 president Nick Neupauer said college officials took into consideration factors such as the state Clean Indoor AirAct and Butler County's smoking ban, which begins in January.

Since the beginning of this school year, Neupauer indicated he would like to make the change. He told faculty at a convocation he would be looking at the policy and has mentioned it to groups since then. The policy covers cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products like snuff.

The current college policy allows people to smoke outside buildings in designated locations.

At the trustees meeting Wednesday at the BC3 @ Lawrence Crossing campus, trustee Glenn Miller recommended the new policy. He cited the no-smoking policies of the county, Butler Memorial Hospital and state universities.

State universities, which include Slippery Rock University, moved to be completely tobacco free in coordination with the Clean Indoor Air Act, which prohibited smoking in nearly all public spaces.

John Kearney, vice president for student services, said the change fits with BC3's mission.

"It's a good way to move toward a healthy lifestyle," he said.

Linda Dodd, director of human resources, said campus police will give offenders a warning before disciplinary action is taken.

Neupauer said the cushion between the new policy announcement and its effective date will give the college time to educate faculty and students. He added that trustee Robert Smith, who is the SRU president, helped with recommendations on the transition period.

BC3 has campuses in Butler Township, Cranberry Township, Lawrence County and Mercer County.