MISSOULA, Mont. - The University of Montana is proposing a campuswide tobacco ban - including a ban on chewing tobacco - that would take effect in the fall of 2011.

The Associated Students of the University of Montana Senate endorsed the ban last month and President George Dennison sent an e-mail on Oct. 19 informing faculty, staff and students of the proposal.

Over the next year, the university will gather comments from students, faculty and staff and hold public meetings and smoking cessation programs as the fall 2011 deadline approaches.

The tobacco ban would include Washington-Grizzly Stadium, where smoking currently is allowed along perimeter fences. It would also include the UM Golf Course and all campus parking lots.

The proposal does not spell out penalties for violating the ban.

Linda Green, director of health enhancement at UM says two years of education and forewarning will be more effective.