Arkansas State University

Board of Trustees

December 19, 2003

Resolution 03-51

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY                                                                                                            Contact:  Jennus L. Burton  (870-910-8200)

 

Action Item:                  Arkansas State University-Jonesboro (ASU-J) requests approval of a campus-wide Pet Policy.

 

Background:

 

ASU requests that a pet policy be implemented for the following reasons:

  • A policy controlling pets promotes a more conducive environment for teaching and learning.
  • Some people are afraid of animals.  All of ASU’s guests should feel safe and free from any intimidation or fear when visiting the campus.
  • Some people are allergic to pets, more specifically fur-bearing animals.  Many people are allergic to proteins found in dog saliva and the oil in dander that sheds along with fur (St. Bernard’s Newsletter, Spring 2003).
  • Pets make it impossible for ASU to encourage students, faculty and staff to make use of the green spaces on campus due to sanitation issues.
  • Thus, ASU recommends that the Pet Policy shall be stated as follows:

 

“In the interest of promoting greater personal safety, a more healthful environment and increased maintenance efficiency in campus educational, administrative, and general-purpose buildings, and on the campus grounds surrounding these facilities, pets shall not be allowed inside buildings with the exceptions of service animals for people with disabilities; animals, fish, fowl or reptiles under control of, and used by academic departments for approved teaching and/or research purposes and those animals, fish, fowl or reptiles used in approved performances.  Where exceptions apply, appropriate signage shall be posted.  All pets on the grounds must be on a leash.  Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.  Unattended animals will be turned over to the city animal control officers.

 

Primary responsibility for implementing this policy shall rest with the following:

 

Ř      Academic deans, department heads, and faculty for academic, academic support and research space assigned to their respective college and/or department;

 

Ř      Directors and department heads for administrative and administrative support and research space assigned to their respective function;

 

Ř      Personnel of the Department of Public Safety and/or the Facilities Management Department for unassigned space, general-purpose facilities and campus grounds.

 

Uncooperative staff members will be referred to their respective department head, director, or administrator; students will be referred to the Judicial Board; and faculty members will be referred to their department head and/or the dean of their college for appropriate action.

 

This policy does not affect policies now in existence as published and enforced by auxiliary activities such as Residence Life, Residence Dining, and University Housing.”

Updated October 24, 2003

 

Recommendation/Resolution:

 

Be it resolved that Arkansas State University-Jonesboro is authorized to implement the Control of Pets on Campus Policy as stated herein effective January 1, 2004.

 

 

 

_________________________________              ________________________________

Florine Tousant Milligan, Secretary                                           John Paul Hammerschmidt, Chair