College and University campus tobacco-free policies

Jacksonville University, Jacksonville, FL

photo of Jacksonville University campus mural

The first on-campus project at Jacksonville University to enhance awareness about the dangers of smoking was to paint an anti-smoking mural in the Frances Bartlett Kinne Center in the Spring of 2009. The mural was designed by a painting professor, Matteo Neivert and painted by art and nursing students.

"We put it right inside the front doors where students tend to light up," said Matteo Neivert, assistant professor of art who created the initial mural concept. "A lot of cigarette companies target young adults and it’s such an unhealthy habit, especially since their minds and bodies are still growing." The painting portrays two oak trees, one symbolizing death and darkness and the other life and prosperity.

"No matter what language you speak, images are universal," said Neivert. "Hopefully, this will cause a bit of stir on campus and encourage any student smoker to reflect upon his or her lifestyle choice."

Florida International University, Miami, FL

UM (University of Miami) is going smoke-free March 1st, 2010. And, we plan to go July 1st.

Many faculty, staff, students and employees are not fully aware about the hazards of second-hand tobacco smoke (SHTS). There is no safe level of exposure to SHTS. Ventilation and filtration cannot reduce indoor exposure to safe levels. Only 100% smoke-free environments provide effective protection. SHTS kills 600, 000 per year. Globally, 33% of adults and 50% of children are regularly exposed to SHTS.Globally, 33% of adults and 50% of children are regularly exposed to SHTS.

At FIU, there was some student push back about interfering with their right to smoke. According to 2008 Tobacco Control Legal Consortium, there is no constitutional right to smoke.

http://tobaccolawcenter.com/documents/constitutional-right.pdf

But on the other hand, non-smokers have rights to clear air. At least 365 U.S. colleges and universities have enacted 100% smoke-free campus policies, with no exemptions. Residential housing facilities are included, where they exist.

http://www.no-smoke.org/pdf/smokefreecollegesuniversities.pdf

The World Health Organization just released this report: The Global Tobacco Epidemic: Implementing smoke-free environments

Also available: WHO: 10 Facts on second-hand smoke

Rick Botelho
Chair, smoke-free campus at FIU

University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

This is the proposed regulation regarding tailgating and tobacco on campus. It includes E-cigarettes.

http://www.hr.ufl.edu/policies/tobaccopolicy.pdf

Alcohol is not necessarily permitted in writing on campus while tailgating; however, ticketing typically does not happen. Exceptions are for open container violations in which people walk around with their alcohol, or public drunkenness.

As of right now, tobacco use is still permitted as long as the individual is more than 50 feet away from the entrance to a building. That will change come July 1, 2010 with the expectation that the tobacco free policy will be enforced at all times (including while tailgating for football games). The only places on campus that are already tobacco free are the stadium and Shands UF area (hospital and their associated buildings).

The policy for tobacco free has already been published on the Human Resources website in anticipation of becoming completely tobacco free.

Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), Des Moines, IA

St. Louis Community College, St. Louis, MO

Now that we are midway through the fall semester I can report that it is a pleasure to walk across campus. The thick clouds of smoke that were at each building entrance last fall are now gone. For the first time, it is now safe for all students, faculty, and staff to walk between buildings, including those with respiratory ailments such as asthma. All faculty and staff have been empowered to remind smokers on campus of the designated smoking location in the parking lot, to ask that they move there, and to request their student ID if they fail to comply. A few students (less than 10) have refused to confine their smoking to the designated area, and were required to speak with the Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs, Dr Petersen, about it. There have been one or two repeat offenders who were given tickets by the Campus Police. The transition has been remarkably smooth. Because the decision was made as a result of a clear campus-wide consensus there have been fewer problems than anticipated.

Margaret Hvatum, Network Coordinator
Meramec Wellness Committee Chair
Associate Professor, Information Systems
St. Louis Community College, Meramec
(314) 984-7518

University of Cental Oklahoma

Effective July 1, 2010, it shall be the policy of the University that all tobacco products, as defined herein, be prohibited on the campus of the University.