Tobacco Use Policy

I.  Introduction and Scope

Stetson University (hereinafter the “University”) has a vital interest in maintaining a safe and healthy environment for the members of the University community. Research has found that use of tobacco products constitutes a significant health hazard. The Tobacco Use and Breath Free Policy (hereinafter this “Policy”) prohibits the use of all tobacco products on all property, except as otherwise provided below (see Exceptions and Limitations).

This Policy applies to all members of the University community when located on University property.

II.  Definitions

"Property" for purposes of this Policy includes buildings and structures, grounds, parking lots, enclosed bridges and walkways, sidewalks, university carts, and vehicles, as well as personal vehicles in locations or areas that are owned, operated, leased, occupied, or controlled by the University.

“Smoking” means inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted or heated cigar, cigarette, or pipe or any other lighted or heated tobacco or plant product, including marijuana, intended for inhalation in any manner or form. “Smoking” also includes the use of an e-cigarette and/or vape that creates vapor, in any form or manner, or the use of any oral smoking device for the purpose of circumventing the prohibition of smoking in this Policy.

"Tobacco Products" means all forms of tobacco, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, water pipes (hookah), e-cigarettes (any device intended to simulate smoking), and the variety of smokeless tobacco products.

“Members of the University community” include its faculty, staff, students, alumni, volunteers, contractors, customers, clients, and visitors.

III.  Policy & Enforcement

As of August 1, 2014, all University property has been designated tobacco/smoke-free. This Policy applies twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week.

Students

Regarding students and employees, violations of the Policy will be treated in accordance with general campus disciplinary procedures. Accordingly, corrective actions may fall under the student conduct code for the appropriate campus, Human Resources policies and procedures, or other applicable University regulations.

Employees

Violations of Policy that involve employees are first to be reported to the employee's immediate supervisor or department head for investigation and interaction. Reports that are unable to be resolved through intervention at the department level are to be referred to Human Resources. Additionally, concerns about chronic violations may be reported as follows:

o Progressive discipline measures may be applied, including educational sanctions.

o Staff Disciplinary Policies and Procedures is applicable to violations of the Policy. Therefore, progressive discipline measures may be applied at the discretion of the supervisor and Human Resources. Participation in smoke and tobacco-free educational programs may be required as part of the disciplinary process.

· Visitors and Vendors

o Visitors and vendors on campus may not be knowledgeable of the Policy. The campus community shares the responsibility to respectfully inform visitors and vendors that Stetson is a smoke-free and tobacco-free campus. Campus Security is to be notified in situations involving visitors, including vendors, observed to be using smoke or tobacco products, and who fail to comply after being advised of the Policy. Further refusal to respect the Policy may result in a visitor or vendor being required to leave campus.

o Campus Security retains authority to directly enforce adherence to this Policy with all campus constituents. However, it remains the University's expectation for compliance to be assured through the shared responsibility of the members of the University community.

IV.  Exceptions and Limitations

Tobacco use and/or smoking may be permitted for controlled research with prior approval of the provost, dean or department chair, the Institutional Review Board, and the director of Public Safety. Smoke, like any other laboratory air contaminant generated, shall be controlled locally in a chemical hood or other exhaust system that provides 100% exhaust to the outside.

Tobacco use and/or smoking on campus may be permitted for educational or religious ceremonial purposes with prior approval of the provost, dean, or director responsible for the facility in which the use will occur, and the director of Public Safety.

V.  Delegation/Responsibility

The success of this Policy will depend on the thoughtfulness, consideration, and cooperation of smokers and nonsmokers. Members of the University community are all charged with adhering to and enforcing this Policy. All members of the University community share the responsibility of holding themselves and others accountable for compliance. Violation of this Policy will be treated in accordance with general campus disciplinary procedures.

The President's Cabinet, with support from the Associate Vice President for Human Resources, is vested with authority over the definitions, scope, delegations, proper administration, and enforcement provisions of which this Policy are comprised.

VI.  Reporting and Compliance

DeLand

Reports of Policy violations at the DeLand campus may be reported via the University's online Smoke and Tobacco Free Incident Reporting Form.

Gulfport

Reports of Policy violations at the Gulfport campus and Tampa Law Center may be reported to the Public Safety Department.

Authority for compliance with the Policy rests with all members of the University community. Community members are empowered to respectfully inform others about the Policy and the ongoing effort to enhance awareness of and encourage compliance with this Policy. Violation of this regulation may result in corrective action under the Student Code of Community Standards (DeLand Campus) or Code of Student Professionalism and Conduct (Gulfport campus and Tampa Law Center), Human Resources Policies and Procedures, or other applicable University Regulations or Policies. Visitors refusing to comply may be asked to leave campus.

VII.  Awareness, Education, and Cessation

The Policy's implementation is augmented by an awareness and education campaign that includes but is not limited to:

· Appropriate notification of all community members using the web and other communication tools.

· Notification of this Policy during admission and enrollment processes for students and/or during orientation for new hires of faculty or staff.

· Communication through informational meetings, postings, signage, and digital communication.

· Establishment of tobacco cessation programs for all community members. The University is committed to supporting and assisting all community members who seek help through cessation programs by making nicotine replacement products available at a nominal cost.

Stetson University is dedicated to educating its students and employees on the health benefits of being tobacco free. The University recognizes that ongoing awareness efforts are critical to both the success of the Smoke & Tobacco-Free initiative and the ongoing wellness of the campus communities. Through health care and health education programs, the University provides resources and services important to fostering an institutional partnership and shared responsibility with students and employees toward promoting healthy lifestyles.