Tobacco Free Environment

(SMSU Policy G-004)

Reference:  Minnesota Statue 16B.24, Subd. 9, Smoking in State Buildings

Purpose
Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) in accordance with our mission is devoted to improving the health and well-being of our campus community by setting an example of healthy practice. In order to conform to the Minnesota Statute 16B.24, Subdivision 8 [Smoking in State Buildings], Ch. 291, Art. 6, Sec. 6, Subd. 5 [Electronic Cigarettes] and to demonstrate the core value of health and wellness at SMSU, we will provide a safe and healthy environment for work and study for students, employees and visitors by making SMSU a fully tobacco-free campus.

Definition
Smoking includes all tobacco products, electronic cigarettes and electronic delivery devices. This includes such items as the carrying and/or burning of a lighted cigarette, cigar, pipe or the use of any other lighted smoking materials. This also includes the use of electronic cigarettes, including the inhaling or exhaling of vapor from any electronic delivery device. Smokeless tobacco usage includes the use of any smokeless tobacco products such as chewing tobacco, snuff, smokeless pouches or other forms of loose leaf tobacco.

Policy

1. Smoking and smokeless tobacco usage is prohibited in all campus buildings including academic and administrative buildings, the student union, all residence halls including private rooms and campus or foundation owned apartments, and any other University owned, leased and/or operated facilities.
2. Smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco is prohibited in all university-owned, leased, and/or operated vehicles.
3. Smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco is prohibited on all university properties, including outdoor athletic facilities.
4. The sale of tobacco products on campus is prohibited, as well as the free distribution of tobacco products on campus.
5. Tobacco advertisements are prohibited in SMSU sponsored publications. Tobacco companies are prohibited from sponsoring any University event.

Smoking and Smokeless Tobacco Cessation Programs
SMSU makes a strong commitment to work with employees to arrange a flexible work schedule that will allow for participation in structured smoking/smokeless tobacco usage cessation programs for those who wish to reduce and/or quit using tobacco products. A listing of community resources for cessation programs faculty and staff is available in the Human Resources Office. Students are encouraged to contact the Student Health Services for information about available cessation programs and services.

Policy Exceptions

1. An exception for instructional purposes allows for the use of tobacco products in laboratory and classroom instruction/experiments, or artistic purposes. All research, educational, and/or artistic purposes that involve the use of tobacco on campus, must be approved in advance by the President or his/her designee. Such use must be preceded by reasonable advance notice to the public.
2. This policy does not apply to specific activities used in connection with the practice of cultural activities by American Indians that are in accordance with the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, 42 U.S.C. sections 1996 and 1996a. All ceremonial use exceptions must be approved in advance by the President of the University or his/her designee.

Enforcement
Enforcement of this policy will depend upon the cooperation of all faculty, staff and students as well as campus visitors not only to ensure that SMSU becomes truly tobacco-free, but also to help and encourage others to comply with the policy.
In the event of a violation, the person will be informed of the SMSU Tobacco-Free Campus Policy. Should that person continue to violate the policy, a report should be made to the appropriate office; in the case of an employee, to that person’s supervisor; in the case of a student or visitor, to the Office of Public Safety. Employees who violate the policy shall be subject to discipline in accordance with the appropriate bargaining agreement. Students who violate the policy will be reviewed through the student judicial process and may expect either a fine or a requirement to perform community service in the form of a suitable project that addresses some aspect of health and safety.