Tobacco Free Policy

In order to promote a healthy environment in which to work and learn for our students, faculty, staff and visitors, Wright State University, through this policy, designates the Dayton and Lake Campuses as tobacco-free spaces. Reports by Surgeon Generals for almost 50 years indicate that there is no safe level of cigarette smoke and tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death and disability in the United States. Furthermore, tobacco products are a leading cause of fires and campus litter.

This policy is a reflection of the University’s obligation to provide members of the university community and visitors an environment conducive to their health, safety and well-being. The policy also underscores the value the university places on research-based knowledge translated into practice.

The policy establishes procedures governing the use of tobacco and related products on Wright State University campuses that are in line with the recommendations of the Ohio Board of Regents as well as the campus committee charged with researching the issue.

Tobacco use, including the sale, advertising sampling and distribution of tobacco products and tobacco related items is prohibited in all university facilities, on all university owned or leased grounds, university owned or operated residence halls and apartments, and at all university sponsored events regardless of location. Tobacco use is also prohibited in all university vehicles or on any equipment owned, leased or operated by Wright State University.

This policy applies to anyone on campus including students, faculty, staff, visitors, consultants, vendors, patients, volunteers, and contractor employees.

• Tobacco – defined to include any product that contains tobacco, is derived from tobacco or contains nicotine [or lobelia], that is intended for human consumption, or is likely to be consumed, whether smoked, heated, chewed, absorbed, dissolved, or ingested by any other means. This includes e-cigarettes and other electronic smoking devices, but does not include any cessation product approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for use as a medical treatment to reduce and eliminate nicotine or tobacco dependence.

• University facilities – defined as any facility or property owned, leased, or occupied by the university. This includes but is not limited to: classrooms, restrooms, auditoriums and arenas, residence halls, offices, lounges, dining areas, recreational and athletic facilities, parking lots, rooftops, storage areas, garages, sidewalks, bridges and other walkways, and all extension locations.

• Tobacco promotion – advertising, sales and distribution are prohibited on campus grounds, in all university sponsored publications and at all university sponsored events. University affiliated organizations are prohibited from accepting any form of contribution including, but not limited to, financial support, gifts (such as curriculum, book covers, speakers, etc.) or in-kind support from the tobacco industry for the sponsorship or promotion of any event or activity affiliated in any manner with the (college/university) or located on university grounds.

All members of the campus community share the responsibility for observing and enforcing the policy; and the success of the policy depends upon the thoughtful consideration of tobacco users and non-users. The primary goal of the university is to achieve 100% compliance with the policy using information, education and support (see Cessation Support below). It must be noted, however, that the policy will be enforced in accordance with existing complaint processes:

• Concerns about tobacco use should be respectfully addressed in the moment whenever possible.

• Continued concerns should be addressed to the appropriate unit head for review and action.

• For faculty, staff, and student employees, issues should be referred to the employing unit head.

• For students in the non-employment setting, issues should be referred to the office of Community Standards and Student Conduct.

• For volunteers and visitors, issues should be referred to the head of the hosting unit. Visitors refusing to comply may be asked to leave. For employees of contractors, violations should be referred to the project manager.

Tobacco use, including the sale, advertising, sampling and distribution of tobacco products and tobacco related items, may be permitted at certain university-sponsored events with approval of the provost or a designee. Additionally, use may be approved for controlled research or for educational, clinical, or religious ceremonies with prior approval of the Provost.

The university shall make available to faculty, staff and students comprehensive tobacco usage cessation programs including no cost or low cost counseling and medication based solutions.

Appropriate signs indicating that tobacco use is not permitted will be posted throughout the campus at entrances and other appropriate locations on all academic buildings, administrative spaces, parking lots and athletic fields. Students will be provided notice of this policy through student handbooks and personnel will be provided notice of this policy through personnel handbooks. University vehicles will display the international “No Smoking” insignia. Announcements will be made during home athletic events both before the event and during intermission, as well as at all school functions where deemed appropriate.

The Leadership Team will facilitate the development of administrative guidelines and procedures as necessary to implement this policy beginning July 1, 2017 including provisions for notification, communications, training, signage, and complaint procedures.