Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Stetson University moving to a Tobacco/Smoke-Free Policy?
Stetson University began implementing smoking restrictions in 2007 by banning smoking near buildings and air vents. The new policy is the result of several years of research, focus groups and a university task force that determined that smoking was inconsistent with the values of the university. Our university commitment to health and wellness, one of our shared values, requires us to protect non-smokers, but also to support smokers in reconsidering a behavior that has been scientifically proved to have serious long-term health consequences.
When does the Tobacco/Smoke-Free Policy go into effect?
August 1, 2014, Stetson University's residential campuses in DeLand and Gulfport, Fla., will be designated tobacco/smoke-free. This policy applies 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
What does Tobacco/Smoke-Free actually mean?
Smoking of any kind, including, but not limited to, tobacco-related products will not be permitted in any facility or on the grounds of any residential Stetson University campus.
Who is affected by this policy?
The policy applies to every person on Stetson University's residential campuses, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, retirees, visitors, volunteers, contractors, vendors, customers, service representatives and the general population.
Will the policy apply to student housing?
Yes, the policy applies to all areas of residential campuses, including student housing, fraternity and sorority housing, and visitor housing.
What is considered a tobacco product and therefore prohibited by this policy?
Tobacco products include, but are not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, hookahs/water pipes, pipes, snuff, chew, snus, pellets and dissolvable tobacco mints.
What areas of Stetson University's campuses are included in the policy?
The policy prohibits the use of smoking of all tobacco and nicotine products on all property that is owned, operated, leased, occupied or controlled by the university in DeLand and Gulfport. This includes buildings and structures, grounds, parking lots or structures, enclosed bridges and walkways, sidewalks, university carts and vehicles, as well as personal vehicles in these areas.
Can I smoke or use tobacco products in the parking lots or university vehicles?
No. The policy prohibits the use of smoking and tobacco products in all Stetson University parking lots, or vehicles serving Stetson University.
Can I use tobacco in my personal vehicle while on Stetson University property?
No. Smoking and tobacco use are prohibited on university-operated properties including parking areas, roads and access routes.
Do employees, students and visitors have to quit using tobacco?
No. The university is not requiring anyone to quit. This policy simply means that no one can smoke or use tobacco products on Stetson University's residential campuses. The university is committed to supporting and assisting all community members who seek help through free stop-smoking programs and by making nicotine replacement products available at a nominal cost.
Are other universities tobacco and smoke free?
Yes. Hundreds of universities and colleges have adopted similar policies to help protect the health and well-being of their community. To find a list of schools that have similar policies, please visit the American Non-Smokers Right Foundation.
What research led to Stetson University adopting this policy?
Stetson University began implementing smoking restrictions in 2007 by banning smoking near buildings and air vents. The new policy is the result of several years of research, focus groups and a university task force that determined that smoking was inconsistent with the values of the university. Stetson University also used research provided by the National Tobacco-Free College Campus Initiative, The American Cancer Society, The American Lung Association, The Centers for Disease Control and other resources mentioned within this plan.
Why not use designated smoking areas on campus?
Adding “smoking-zones” to a Tobacco/Smoke-Free campus contradicts the fact of being “smoke-free.” As an institution, we would be sending mixed messages for both smokers and non-smokers. The goal of this policy is to make Stetson University a healthy place to live, work and learn. Also, designated smoking areas have been found to be ineffective, as many tobacco users don't stay in those areas. Given the rationale for going Tobacco/Smoke-Free, designated areas don't make sense.
What is the main reason for the tobacco/smoke-free policy being established at Stetson University?
Stetson University has a vital interest in maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, faculty, staff, alumni and campus visitors. Research findings show that use of smoking and using nicotine products constitute a significant health hazard. In addition, tobacco use is a serious safety concern and has been specifically listed as a contributing factor in a number of university facility fires across the nation, many of which have resulted in fatalities or major damage.
Why prohibit smokeless tobacco?
Smokeless tobacco products are harmful and are not a safe alternative to smoking.
What do I do if I see someone violating the Tobacco/Smoke-Free Policy?
Compliance is everyone's business. You are asked to approach the violator in a kind, compassionate way. You might say, “I want to make you aware that we are now a tobacco and smoke-free campus. Tobacco-related products are prohibited on our grounds. We ask that you respect our policy and not use tobacco products while visiting our campus.” OR “If you need to smoke or use tobacco products, we ask that you please leave the campus. We have stop-smoking programs available for students, faculty and staff who wish to quit or need support.”
DeLand
Please contact the Office of Wellness and Recreation for further support or questions about stop-smoking opportunities. Violation of this policy may result in corrective action under the Student Code of Community Standards, Human Resources Policies and Procedures, or other applicable University Regulations or Policies. Visitors refusing to comply may be asked to leave campus.
What if a violator continues to smoke or use tobacco even after reminding them about the policy?
Please utilize the university's reporting feature, called "Report It." It can be accessed at: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?StetsonUniv&layout_id=3
What is Stetson University doing to help employees who want to quit using tobacco products?
Stetson University is offering free stop-smoking programs that also include free stop-smoking products. Employees may receive up to four weeks of free nicotine replacement products if they enroll in one of the university's stop-smoking programs. Specific information on employee resources can be found on our Resources for Faculty and Staff webpage.
Employees, spouses and sponsored dependents who want to quit are encouraged to take advantage of their prescription benefits to discuss stop-smoking programs and options with their physician.
Employees are encouraged to use other free resources such as Tobacco Free Florida (877-822-6669).
What is Stetson University doing to help students who want to quit using tobacco products?
Interested students should contact the Office of Wellness and Recreation, which provides tobacco treatment resources to students. Students will receive up to 12 weeks of free nicotine replacement products if they enroll in one of Stetson University's stop-smoking programs. Specific information on student resources can be found on our Resources for Students webpage.
I am interested in tobacco treatment resources, but am not an employee or student at Stetson University. What resources are available to me?
Stetson University values the health and well-being of everyone who uses our facilities. If you use tobacco products and would like to quit, discuss with your physician or other health care provider which of the approaches may work best for you. Specific resources available to the general public are available through the Tobacco Free Quit Line (877-822-6669) or through the Area Health Education Center (AHEC).
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