Tobacco-Free Campus Policies

September 28, 2011

WelcomeMaine Tobacco-Free College Network is dedicated to providing Maine’s post-secondary learning institutions with the information and resources needed to create tobacco-free campuses.

We provide technical assistance to college administrators, health centers, student advocacy groups and public health advocates in order to encourage the creation of tobacco-free environments and the promotion of tobacco-free lifestyles on the campuses of post-secondary institutions.

Outline1. The Case for Tobacco-Free Campuses

2. Steps for Policy Change

3. MTFCN Policy Standards

4. MTFCN Recognition Program

5. Resources Developed by the MTFCN

6. Questions

Why are schools going tobacco-free?

• Tobacco-free policies create a healthier and safer environment for students, staff, faculty and visitors

• Going tobacco-free is a way show your commitment to the environment

• Tobacco-free campus changes the social norm around tobacco

• Policies remove exposure to tobacco smoke on campus

Tobacco-Free is Environmentally Friendly• Prohibiting tobacco use on campus will reduce the

amount of cigarette butts and other tobacco product related litter on campus.

• Not only is tobacco product waste unsightly but it also has a negative environmental impact.• For example: cigarette filters are non-biodegradable

plastic • On average, it takes about 25 years for a cigarette

butt to decompose• It can be time consuming and costly to clean up after

littered tobacco waste

Health Effects• Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death

and disease.

• There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke – even brief exposure can cause damage that can lead to serious disease and even death.

• Non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke at home or work increase their risk of developing heart disease by 25-30%

• Quitting at any age is beneficial and tobacco-free policies encourage users to quit.

US Surgeon General, 2006, 2010

Tobacco Use on CampusTobacco-free campus policies don’t require anyone to quit but prohibits tobacco use on campus grounds.

The majority of the campus community won’t have to alter habits if the campus goes tobacco-free:

• About 75% of students and 80% of faculty and staff are non-smokers.

Most smokers began smoking before the age of 24; 28% of college smokers began to smoke regularly at or after 19 – when they were already in college.

The majority of the campus community believe people should be protected from secondhand smoke:

• 88% of young adults and 90% of all adults believe this.Partnership for a Tobacco-Free Maine, American Cancer Society

Changing social norm around tobacco

More than 500 institutions of higher learning across the United States have adopted 100% smoke-free policies.

Mainers are used to smoke-free environments, Maine law prohibits smoking in:

• Restaurants and Bars• Indoor Workplaces and Public Places• State Parks and Beaches• Outdoor Dining Areas• Public K-12 Schools are 100% tobacco-free

Many private homes and rental units are smoke-free in Maine

Steps for Tobacco-Free Policy Adoption1. Establish a policy committee/workgroup.

2. Determine policy parameters – draft plan (timeframe, policy language, enforcement strategies, etc).

3. Build support of key stakeholders (administration, student leaders, faculty and staff leaders).

4. Communicate policy to campus community prior to when it takes effect and post signage.

5. Prepare and distribute educational materials on policy, tobacco use, quitting and secondhand smoke to faculty, staff and students.

6. Implement and enforce tobacco-free campus policy.

Policy Implementation Tips• Successful policy enforcement requires effective

communication and is dependent upon respect, thoughtfulness, and cooperation of everyone.

• Policy changes often are catalysts for tobacco users to attempt quitting – make sure resources and information is available on campus to support their efforts.

• Remove outdoor ashtrays – placing them by entrances to buildings may cause confusion about the policy.

• Be proud of your policy and be continue to monitor your campus after going tobacco-free. If there are areas where cigarette butts continue to accumulate, increase signage and enforcement coverage in the area.

Policy StandardsThe Maine Tobacco-Free College Network has developed 10 model policy standards based upon proven strategies for creating tobacco-free environments and promoting tobacco-free lifestyles.

Policy standards found online at: www.mainetobaccofreecollegenetwork.org/policy

Policy Standard 1: Adopt a 100% Tobacco-Free PolicyThis means that tobacco use is prohibited: • in all university affiliated buildings (including residence halls, administrative facilities, classrooms and fraternity and sorority houses)• at all university sponsored events – both indoor and outdoor• on all university grounds• in all university-owned or leased vehicles Policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, visitors, vendors and others.

Tobacco use is defined as the smoking or use of any tobacco product, including but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, smokeless or spit tobacco, chew, snuff, snus and other non-FDA approved nicotine delivery devices (such as e-cigarettes).

Policy Standard 2: SignagePlace appropriate signage at key locations on campus, including entrances to the campus, parking lots, and buildings

Policy Standard 3: Share information about tobacco use, quitting, secondhand smoke and the policy

Information about tobacco use and treatment, secondhand smoke, and local and statewide treatment resources are readily available to students, faculty, staff and visitors. The University’s tobacco policy is clearly posted in employee and student handbooks, on the campus website, and in other relevant publications.

Policy Standard 4: Select off-campus event venues that are smoke-free

Ensure that all off-campus meetings, conferences, fundraisers and events are tobacco-free by including language in tobacco policy about selecting locations that fit with your school’s healthy image of being tobacco-free.

Policy Standard 5: Prohibit tobacco advertising and promotion on campus

Advertising and promotion of tobacco products is not allowed on the university’s campus or satellite facilities. This includes advertising in university publications, such as newspapers and magazines.

Sale of tobacco products and paraphernalia is prohibited on campus and at campus-sponsored events

Policy Standard 6: Sale of tobacco products is prohibited

Policy Standard 7: Distribution of tobacco products is prohibitedThe free distribution of tobacco products on campus, including by fraternities or sororities, is expressly forbidden.

Policy Standard 8: Campus Organizations forbidden from accepting tobacco company funds.

Policy Standard 9:The university refuses all donations from the tobacco industry, and divests itself of tobacco company stock.

Policy Standard 10:Recommendations for college/university visitor lodging will highlight establishments with smoke-free policies.

Gold Star Standards of Excellence Awards Program

MTFCN has developed a program to recognize institutions of higher learning taking steps to create tobacco-free environments and promote tobacco-free lifestyles.

All Maine schools that meet at least five of the ten policy standards will be recognized at the inaugural awards celebration – all schools are encouraged to apply.

Resources from the MTFCN

Resources from the MTFCN

Materials in Tobacco-Free Campus Support Packet:• Sample Policy Language• Frequently Asked Questions Document• Sample Press Release• Sample Announcement Letters for Staff, Faculty,

Students and Campus Neighbors• Tobacco-Free Campus Handbill• Model Signage• Palm Card Enforcement Tool

Resources from the MTFCN

Important Upcoming Dates

• October 26th – Applications due for the Gold Star Standards awards program

• November 17th – 10am, first annual Gold Star Standards of Excellence awards celebration

• November 21st – Deadline for policy change and news submissions for the next MTFCN newsletter

Connect with the Network

www.MaineTobaccoFreeCollegeNetwork.org

info@MaineTobaccoFreeCollegeNetwork.org

(207)874-8774

Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MTFCN

Join our e-newsletter list by contacting the MTFCN

Access archived tobacco-free environment presentations at: www.slideshare.net/breatheeasy