Frequently Asked Questions
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Why did OSU choose to go tobacco free?
The change is a result of recommendations from Student Government Association, Faculty Council, and Staff Advisory Council. By recommending a tobacco free policy, it is clear there is a desire to create a safe, clean and healthy environment and make OSU a healthier campus. Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in this country, responsible for one in every five deaths.
The new policy went into effect on July 1, 2008. Signs are posted across the campus and more information is available at http://tobaccostopshere.okstate.edu/
Where can I find the actual policy?
It is University Policy #1-0530, click here to read the entire policy.
Does the policy prohibit the use of all tobacco products or only cigarettes?
The policy prohibits the use of ALL tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco, chewing tobacco, cigarettes, cigars, pipes and snuff.
Whom does this policy affect?
Any person that works, visits, attends classes or attends other events on the Stillwater campus of Oklahoma State University.
What facilities are exempt?
The use of tobacco products will be permitted in select living areas north of campus -- Davis Hall, Prosser Neighborhood buildings and a gazebo located in the Prosser Neighborhood. Residential Life officials charged with oversight of the exempt areas of campus where tobacco use is permitted must adopt and post internal policies.
Otherwise, the policy applies to all non-leased buildings and grounds owned or under the control of Oklahoma State University on the Stillwater campus.
Does the policy affect the branch campuses?
Effective July 1, 2008, OSU-Stillwater, OSU-Tulsa, OSU-Oklahoma City and OSU Center for Health Sciences are all tobacco free. The OSU Institute of Technology in Okmulgee is evaluating a possible change.
Does the tobacco free rule extend to Lake Carl Blackwell?
No. Lake Carl Blackwell is not on campus.
What is the policy for athletic events at Gallagher-Iba Arena, Boone Pickens Stadium and other facilities? Is there a different policy for such athletic events if the event is on a weekend vs. a weekday?
The policy is the same no matter when the event is held. There is no tobacco use authorized in Gallagher-Iba or Boone Pickens Stadium. The policy applies to all non-leased buildings and grounds owned or under the control OSU on the Stillwater campus, therefore when surrounding parking areas are leased out for athletic events, such as football game days, the policy does not apply.
Can I smoke in my own car?
Tobacco use is prohibited on the Stillwater campus in parked and moving vehicles while on grounds owned or under the control of Oklahoma State University.
What about the legality of telling people they cannot use tobacco in their own car?
It’s an OSU policy, and OSU is dependent on employees to adhere to policies. The policy is a tobacco-free campus. If necessary, parking permits may be withdrawn.
What happens if the policy is violated?
Everyone, including visitors to the campus, is expected to comply with campus policy. You may inform a violator of the policy and its importance to the campus. With this policy OSU is taking a huge step in creating a healthier campus.
What do I do if I see someone smoking or using tobacco? What is considered a reportable violation? What is considered a non-reportable violation?
Administration/supervisors/employees have the responsibility to respectfully remind a tobacco user that tobacco use on campus is a violation of OSU policy. There is no intent to put employees in confrontational situations.
- An observer may use OSU’s Confidential Reporting System on the Human Resources website, or www.ethicspoint.com, to report offenders, if a simple reminder is not sufficient.
How will enforcement be handled?
Administration/supervisors/employees have the responsibility to respectfully remind a tobacco user that tobacco use on campus is a violation of OSU policy. There is no intent to put employees in confrontational situations. Should an individual choose not to comply with the policy, the following processes/personnel will be called upon:
Students: Code of Conduct
Staff: Supervisor(s)
Faculty: Department Head/Dean
The tobacco policy does not supersede State law which invokes legal action should the smoking violation occur within 25 feet of a building entrance.
Who’s in charge of enforcing this policy?
Every OSU employee has a responsibility to adhere to policy and to remind others of policies.
What are the consequences if someone is caught? What about second or third offenses?
A respectful reminder may be sufficient. However, if a staff employee violates policy repeatedly, formal corrective action would be appropriate. Formal corrective action by policy has three steps:
- The first reminder involves supervisor’s discussion with the employee and agreement by the employee that the policy will be followed.
- A second reminder involves discussion with the employee and a written summary after the discussion.
- If a third offense occurs, the employee is given a decision-making assignment in which she/he must either decide to follow OSU policy or resign. If the employee agrees to comply with policy and a subsequent offense occurs, the employee may be terminated. See Corrective Action policy (3-0720) for more detail.
Will the police come if called and what are the consequences?
For policy violations, the police have the same responsibility as employees. The police will come for violations of the law. State law prohibits smoking within 25 feet of the entrance of a state building.
Is there a plan for dealing with employees who cross the street from campus/campus property to smoke? How will business owners deal with this?
Common courtesy should prevail. We should strive to be good neighbors. Of course, property owners have the right to protect their property and request police action for trespassing.
Is there a plan for dealing with an increase in litter (i.e., cigarette butts in parking lots and other areas)?
There should be no increase in litter because the campus is tobacco free.
Should managers/supervisors talk to employees about the policy?
Yes. It is recommended that managers and supervisors inform all employees of this policy.
How are visitors notified about the tobacco-free policy?
Signage will be placed at all entrances to campus. In addition to an aggressive marketing campaign, any department who has an event on campus that involves visitors should notify those visitors via the most efficient means possible of the tobacco-free policy.
As an employee, do I have to quit smoking?
No. The university is not forcing you to quit using tobacco, but you cannot use tobacco on university property. If you are interested in quitting, a number of resources are available to help you quit, including:
I have tried to quit on my own and have not been successful. Are there any medications that may be able to help me?
A variety of options are available, depending on your specific situation. Contact your primary care physician to discuss what is right for you or schedule an appointment at the Employee Health Clinic, 405.744.7556.
The university doesn’t care about me. Is there another reason for this policy, such as monetary or publicity?
OSU does care about its employees. Because OSU cares, the policy was developed to promote a healthier campus. Any cost savings due to reduced healthcare would benefit everyone.
What about the taxes we pay to support the university? And yet we’re limited to what we do outside?
Tobacco use is only limited on campus. The policy was determined by a campus constituency process involving the Student Government Association, Faculty Council, and Staff Advisory Council. Administration supports their requests.
If I’m considerate of those around me, why can’t I smoke outside? There is more pollution put out by the buses, cars and construction sites than if everyone on campus was smoking at the same time.
OSU is concerned about the safety, health and welfare of students, faculty and staff. There are increased insurance costs and tobacco-related illnesses because of smoking and second-hand smoke.
