Frequently Asked Questions

Why did OSUIT choose to go tobacco free?

The change is a result of recommendations from Student Senate, Faculty/Staff Council, and Administrative Council. By recommending a tobacco free policy, it is clear there is a desire to create a safe, clean and healthy environment and make OSUIT a healthier campus. Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in this country, responsible for one in every five deaths. The Tobacco Free Campus policy is effective July 1, 2010. Signs are posted across the campus and more information is available at http://www.osuit.edu/tobaccofree

Where can I find the actual policy?

It is University Policy 1-008.

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.

Who does this policy affect?

Any person that works, visits, attends classes or attends other events at OSUIT.

What is the policy for events on campus such as graduation, Springfest, etc.? Is there a different policy for such events if the event is on a weekend vs. a weekday?

The policy is the same no matter what the event is or when the event is held. The policy applies to all non-leased buildings and grounds owned or under the control OSUIT.

Can I smoke in my own car?

Tobacco use is prohibited on the OSUIT campus in parked and moving vehicles while on grounds owned or under the control of OSUIT. If a vehicle is on university property, then the OSUIT Tobacco Free policy applies. If necessary, parking permits may be revoked as a consequence of violating the Tobacco Free policy.

What am I supposed to do if I see someone smoking or using tobacco?

All employees have the responsibility to respectfully remind a tobacco user that tobacco use on campus is prohibited and is a violation of OSUIT policy. There is no intent to put employees in confrontational situations. If a respectful reminder is not feasible, then employee violations can be reported to the person's supervisor/unit leader or the Office of Human Resources. Student violations should be reported to the Office of the Vice President of Administrative Services.

Who is in charge of enforcing this policy?

Every OSUIT employee has a responsibility to adhere to this policy and to remind others of this policy. If repeated violations occur, they will be enforced through the following:

• Student violations will be enforced through the Student Conduct Committee
• Employee violations will be enforced through the Office of Human Resources

The Tobacco Free policy does not supersede state law, which invokes legal action should the smoking violation occur within 25 feet of a building entrance.

What are the consequences if someone is caught? What about second or third offenses?

A respectful reminder may be sufficient. However, if an employee violates policy repeatedly, formal corrective action will be taken. Formal corrective action by policy for an employee 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 placed in the employee's personnel file 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 OSUIT policy or resign. If the employee agrees to comply with policy and a subsequent offense occurs, the employee may be terminated.

If a student violates the policy repeatedly, formal corrective action will take place through the Student Conduct Committee.

Will the police be notified of violations and what are the consequences?

For policy violations, the police have the same responsibility as employees. The police will be notified for violations of the law. State law prohibits smoking within 25 feet of the entrance of a state building.

HB2748, by Rep. Lee Denney, R-Cushing and Sen. Jim Halligan, R-Stillwater, states that all buildings, or portions thereof, owned by an educational facility as defined in the Smoking in Public Places and Indoor Workplaces Act are to be designated as nonsmoking. It also states that all campuses, buildings and grounds or portions thereof owned or operated by an institution within the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education may be designated as tobacco free, including smoking or smokeless tobacco, upon adoption of a policy stating the tobacco restrictions for the institution and the intent to enforce penalties for violations. It also states that smoking is prohibited within 25 feet of the entrance or exit of any buildings specified above. (Amended by House, Amended by Senate) Effective Date: 11/01/2010.

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 and at other various locations across 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 cessation services, a number of resources are available to help you, including:

• 1.800.QUIT.NOW (Oklahoma supported)
• American Cancer Society
• American Lung Association
• Tobacco Stops With Me
• Become An Ex

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 Campus Health Services in the Student Union.