Tobacco-Free Campus Policy
Tobacco-Free Campus Policy
Effective January 1, 2009
Rationale for Policy
To become a "CEO Cancer Gold Standard institution," Minot State University must help fight cancer, by
meeting three goals: risk reduction through lifestyle change, early detection and quality care. Part of
reaching these goals includes establishing and enforcing a tobacco-free worksite policy and providing
health benefit plan coverage for tobacco treatments (counseling and medications).
The health hazards of tobacco use have been well established. Cigarette smoking kills nearly 500,000
Americans annually. Secondhand smoke is a Class A carcinogen (cancer-causing agent); according to the
2006 US Surgeon General’s Report, there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Smokeless
tobacco contains 28 carcinogens, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is
known to increase the risk of developing cancer of the oral cavity.
This policy is established to protect the health and promote the wellness and safety of all students,
employees and the general public.
Definitions
For purpose of this policy, tobacco use includes the possession of any lighted tobacco product or the use
of any oral tobacco product.
Policy
The use of tobacco on university property, indoors or outdoors or in university vehicles, is prohibited at
all times. This prohibition includes smoking in personal vehicles parked on university grounds. The policy
applies to all employees, students and visitors. This policy also applies to external individuals or
companies renting or using space with MSU and should be reflected in all agreements/contracts with
such individuals or companies. Minot State University is a tobacco-free campus.
To support those who are interested in quitting tobacco use, all benefitted employees have available to
them, through the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System Health Care Plan, a North Dakota
Tobacco Cessation Program. For more information, call 1-800-223-1704. For others, assistance in
quitting tobacco use is available locally through the First District Health Unit at 852-1376. The North
Dakota Tobacco Quitline is also available at 1-866-388-7848 for those interested in quitting tobacco use.
Responsibility/Enforcement
The responsibility lies with the employees, students and visitors of Minot State University to abide by
this policy.
A student in violation should be reported to the vice president for student affairs. An employee in
violation should be reported to his or her supervisor. Repeated violation by a student will result in
disciplinary action as outlined in the Student Conduct Policy Handbook. Repeated violation by
employees will result in disciplinary action as outlined in applicable State Board of Higher Education
policies. Visitors who persist in noncompliance must be directed off university grounds.
Communication
Current smoke-free signs on campus will be replaced with similar, tobacco-free/smoke-free signs. This
policy and explanation will be printed in university-approved publications, including the undergraduate
and graduate catalogs, the orientation book for new students in the Student Affairs section, in the
Faculty Handbook, the Staff Handbook (available in mid-2009) and other publications, as deemed
necessary.
Information regarding the Tobacco-free Campus Policy will be included in formal and informal
orientations for new students and employees. This policy will be sent out as a reminder, through
campus announcements, at the beginning of each semester/term.
Organizers of events are responsible for communicating this policy to attendees.
Ceremonial Use Exception
The tobacco-free policy may not apply to specific activities used in connection with the practice of
cultural activities by American Indians that are in accordance with the American Indian Religious
Freedom Act, 42 U.S.C. 1996 and 1996a, All ceremonial use exceptions must be approved in advance by
the President of Minot State University or designee.
Tobacco Education
Benefits of Being Tobacco Free
- Normal blood pressure, pulse, and body temperature
- Minimize chances of heart attacks
- Cilia in the lungs re-grow, increasing the lungs ability to handle mucus, clean themselves, and reduce infection
- Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath decreases
- Overall energy level increases
- Decrease chances of lung, throat, kidney, and pancreas cancers
- Fresh breath
- Whiter teeth
- Save money!
Within 20 Minutes of Quitting
- Within 20 minutes of quitting: Your heart rate drops
- 12 hours after quitting: Carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal
- 2 weeks to 3 months after quitting: Your heart attack risk begins to drop. Your lung function begins to improve
- 1 year after quitting: Your added risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker’s
Links - For More Information on the Cessation Programs
