Vapor and Tobacco Free Environment

Because Delta State University is committed to providing a safe and healthy working and learning environment for the students, faculty, and staff on its campus, and because nonsmokers are guaranteed the right to breathe smoke-free air, it hereby adopts the following smoke-free policy.

Delta State University prohibits the use of all vapor devices and tobacco products, which includes but is not limited to; the emitting or discharging into the environment of any secondhand tobacco smoke from whatever conveyance or location, on its campus or during university business. This policy applies to all students, faculty, staff and visitors on Delta State University property, in its facilities, or while conducting business.

The 2006 U.S. Surgeon General’s Report, The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke, has concluded that (1) second hand smoke exposure causes disease and premature death in children and adults who do not smoke: (2) children exposed to secondhand smoke are at an increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), acute respiratory symptoms and slows lung growth in their children; (3) exposure of adults to secondhand smoke has immediate adverse effects on the cardiovascular system and causes coronary heart disease and lung cancer; (4) there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke; (5) establishing smoke-free workplaces is the only effective way to ensure that secondhand smoke exposure does not occur in the workplace, because ventilation and other air clearing technologies cannot completely control for exposure of nonsmokers to secondhand smoke; and (6) evidence from peer-reviewed studies shows that smoke-free policies and laws do not have an adverse economic impact on the hospitality industry.

Smoking: inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted or heated cigar, cigarette, pipe, hookah, or any other lighted or heated tobacco or plant product intended for inhalation, including marijuana, whether natural or synthetic, in any manner or in any form. “Smoking” also includes the use of an electronic smoking device which creates an aerosol or vapor, in any manner or in any form, or the use of any oral smoking device for the purpose of circumventing the prohibition of smoking in this article.

Tobacco products: cigarettes, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco, pipes, cigars, snuff, or any device designed to transmit or convey tobacco smoke or related inhalant.

Electronic Smoking Device: any product containing or delivering nicotine or any other substance intended for human consumption that can be used by a person in any manner for the purpose of inhaling vapor or aerosol from the product. The term includes any such device, whether manufactured, distributed, marketed, or sold as an e-cigarette, e-cigar, e-pipe, e-hookah, or vape pen, or under any other product name or descriptor.

Hookah: a water pipe and any associated products and devices which are used to produce fumes, smoke, and/or vapor from the burning of material including, but not limited to, tobacco, shisha, or other plant matter.

Prohibited areas: University buildings, grounds, parking areas, and walkways, University vehicles or any vehicle while on university grounds or business.

In light of the above findings, the Delta State University campus shall be entirely smoke-free effective January 1, 2020. The smoke-free policy applies to all Delta State University facilities property, and vehicles, owned or leased regardless of location. This policy also applies to all vehicles rented for university business. Smoking shall not be permitted in any enclosed place, including but not limited to, all offices, classrooms, hallways, waiting rooms, restrooms, meetings rooms, community areas, performance venues and private residential space within Delta State University housing. Smoking shall also be prohibited outdoors on all Delta State University property, including but not limited to, parking lots, paths, fields, sports/recreational areas, and stadiums, as well as in all personal vehicles while on campus. This policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, and other persons on campus, regardless of the purpose for their visit.

Delta State University prohibits the use of all vapor devices and tobacco products, which includes but is not limited to; the emitting or discharging into the environment of any secondhand tobacco smoke from whatever conveyance or location, on its campus or during university business. This policy applies to all students, faculty, staff and visitors on Delta State University property, in its facilities, or while conducting business.

In further recognition of the incompatibility of Delta State University’s educational mission and the promotion of tobacco products: No tobacco-related advertising or sponsorship shall be permitted on Delta State University property or Delta State University-sponsored events, or in publications produced by Delta State University, with the exception of advertising in a newspaper or magazine that is not produced by Delta State University and which is lawfully sold, bought, or distributed on Delta State University property.

For the purposes of this policy, “tobacco related” applies to the use of a tobacco brand or corporate name, trademark, logo. symbol, or motto, selling message, recognizable pattern or colors, or any tobacco products or company which manufactures tobacco products. Cigarettes, including, ESDs, cigars, and pipes, including hookah pipes, shall not be sold or distributed as samples on university grounds, either, in vending machines, the Student Union, or any other area on campus. Copies of this policy shall be distributed to all faculty and staff and shall be included with information given to all admitted students. Information about the policy and how to comply with it shall also be posted on the Delta State University website. Announcements concerning the policy and any changes to it shall be printed in campus newspapers and posted on the Delta State University website to ensure that everyone fully understands the policy. No Smoking signs shall be posted at all points of entry to the campus and at all building entrances. No ashtrays shall be provided at any location on campus. No exemptions allowed including: theatrical productions, permission from the president or any other authority, sports arena and /or special events or off-campus properties.

Appropriate notification of this policy shall be made through pamphlets, posters, and other signage throughout the University facilities, grounds and vehicles. All signage must be clearly and prominently displayed. The Vapor & Tobacco Free Policy shall appear on the website with all supporting information. All faculty, staff and student orientation programs, as well as all new student Seminar sections shall include a workshop on this policy.

All members of the Delta State University community, and those who visit university grounds or property share responsibility for complying with this policy.

This policy shall be enforced by the Delta State University Police Department. Each violation of this policy is punishable by a fine not exceeding fifty dollars ($50) and/or appropriate campus disciplinary procedures.

This policy is being announced thirty days prior to its implementation in order to give smokers time to adapt to its restrictions and to facilitate a smooth transition to a smoke-free environment. On-site smoking cessation programs shall be made available to assist and encourage individuals who wish to quit smoking. Questions and problems regarding this policy should be handled through existing departmental administrative channels and administrative procedures.

Responsible Office and/or Policy Owner: Office of Student Development

• None

Active

Change/Review/Approval Date:

• Policy approved by University Cabinet and effective on September 7, 2010.
• Revised and approved by University Cabinet: October 27, 2014
• Revised and approved by University Cabinet: 12/02/2019
• New policy effective date: 01/03/2020