Tobacco-free Campus Policy

Pacific Lutheran University is committed to sustaining a healthy, safe, and caring community. The use of tobacco is a health hazard and is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. More than 1,000 Americans die every day from tobacco-related illnesses, and more than eight million Americans are living with diseases directly attributable to smoking. For these reasons, on June 1, 2012, PLU will become a tobacco-free campus. We recognize that tobacco cessation can be both a physical and psychological challenge, and we are committed to supporting students, faculty and staff through this transition. Our initiatives include tobacco cessation classes and one-one-one counseling for students, faculty and staff. Further, we will continue to educate our community about the hazards associated with tobacco use, provide resources, and encourage healthy behaviors. PLU seeks not only to graduate healthy students and employ healthy faculty and staff, but to serve as an example for the community around us. As we eliminate tobacco use from our campus, we hope that the trend will continue, and that other communities—in Washington state and beyond—will follow our lead toward a healthier tomorrow.

Implementation

Substances and Delivery

Tobacco includes any lit cigarettes, cigars, pipes and hookahs (except for approved cultural and religious celebrations); use of snus, snuff, chewing tobacco and e-cigarettes are also not permitted. (E-cigarettes are not FDA approved devices, and banned in public places in Pierce County. Link to the Pierce County Dept. of Health FAQ on e-cigarettes http://www.tpchd.org/files/library/d44ff6b8c6a8edc1.pdf)

Enforcement

Courtesy and consideration will be exercised when informing others unaware of and/or in disregard of the policy. This policy is enforced as any other university policy is enforced. This includes community members talking with one another and with visitors. Retaliation against any person for requesting compliance with the policy or reporting an alleged violation is prohibited. While not preferred, if necessary, disciplinary actions for violations, appropriate to each constituency within the community, may be taken.

The successful implementation of this policy depends on the involvement, courtesy and cooperation of the entire campus community. Appropriate signage will be posted in campus facilities, on the PLU website and elsewhere to inform members of the campus community and visitors of the Tobacco-Free Campus Policy. PLU will provide access to tobacco cessation resources to both students and employees. The policy will be communicated in appropriate university publications and contracts. University publications include but are not limited to electronic notifications, handbooks, brochures and other university-generated materials. Small cards, as friendly reminders, will be printed with policy information as well as cessation resources. The policy is effective June 1, 2012 and applies to the entire campus, including personal offices and parking lots. Boundaries for campus may be found here (http://www.plu.edu/tobacco-free/misc/tobacco-free-boundary-map.pdf