How will the policy be enforced?
We are an institution of higher education, therefore education will be key to implementing this policy. We will increase awareness of the smoke-free environment through electronic messaging, signage, notices in event programs, and marketing. An explanation of the smoke-free campus will be communicated to prospective and enrolling students and new employees. Additionally, information will be included in materials distributed to all outside groups that use university facilities.
The expectation is that persons will voluntarily comply with the policy. It is the responsibility of everyone on campus to politely inform others of the new policy and ask that they stop smoking on campus.
Does the Smoke-Free Campus Policy extend to residence hall rooms?
The policy applies to all university residence halls and apartments owned, operated, leased, occupied, or controlled by the university on the main campus.
What about exceptions to the policy?
Students, employees, or visitors may smoke in their closed personal vehicles while they are parked on the campus.
Does the policy apply to visitors to campus?
Yes. Organizers and attendees at events on campus property, such as conferences, meetings, public lectures, social events, cultural events, and sporting events using university facilities are required to abide by the Smoke-Free Campus Policy. Organizers of such events are responsible for communicating the policy to attendees.
What resources are available to help those who want to quit using tobacco products?
Assistance to students, faculty, and staff to overcome addiction to tobacco products is available through University Health Services at the Center for Health Promotion and Wellness located in the Longest Student Health Center.
Does the policy apply at university sanctioned events or sporting activities occurring off campus property?
The Smoke-Free Campus Policy applies only to university owned, operated, leased, occupied, or controlled property. Events or activities scheduled elsewhere are bound by the policies or rules of the event coordinator or property manager.
Is the University requiring people to quit using tobacco products?
No. However, we are encouraging current tobacco users to explore this option. The university is committed to supporting all students and employees who wish to stop using tobacco products with cessation resources. Students, faculty, and staff choosing to continue using tobacco products may do so, but only on their own time and in areas not owned, operated, leased, occupied, or controlled by Mississippi State University. Students or employees may smoke or use tobacco products in their closed personal vehicles while they are parked on the campus.
Will the use of e-cigarettes be permitted?
No. The Smoke-Free Campus Policy includes the prohibition of e-cigarette use on campus.
Does the policy prohibit the use of chewing tobacco on campus?
Chewing tobacco is still not permitted inside campus buildings or university vehicles, but is allowed in outside areas of campus.
Are clove cigarettes permitted?
No. The use of clove cigarettes is prohibited by the Smoke-Free Campus Policy.
Will the use of tobacco-free hookahs be allowed on campus?
No. Hookahs, sometimes called water pipes, are prohibited by the Smoke-Free Campus Policy.
Will there be signs to tell people they can’t use tobacco?
Notices bearing the message “Smoke-Free Campus” and signs with the international symbol for tobacco-free or similar will be posted on the campus entrances and other locations as determined by the Campus Master Plan Committee. However, the Smoke-Free Campus Policy applies to all university property whether or not a notice or sign is posted.
What if people do not abide by the policy?
For visitors, we believe reminders about the smoke-free campus will be important and the university will provide messaging on university affiliated materials, websites, vendor contracts, and for special events. For students and employees, we expect cooperation with a policy that directly supports our ongoing efforts to enhance the health and wellness of the MSU campus for all students, employees, and visitors.
Have other universities implemented tobacco-free campus policies?
Yes, some as early as 2003, and the number continues to increase. There are now over 1,480 college and university campuses all across the United States that have enacted smoke-free campuses. Some of the institutions in our region include Delta State University, the University of Mississippi, the University of Southern Mississippi, the University of Arkansas System, the University of Kentucky, and the University of Florida.