STU SMOKE FREE ZONE POLICY

Policy Statement

Policy Scope

STU Insurance

The University’s student and employee insurance carrier provides several cessation programs.  You will need to contact GM Southwest or Florida Blue directly for the cessation programs available. 

Florida Quitline

Call the toll-free Florida Quitline at 1-877-U-CAN-NOW (1-877-822-6669) to speak with a trained and certified Quit Coach^® who will help you assess your addiction and help you create a personalized quit plan. You’ll receive proactive coaching sessions, self-help materials, and quit aids like nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) (available while supplies last).

www.tobaccofreeflorida.com

Nationwide Resources

• Academic and Health Impact Research
• American Lung Association
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• ACHA Position Statement on Tobacco on College and University Campuses
• Project Filter
• Office of the Surgeon General
• The Center of Excellence for Tobacco-Free Campus Policy
• The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Report of the Surgeon General (PDF)
• Secondhand Smoke Fact Sheet (PDF)

Enforcement

Community Enforcement

Members of the STU community will collectively share the responsibility of respectfully letting others know about our new Smoke Free Zone Policy.

We ask for your assistance in helping to enforce the new policy, however, please remember to treat others with respect and professionalism. If you see someone smoking, we ask that you politely let them know that St. Thomas now has smoke free zones on campus. Many of our colleagues and visitors may not be aware of the new policy, so please be respectful when addressing smokers. If someone becomes agitated or hostile upon being approached, please do not escalate the situation. Simply walk away.

Sample Scripts

Sample scripts to assist students, faculty and staff in approaching smokers on campus have been developed. Click here to download.

Report Repeated Violations

Enforcement is everyone’s responsibility. If you notice a regular pattern of smoking (someone continuing to smoke in a tobacco-free area), you can report this activity at tobaccofree@stu.edu; this is anonymous.  You will not be identified as the one reporting the infraction.  

FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did STU decide to have enforced designated smoking zones?

The health and safety of faculty, staff, students and visitors is a high priority for St. Thomas University. The Surgeon General of the United States has determined that tobacco smoking is the nation's leading preventable cause of premature death and disability. Tobacco smoke is hazardous to the health of smokers and non-smokers alike. To promote a safe and healthful work and academic environment, STU has decided to move towards having designated smoking areas throughout campus. 

When will the policy become effective?

STU’s Smoke Free Zone Policy will become effective Fall 2013.  

What areas will be covered by the new policy?

STU’s policy applies to all University property including the buildings, leased vehicles and owned vehicles, and golf carts.  Smoking/Tobacco use is only allowed in the designated smoking areas. 

How will this policy be enforced?

Since STU has decided to enforce designated smoking zones is a community health initiative, ultimately the entire campus community will be responsible for the enforcement.  Ideally there will be voluntary compliance with limited disciplinary actions. 

Sample scripts to assist students, faculty and staff in approaching smokers on campus have been developed. Click here to download.

Anyone from the campus community can anonymously report repeat violators at tobaccofree@stu.edu.  Repeat violators will be reported to their direct supervisor or dean.

Designated Smoking Areas Map

STU Breathe Easy Enforcement and Compliance Scripts for the Campus Community

The following scenarios and scripts are designed to assist members of the STU community in the enforcement of the new Smoke Free Zone policy.

St. Thomas expects all members of the STU community to be respectful and courteous when approaching someone using tobacco products not in the designated areas. If the tobacco user becomes agitated or hostile, please do not escalate the situation.

SIMPLY WALK AWAY.

Situation: You see a person using tobacco products not in a designated area.

Response: “Hello, my name is _______, and I am an (employee, student) here at St. Thomas. I want to make you aware that we now have smoke free zones on campus… meaning that tobacco products are to only be used in designated areas. This new policy went into effect on March 27, 2013. I can assist you in finding the designated smoking area."

TOBACCO CESSATION

The Florida Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Network is an extensive, statewide Network of five AHEC Program Offices affiliated with the Colleges of Medicine at Florida State University, NOVA Southeastern University, University of Florida, University of Miami, and University of South Florida and ten community based, not-for-profit centers. This statewide Network is dedicated to improving the health of rural and other medically under-served communities, particularly through the treatment of tobacco dependency. The 10 Area Health Education Centers serve all 67 counties of the state and are governed by independent boards of directors who are knowledgeable and responsive to the communities they represent.

The Area Health Education Calendar - Want to Quit? Find you County and select a class.

• Miami-Dade Area Health Education Center (AHEC)
• MD-AHEC Referral Form
• MD-AHEC Forma de Remisión en Español