CSU Smoke-Free Policy | Smoke Free Campus

CSU Smoke-Free Campus Policy

Purpose
To provide notice of and guidelines about the smoke-free environment at Chicago State University.

The General Assembly also finds that a law that prohibits smoking on the campuses of State-supported institutions of higher education, inclusive of Chicago State University, will reduce secondhand smoke exposure among nonsmokers as well as prepare students for the workplace and ensure a healthy environment for all campus communities.

Policy Statement
This policy applies to all faculty, staff, students, visitors, and contractors.

It is the policy of Chicago State University to comply with the Smoke-free Campus Act by declaring the entire university grounds and properties as a Smoke-Free Campus. Therefore, smoking is prohibited in public buildings and vehicles owned, leased, or operated by or under control of 'the University' as well as on the entire 'grounds of the university'. This includes but is not limited to the following:

The interior of all University-owned buildings;
All outside property or grounds of the campus, including sidewalks, parking lots, recreational areas and pathways;
Within any University owned or leased vehicles, including buses, vans, kubotas, golf carts and all other University vehicles; and
All indoor and outdoor athletics venues and facilities.

For purposes of this policy, "smoke" or “smoking” means the carrying, smoking, burning, inhaling, or exhaling of any kind of lighted pipe, cigar, cigarette, hookah, weed, herbs, and other lighted smoking equipment (i.e. electronic cigarettes that emit smoke).

The University also prohibits littering the campus with remains of any tobacco products. Additionally, the University-controlled advertising, sale, or free sampling of tobacco products is prohibited on campus, regardless of the vendor.

Organizers and attendees at public events, such as conferences, meetings, public lectures, social events, cultural events, and athletic events using University-owned facilities, grounds, and properties are required to abide by Chicago State University policy. Therefore, organizers of such events are responsible for communicating to attendees the policies of the University and for enforcing this policy.

Communication
Persons will be informed of this policy through:

Signs posted in appropriate areas throughout the University
Various University web sites including the Office of Human Resources, Alumni Affairs, Intercollegiate Athletics, Wellness Center, Counseling Center, Office of Meeting and Events, and others
Smoke-Free Campus web site
E-mail communication to all employees and students
Other University publications and communications

Respect and Responsibility
The success of this policy depends on the thoughtfulness, consideration, and cooperation of smokers and non-smokers. All members of the University community share in the responsibility for adhering to and enforcing this policy. Any complaints should be brought to the attention of the appropriate University authorities and anyone who complains shall be protected against retaliation.

Enforcement
The responsibility for the enforcement and communication of this policy rests with all members of the University community and the University Police Department.

Visitors, contractors, and other individuals on campus who are in violation of the policy should be reminded of the policy and asked to comply with our smoke-free campus policy.

All employees and students who are in violation of this policy should be reminded of the policy and asked to comply. Refusal to comply with this policy could result in citations and fines. Warnings and/or citations may be issued by University Police. Fines will be issued as follows:

Employees		Students
Warning	(given at discretion of CSU Police)	Warning	(given at discretion of CSU Police)
1^st Citation	$25.00	1^st Citation	$25.00
2^nd Citation	$50.00	2^nd Citation	$50.00
3^rd Citation	Discipline (handled by HR)	3^rd Citation	Discipline (handled by Judicial Affairs)

Appeals
Offenders may appeal their citations by following the Smoke Free Campus Appeals process. Failure to appeal Smoke Free Campus fines in writing within ten (10) calendar days of the issue date shall automatically be considered a waiver of the right to appeal and the violator will be ruled guilty.

Fines
If fines are not paid directly to the University as outlined in the citation:

Students - fines will be charged to your student account. Graduation or separation from the University does not cancel appellant obligations. Transcripts and other documents will not be released until such violation fees are paid.

Employees - fines will be deducted in a single payment from your payroll check and/or leave accrual payout.

Vendors and Guests - fines will be billed. Limitations may also apply to continued University facility usage and/or business relationship.

Smoking Cessation Programs
The Wellness Center, Counseling Center and Employee Assistant Program offer a range of smoking cessation and support programs for any member of the University community who desires to quit smoking. To learn more about smoking cessation programs available to students and employees, please go to www.csu.edu/smokefreecampus/smokingcessationresources.htm

***This policy is being introduced to the University community in March 2015; warnings may be issued in April 2015; strict enforcement of the policy begins July 1, 2015.