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The Bulldog - For the SWOSU Family

Tobacco Policy

FOR HELP: 1-800-QUIT NOW or 1-800-784-8669

Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) supports the surgeon general’s report on use of tobacco products as a major cause of preventable death. Tobacco use research documents the health problems of those who engage in the practice of tobacco use and those who are subjected to an environment where smoke is present.

For the purposes of this tobacco-free policy, the following words and phrases shall mean:

Tobacco products:

Includes all forms of tobacco, and is not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, hookahs, chewing tobacco, snuff, and all other kinds and forms of tobacco, or non-tobacco, prepared in such a manner to be suitable for spit tobacco use, smoking, or both. This term also includes herbal tobacco products and simulated tobacco products that imitate or mimic tobacco products, including, e-cigarettes, vapor cigarettes, pipe or other types of inhalation devices.

Tobacco use:

Includes smoking, chewing, dipping or any other consumption or use of tobacco, or non-tobacco and/or tobacco-like products.

Campuses:

Includes any and all SWOSU owned or maintained property, including but not limited to buildings, facilities, sidewalks, roadways, parking lots, and grounds in Weatherford and Sayre. Campus includes all SWOSU-owned, leased, or rented vehicles whether parked or not. Campus includes private vehicles parked on university property. Campuses may not include any properties leased by SWOSU or leased to third parties under long-term leases.

Students:

Includes all students enrolled in SWOSU classes and/or classes held on campus, as defined above.

(Faculty, staff and visitors are defined in the total policy online.)

All tobacco and tobacco-like products are prohibited on the campuses of SWOSU and/or wherever SWOSU events occur.

  1. The use, sale, or distribution of tobacco and tobacco-like products is prohibited on SWOSU campuses.
  2. No SWOSU publication shall accept any form of advertising of tobacco and tobacco-like products.
  3. SWOSU shall provide students, faculty, and staff who wish to participate with tobacco-use cessation programs. In addition, SWOSU shall make available appropriate educational activities concerning the harmful health consequences of tobacco use.
  4. SWOSU shall not accept gifts or grants from tobacco companies.
  5. New hires are informed of the tobacco-free work environment at the time of the employment.
  6. The tobacco-free work environment and policy are reviewed at new employee orientation.
  7. While this policy does not require employees toquit tobacco use, SWOSU supports and encourages all efforts by employees to quit tobacco use.
  8. SWOSU offers smoking cessation and coping programs to students and employees and encourages them to participate. For more information, please contact Counseling and/or Health Services at ext. 3776.
  9. BCBSOK has a Tobacco Cessation program available to help employees quit smoking. This program provides personal coaching, online tools, an Audio Health Library, and discounts to wellness-related products and services.
  10. Compliance of this policy is a shared responsibility of all students, faculty and staff. Violations of this policy shall be addressed as follows:
    1. SWOSU Students Residing in SWOSU Housing reported for violating this policy shall be directed to and handled by the Residence Life & Housing. If the violation merits such action, the complaint may be escalated to the DOS Office.
    2. All Other SWOSU Students reported for violating this policy shall be directed to and handled by the Dean of Student/Title IX Officer.