LET'S CLEAR THE AIR
Clearing the Air aligns with the priorities of the university’s healthy campus initiative, Kent State of Wellness. This initiative seeks to foster a culture of health and wellness for students and employees at all campuses and is part of the university’s Strategic Roadmap.
- Tobacco smoke contains a deadly mix of more than 7,000 chemicals; hundreds are harmful, and about 70 can cause cancer.
- There are health benefits to quitting smoking at any age - it is never too late to quit.
- Seven out of 10 adult smokers surveyed said they wanted to quit completely.
THE POLICY
The policy covers all Kent State campuses, locations and properties, both domestic and international. The policy applies to all members of the university community including:
- Students
- Employees
- Volunteers
- Vendors, contractors and others doing business on Kent State property
- Visitors to any Kent State campus or location.
- Customers on all Kent State property.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
Beginning July 1, 2017 smoking and tobacco use will not be allowed on any property owned, operated or leased by Kent State. This includes personal vehicles parked on university property.
All smoking is prohibited, including the use of electronic smoking devices, mod boxes or electronic nicotine delivery systems that create an aerosol or vapor.
The policy also prohibits the use of nicotine, tobacco-derived or plant based products, and oral tobacco.
Kent State will not advertise smoking or tobacco products on any university property or at any university-sponsored event.
RESTRICTED PRODUCTS INCLUDE: cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, cloves, hookahs, e-cigarettes, herbal and oil vaporizers, pipes, water pipes, all smokeless tobacco (chew, snuff, dip, etc.), and all other non-FDA approved nicotine products.
WHY IS KENT STATE BECOMING SMOKE- AND TOBACCO-FREE?
Kent State is dedicated to providing a safe and healthy learning, working and living environment for its students and employees. Clearing the air allows us to provide a context in which the entire Kent State community can be comfortable and productive.
ENFORCEMENT
Our goal is to achieve maximum voluntary compliance through communication about the smoke- and tobacco-free policy to our students, employees, and visitors. The success of this new policy will rely on the thoughtfulness, consideration and cooperation of smokers and nonsmokers alike. That being said, violation of the policy could result in disciplinary action:
Any student who repeatedly refuses to adhere to the policy may be referred to student conduct.
Repeated violations by any Kent State employee will be handled through the normal employment procedures for violation of university procedures.
Visitors and others who are on campus and in violation of the policy should be reminded of the rule and asked to comply with it.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
If you are a smoker and ready to kick the habit, Kent State can help by linking you to the many tobacco cessation resources available on our campuses and in the surrounding communities. Check out the resource links below and get started on your way to a healthier lifestyle!