It’s a great time to be a Duck — and it’s even better to be a tobacco-free Duck. I’m proud that we’re the first in the PAC -10 to do this. I applaud Amelie and our students for their leadership, and I want to thank everyone who helped make this a reality. We’re sending a powerful message today that when you come on this campus, you join a community committed to mind and body. You have now heard it from me: the University of Oregon will be tobacco free.
TOBACCO FREE 2012
CHANGE IS IN THE AIR
The University of Oregon is going tobacco free and will offer students, faculty and staff smoking cessation assistance during the transition. The UO is the first university in the Pac-10 to announce intentions to be smoke and tobacco free."We have the obligation to provide a healthy, smoke and tobacco-free environment for our students, employees and visitors," said Senior Vice President and Provost Jim Bean. "This is a great statement about our commitment to a healthy campus." The announcement follows the recent launch of the Healthy Campus Initiative to improve the health of the overall community. The program will promote a balanced lifestyle, physical and mental health, and will encourage students, faculty and staff to make positive choices.
http://uonews.uoregon.edu/archive/news-release/2010/11/university-oregon-go-smoke-and-tobacco-free
Campus Resources for tobacco cessation
For more information on tobacco cessation and nicotine replacement therapy please contact:Paula Staight, Director, Health Promotion, 541-346-2728 or Marci Torres, Director, Healthy Campus Initiative, 541-346-8817 or tobaccofree@uoregon.edu or call the Oregon Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT NOW (784-8669) www.quitnow.net/oregon/
Tobacco's Toll in Oregon
- Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death and illness
- Tobacco contributed to 6,921 deaths in 2005
- Oregon residents are four times more likely to die from tobacco-related causes than from motor vehicle accidents, suicide, AIDS and homicide combined
- Second-hand smoke causes an estimated 800 deaths annually
- Tobacco use cost Oregonians more than $2.2 billion in 2005
Types of Tobacco
Several different forms oftobacco are widely used in the United States. Cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and cigars are the most common types of tobacco. Hookah, a less common form of tobacco, has recently become increasingly popular. Check out the following links to find out more about these different forms of tobacco and the harmful effects associated with each type.
Tobacco Control Policy Work Timeline
Spring 2003 - 2005: CHAT, Campus Health Action on Tobacco. The UO Health Center agreed to participate in a grant with Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center out of Seattle. Thirty campuses were divided into intervention or non-intervention campuses. The UO was fortunate to be chosen as an intervention campus. We were provided with free NRT (nicotine replacement products) to assist students with quitting tobacco products. We also extended this to staff. In addition we were provided with assistance to work on tobacco control policies and with educating students about the harm of tobacco.
Fall 2004: The EMU store, then called the ERB Essentials, discontinues selling tobacco products due to the effort of students and professional staff involved with CHAT via Health Center. Winter of 2002 the EMU Board was provided information from faculty, staff and students (prior to CHAT) in the effort to eliminate tobacco sales. The Board voted to continue sales. Spring of 2004 students went back to the Board and presented information again as to why the UO should discontinue tobacco sales and this time the EMU Board voted in favor to eliminate tobacco sales. There was much press for and against this motion. Once decided upon and enacted there was no negative press. Students today cannot believe we ever sold cigarettes on campus.
Spring 2007: Environmental Issues Committee. Through the efforts of Health Center staff and three other colleagues on this committee data was collected and a report put together for VP Frances Dyke. Frances Dyke stated she would create a Smoke-free Task Force based on this report.
February 2008: Smoke Free Task Force is created and this task force surveyed faculty, staff and students and held two open forums. In addition they spoke with other campuses that had gone smoke-free or tobacco-free.
November 2008: Smoke Free Task Force submits their report to Frances Dyke and “recommends that University Administration establish the University of Oregon as a smoke free campus no sooner than fall 2009 and no later than fall 2010.”
April 2009: The Smoke Free Task Force recommendation was vetted at the University Senate meeting. A motion was made and passed that states, “The UO Senate endorses the report of the Smoke Free Task Force and recommends that the University Administration establish the University of Oregon campus as smoke free.”
November 2009: At the University Senate meeting Frances Dyke reports on implementation of resolutions for a smoke free campus. She states, “There have been conversations among VP for Student Affairs Robin Holmes, Director of the Student Health Center Mike Eyster, and Director of Human Resources Linda King to create an inventory of things that we are already doing, and to investigate best practices in the area of going to a smoke free campus. When this process is done, VP Dyke said she would be ready to take a look at the question of implementation. She noted that progress in this area was not a lack of will, but rather a question of balancing priorities in a very busy environment.” (taken from minutes)
2003 - Present: Students have been involved with tobacco control policies throughout this entire process. The first time we went to the EMU Board to request they discontinue selling cigarettes was winter 2003 and students were involved. They were involved in spring 2004’s presentation to the EMU Board, they spoke in the open forums created by the task force, spoke at the State Senate hearing on campus in support of a comprehensive smoke free workplace law, spoke at the U. Senate in support of a smoke free campus, provided cessation education and support while giving away free NRT to students during our CHAT years, have written many Wellness Wednesday articles on various tobacco topics, have picked up thousands of cigarette butts, have coordinated many Great American Smokeout days, have put up bulletin boards on tobacco’s harm to health and the environment, have talked with student groups, created the Clean Air Project group that works on the UO becoming smoke free and they continue to give away quit kits and provide cessation support. Many of our students have graduated and gone on to get their Masters in Public Health based on this work and their involvement in the peer health program.
2010- Healthy Campus Initiative: Position is posted for the Director of the Healthy Campus Initiative which will serve students, faculty and staff. The purpose is to coordinate campus-wide efforts that promote health and to communicate what is already in place to promote health. A smoke and tobacco-free campus fits perfectly into this initiative.
2010 November 17th: Provost Jim Bean announces for the UO President that the UO is going tobacco-free fall of 2012.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Why are we becoming a smoke/tobacco-free campus?
A: As a leader in higher education, the University of Oregon has an obligation to not only develop minds, but to promote health enhancing behaviors and to provide an environment that enables improved health status. The scientific evidence on the health risks associated with tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke are well documented. By implementing the Smoke/Tobacco-free Campus Policy, the University of Oregon is seeking to enhance the health of our students, faculty, staff and visitors.
Q: Who do I contact if I have concerns or concerns about this policy?
A: You may contact the Director of the Healthy Campus Initiative. Go to the website: http://healthyoregon.uoregon.edu for contact information.
Q: What is the percentage of faculty, staff and students who smoke on campus?
A: Our data shows that only 5% of students consider themselves daily smokers and 4% of faculty and staff consider themselves daily smokers. The UO Task Force report of April 2008 reported that 19% of faculty, staff and students smoke some which is similar to statewide data for Oregon adult smoking prevalence.
Q: What areas of campus will the smoke/tobacco-free policy cover?
A: The new policy applies to all university owned properties including those leased to others as well as properties leased in their entirety to the UO. “Property” for purposes of this paragraph includes buildings, athletic and entertainment facilities (both indoors and outside), sidewalks, roadways, parking lots, and grounds. This includes University owned, rented or leased vehicles and also applies to personal vehicles while parked on University property.
Q: Is a Smoke/Tobacco-free Policy a violation of civil and Constitutional rights?
A: No. There is no Constitutional right to smoke or use tobacco. Tobacco users are not a category protected under the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution, nor is tobacco use a protected liberty right under the Due Process clause of the Constitution.
Q: Is there a designated smoking area(s)?
A: No. Providing a place to smoke or use tobacco does not support the University’s goal to create a healthier environment. In addition we are working to eliminate “triggers”, like smoking areas, that make smoking cessation difficult.
Q: Is there cessation support available for faculty, staff or students?
A: Yes. Students, Faculty and Staff will be provided free nicotine replacement therapy and support to help them quit. Anyone who resides in the state of Oregon have access to The Oregon Quit Line.
Q: Why are electronic cigarettes not permitted?
A: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has the legal right to regulate e-cigarettes as a “tobacco product” under the Tobacco Control Act and the UO wants this policy to be consistent with this regulation.
Q: Will there be an impact on enrollment when the UO goes smoke/tobacco-free?
A: Many campuses have gone smoke or tobacco-free before us and none have reported a decline in enrollment. It is anticipated that the promotion of UO as a vibrant, healthy campus community will increase interest in enrollment.
Q: What about international students who currently smoke in higher percentages than other students? What is planned to address what may be cultural differences in behavior?
A: The Health Promotion Department is working closely with the International Affairs professional staff to ensure that we communicate to international students the policy and expectations for adhering to the policy. In addition, we will meet with and work with international students who smoke and ask them what they need for cessation support or provide information on ways to cope without smoking on campus should they decide to continue using tobacco.
Q: If I choose to continue to smoke or use tobacco and do not have enough time to step off campus to smoke what am I suppose to do?
A: The University is aware that nicotine is a highly addictive drug and simply waiting till lunch-time or after work will be difficult for some. We encourage the use of a nicotine replacement product such as the gum or lozenge for times that are
inconvenient to smoke.
Q: What about the University neighbors?
A: The UO asks that our students, faculty and staff help maintain a positive relationship with our neighbors that border the UO campus. We encourage you to respect other’s property by not littering and not congregating in areas to smoke and thus creating a cloud that others must walk through. We will be reaching out to our neighbors and informing them of the upcoming policy and encouraging open communication if a problem arises.
Q: How will this policy be communicated to faculty,staff, students and visitors?
A: An Implementation Committee has been created and part of their charge is to recommend a marketing and communication strategy. The policy will be widely communicated a year prior to its implementation. In addition the policy will be communicated in recruitment materials for faculty, staff and students and in new faculty, staff and student orientations.
Q: A smoke/tobacco-free policy will require that female students, faculty and staff step off campus to smoke. What about the personal safety of these individuals, especially in the early morning or evening when it is dark?
A: The UO encourages that all individuals consider their safety while on or off campus. Medications such as the nicotine patch, gum, lozenge, nasal spray or inhaler are options that can be considered to meet nicotine needs without leaving campus and putting yourself at any risk.
Student Cessation
Free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is available for students by contacting the Peer Health Promotion office (541-346-4456) in the University Health Center. Gum and Patch are available after a student meets with a Peer Health Educator and reviews cessation procedures and develops a quit plan.
Low cost gum and patches are available through the UO Student Health Pharmacy for those that choose not to go through the quit plan procedures with a Peer Health Educator.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy is often available through individual insurance plans. Students should check with their insurance for cessation information/resources.
The quit line (1-800-QUIT-NOW) can provide one (1) free box of gum or patch after a cessation consultation and quit plan formation.
http://public.health.oregon.gov/PreventionWellness/TobaccoPrevention/GetHelpQuitting/Pages/oregonquitline.aspx
Faculty Staff
Many health insurance programs also provide some free Nicotine Replacement products and counseling. Check with your insurance
program to see what they offer.
If you are a UO employee looking for tobacco cessation services there are many free services provided to you and your eligible
dependents 18 or older through PEBB's Free & Clear Program. Check out their website for all the details. http://www.oregon.gov/DAS/PEBB/freeandclear.shtml
If you need help navigating resources, please contact Marci Torres in the Healthy Oregon office (541-346-8817) tobaccofree@uoregon.edu , or visit the UO Human Resources website for more information.
Resources Coming Soon!
Communication Tools - If you need help communicating the new Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy, please check here for resources.
Talking Points for Supervisors - Talking points for supervisors on how to address employees who use tobacco products.
How to approach individuals on Campus - If you need help with how to approach someone on campus that is violating the policy, download this form for suggestions.
Boundaries - This is a map of the Campus Boundaries.
Map (attached to policy as well)
Information cards- Download cards with policy highlights and cessation resources to hand out to individuals on campus that are using tobacco products or for use on your desk.
Statements
Information for how to become a Clean Air Advocate Coming Soon!
If you are interested in becoming a Clean Air Advocate or would like more information, please email Marci Torres, Director, Healthy Oregon at tobaccofree@uoregon.edu
To ask a question or share your feedback about the initiative Contact Marci Torres, Director, Healthy Oregon, A Healthy Campus Initiative.
Phone: 541-346-8817
Email: tobaccofree@uoregon.edu
Online Email System Coming Soon!