University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Tobacco-Free Campus Policy

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is committed to providing a safe and healthy working and learning environment for the students, faculty, staff and visitors on its campus. It hereby adopts the following tobacco-free policy.

The purpose of this policy is to protect the public health and welfare by prohibiting the use of tobacco products on the UW-Stevens Point campus and to encourage a healthier living and learning environment for all members of our campus community.

The University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point Tobacco-free Policy is effective August 25, 2014. The policy applies to all the UW- Stevens Point facilities and vehicles, owned or leased, regardless of location. The use of tobacco products shall not be permitted in any enclosed place, including private residential space within UW- Stevens Point buildings. The use of tobacco products shall also be prohibited outdoors on all UW-Stevens Point campus property, including parking lots. This policy applies to all students, faculty, staff and other persons on campus, regardless of the purpose for their visit.

Definitions

A. “Tobacco Product” means any product made or derived from tobacco that is intended for human consumption, including any component, part, or accessory of a tobacco product, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, hookah tobacco, snuff, chewing tobacco, dipping tobacco, bidis, blunts, clove cigarettes, or any other preparation of tobacco; and any product or formulation of matter containing biologically active amounts of nicotine that is manufactured, sold, offered for sale, or otherwise distributed with the expectation that the product or matter will be introduced into the human body by use, absorption, or inhalation. The definition of “tobacco product” excludes cessation products specifically approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in treating nicotine or tobacco dependence.

B. “E-cigarette” means any electronic oral device, such as one composed of a heating element, battery, and/or electronic circuit, which provides a vapor of nicotine or any other substances, and the use or inhalation of which simulates smoking. This product is defined as a “tobacco product.” The term shall include any such device, whether manufactured, distributed, marketed, or sold as an e-cigarette, e-cigar, e-pipe, or under any other product name or descriptor.

Exceptions

Nicotine replacement products approved by the FDA (e.g. patches, gum, products for similar purposes.) are allowed for use on campus to support persons in the process of overcoming nicotine addiction.

This policy does not apply to the practice of cultural activities by American Indians that are in accordance with the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, 42 USC, sections 1996 and 1996a. All ceremonial-use exceptions must be approved in advance by the Facilities Services Department.

This policy does not apply to sponsored research projects in education or clinical instruction approved by the appropriate college dean. Any university sponsored artistic performers are also exempt from this policy. All other exceptions may be brought to the Dean of Students OR the Director of Human Resources for case by case approval.

The success of this policy will depend on the thoughtfulness, consideration, and cooperation of tobacco users and non-tobacco users. All students, faculty, and staff share in the responsibility for adhering to and enforcing this policy. Violations of the policy will be treated in accordance with current disciplinary procedures defined in the university handbook.