The air will become a little clearer on Kent State University campuses come July 1, 2017. That is when Kent State will become a smoke-free, tobacco-free university. At its meeting in May, the Kent State Board of Trustees approved university policy 3345-5-21, which aligns with the university-level initiative to create a healthy campus environment for all employees, students and visitors.
The policy covers all Kent State campuses, locations and properties, both domestic and international, and it applies to all members of the university community: students, employees, volunteers, vendors, visitors and customers.
Under the policy, all smoking and tobacco use is prohibited. This includes smoking outside buildings and smoking inside personal vehicles while on university property.
In terms of smoking devices, the new policy does not allow for the use of electronic smoking devices, mod boxes or electronic nicotine delivery systems that create an aerosol or vapor; nor does it allow the use of nicotine, tobacco-derived or plant-based products and oral tobacco.
A universitywide committee, which includes representation from faculty, staff and students, has been established to coordinate implementation of the policy at all Kent State locations. View the list of committee members.
Members of the university community who are thinking about kicking the tobacco habit are encouraged to visit the smoke-free, tobacco-free website at www.kent.edu/smoke-free. There you will find a variety of resources for faculty and staff including service providers that offer free or low-cost smoking cessation services, smoking cessation apps and news regarding nicotine replacement therapy. All employees covered under the university-sponsored benefits plan now have coverage (with zero co-insurance) for nicotine replacement therapy and prescription medication under the university’s prescription-drug plan through CVS Health.
The website also has more detailed information about the policy and enforcement. Look for more information during Spring Semester 2017 as we move toward the July 1 implementation date.
Questions should be directed to smokefree@kent.edu.
