PURPOSE OF THIS POLICY

The purpose of this Policy is to create and maintain an environmental quality which sustains and enhances the health and well-being of faculty, staff, students, and visitors of the University, and, consistent with the objectives of the Governor’s Executive Order issued November 2, 2018, to prohibit the sale and use of tobacco and other products on CSU properties.

APPLICATION OF THIS POLICY

This policy applies to all persons while on property owned or under the control of the university.

EXEMPTIONS FROM THIS POLICY

This policy does not apply to:

1. Tobacco or other smoking products used as the subject matter of a bona fide research project approved by the Vice President for Research or designee; and
2. Ceremonial use of tobacco in connection with the practice of cultural activities by American Indians, as provided by the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, 42 U.S.C sections 1996 and 1996a, allowing for the use of ceremonial tobacco. All ceremonial use events must be scheduled in advance with Facilities Management or Environmental Health Services.

DEFINITIONS USED IN THIS POLICY

Smoking: As used in this policy, “smoking” means:

• Setting alight or vaporizing any tobacco product or other substance for purposes of inhalation or introduction into the mouth (including, but not limited to, cloves, herbs, synthetic substances, and marijuana products);
• Carrying in one’s hand or mouth, or placing into an ashtray or other receptacle, a lighted cigarette, cigar, pipe or any other lighted or electronic smoking equipment, and allowing smoke or vapor to diffuse in the air;
• Inhaling or exhaling smoke or vapor from a lighted cigarette, cigar or pipe or electronic smoking or vaping equipment.

Tobacco: As used in this policy, “tobacco” means any tobacco product, including, but not limited to:

• Cigarettes and cigars;
• Pipe tobacco and products used in hookahs;
• E-cigarettes and vaping devices;
• Chewing tobacco and snuff; and
• All other kinds and forms of tobacco.

POLICY STATEMENT

Colorado State University seeks to provide an environment that is conducive to learning and that promotes the health and well-being of all who access its grounds, buildings and services. Use of tobacco and other substances by smoking or vaping has proven to be harmful not only to one’s own health, but to the health of others who are exposed to the smoke or vapor. In addition, chewing and sniffing tobacco have been shown to cause oral and other cancers, are addictive, and can lead to unsanitary conditions that affect others.

Health problems associated with tobacco use can drive up the costs of healthcare for CSU students and employees, including costs covered under the student health insurance plan and the state-funded and CSU self-funded employee health plans. This in turn drives higher premiums for all, including those who do not use tobacco products.

POLICY PROVISIONS

1. Except as specifically provided under Exemptions from this Policy, above, smoking or vaping of any substance, all uses of tobacco, and the sale of tobacco and other substances meant for smoking are prohibited in all buildings and on all grounds owned, leased, or controlled by CSU, including, but not limited to, green spaces, courtyards, breezeways, terraces, stairways and access ramps, outdoor plazas and patios, underpasses and recreational facilities and fields, roadways, walkways, sidewalks, and pick-up and drop-off points for campus and public bus transportation.
2. All smoking, vaping and all forms of tobacco are prohibited in all vehicles owned, leased or rented by the University.
3. In addition, the following activities are prohibited:
   1. Advertising of tobacco, vaping, and related products in campus publications (except for non-university supported magazines and newspapers);
   2. The distribution of samples of and redeemable coupons for tobacco, vaping, and related products on university property and/or at a campus-related event; and
   3. The sponsorship of campus events or organizations by tobacco companies or businesses for which tobacco sales is a primary source of revenue.
4. CSU offers certain resources to its students, faculty and staff, resources to assist them with cessation of tobacco use (see the CSU Tobacco Free website). The CSU Health Network provides smoking cessation coaching to students. CSU’s health plans for employees offer smoking cessation counseling and prescription drugs (referral may be required).

COMPLIANCE WITH THIS POLICY

Anyone observing a violation of this policy may approach the person(s) seen smoking or using tobacco and remind them of the policy, so long as this is done in a peaceful manner. Anyone may fill out a complaint form online which may be used to call attention to recurring smoking violations in a particular area. Students and employees are subject to corrective and disciplinary actions in accordance with the established policies and procedures of the University, in the same manner and magnitude as for violations of other University policies. Noncompliance by visitors and contractors will be referred to those hosting the visitor, or to the contractor’s company, and may result in removal from campus.

REFERENCES

Colorado Governor’s Executive Order B 2018 011, November 2, 2018, amending 1990 Executive Order D 0036 90, banning all use of tobacco products in state buildings and on state grounds

Colorado Governor’s Executive Order D 00 36 90, December 11, 1990

CSU Smoking and Tobacco Use Policy website: http://tobaccopolicy.colostate.edu/

Smoking and Tobacco Use Policy FAQs: http://tobaccopolicy.colostate.edu/frequently-asked-questions/

Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act, C.R.S. §25-14-201, 25-14-203(7), 25-14-204(1)(j), (bb), (cc)

Colorado Smoking and Tobacco Prevention & Cessation Resources

CSU Health Network Smoking Cessation Web page

CSU Policy on Alcohol and Drugs

FORMS AND TOOLS

CSU Smoking Complaint Form

APPROVALS

Approved by Amy Parsons, Vice President for University Operations, November 13, 2012

Revision approved by Amy Parsons, Vice President for University Operations, April 7, 2015

Revision approved by Lynn Johnson, Vice President for University Operations, January 31, 2017

Revision approved by Anthony A. Frank, President, March 12, 2019