Tobacco Policy:
In order to encourage a culture of health and wellness for all students, faculty, staff and guests of the university, Texas Christian University prohibits the use of all tobacco products and smoking on property owned by the university. People wishing to use tobacco as part of an established religious ceremony, academic or research activity may contact the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs to request an exemption for those activities.
Why has TCU implemented a tobacco-free policy?
For the past decade, TCU has followed city ordinance, which prohibits smoking inside buildings, and has prohibited smoking in University-owned vehicles. Recent requests from the Student Government Association, with support from TCU’s Faculty Senate, Staff Assembly and Graduate Student Senate, in conjunction with the University’s ongoing commitment to health and wellness, prompted TCU to extend those efforts to prohibit all forms of tobacco, including chewing tobacco, snuff and e-cigarettes on all University-owned property effective Aug. 1, 2017.
What does the policy mean?
The University does not require faculty, staff and students to quit using tobacco products; however, we do expect individuals to refrain from using any tobacco products while on university property. TCU is committed to creating a culture of health and wellness.
What are considered smoking and tobacco products?
Cigars, cigarettes, chewing tobacco, snuff, e-cigarettes/vapes and hookahs, are considered smoking and tobacco products for purposes of this policy and are prohibited on all university-owned or -leased property or vehicles.
Nicotine gum, patches and similar cessation products are NOT considered tobacco products, and are thus permitted.
Are there exceptions to the policy?
People wishing to use tobacco as part of an established religious or cultural ceremony, artistic performance in a University-sponsored event or for educational/clinical purposes, may contact the vice chancellor for Student Affairs to request an exemption for these activities.
How is the policy communicated?
The Tobacco-free Policy is included in the Faculty and Staff Handbook, as well as the Student Handbook.
Additionally, the policy will be shared via signs on campus, University websites, new student/new hire orientations, vendor contracts and other marketing materials. Event planners will be asked to include information about the policy in materials they distribute to outside groups that use University facilities.
The tobacco-free policy applies to all University property, regardless of whether or not a sign is posted.
What are the boundaries of the university for the purposes of defining university property?
The boundaries include any property owned or leased by TCU. The tobacco-free policy does not apply to city streets or sidewalks that are not adjoining university property.
Does the policy apply to visitors to campus?
Yes. Organizers and attendees at public events, such as conferences, meetings, public lectures, social events, cultural events, campus visits, admissions events or tours and sporting events using University facilities are required to abide by the tobacco-free policy. Event planners are responsible for communicating the policy to attendees.
Does the policy apply to University-sanctioned events or sporting activities occurring off campus?
No. TCU’s policy applies only to University-owned or -leased property or vehicles. Events or activities scheduled elsewhere are bound by the policies or rules of the event coordinator or property manager.
Does TCU offer cessation programs?
Yes. Health coaching and support is available through the Employee Assistance Program at no cost to employees. Additional resources are available through Blue Cross Blue Shield for employees on TCU’s health benefits plan. Additionally, programs offered by the TCU Wellness Center and through Frog Life are open to all employees.
For current TCU students, individual and group tobacco cessation coaching is available through the TCU Alcohol and Drug Education office. Tobacco replacement products are available through the TCU pharmacy with physician authorization.
How will TCU enforce the policy?
The expectation is there will be voluntary compliance with the policy. It is the shared responsibility of all members of the campus to respect and abide by this policy.
What should I do if I see someone using tobacco on University property?
Enforcement is not our first priority; it is the shared responsibility of all members of the campus to respect and abide by this policy.
Should you see someone using tobacco on University property, please respectfully remind them that TCU is tobacco-free and that tobacco products are prohibited on campus grounds.
For more information on smoking and tobacco-free initiatives, visit the Surgeon General and the American Cancer Society.
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