April 6, 2011
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA
Widener University:
Michelle Berman
Caryl Carpenter
George Hassel
Lynn Nelson Russom
Patrick Sullivan
Learning Objectives:
1. Identify methods and venues to initiate conversations to achieve
a “tobacco-free” campus climate.
2. List campus constituents that are needed to support a tobacco-free
initiative.
3. Explore strategies for acceptance and implementation (resources)
for a successful, healthy initiative.
4. Discuss enforcement and follow-up of new tobacco-free policy.
• Doctorate-granting, metropolitan university that combines
academic quality with career preparation and a commitment
to community service.
• Liberal arts and sciences and professional programs leading
to associate’s, baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees.
• Campuses: Chester, Exton, and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania,
and Wilmington, Delaware
• 6,500 students
Wellness Advocacy Committee
“Healthy Heart”
Purpose
Membership
Funding
 Programming
Educational:
Nutrition
Stress Management
Health Information
IBC Speakers
Smoking Cessation
Exercise:
Walks, aerobics, Pilates, yoga
Screening:
Wellness (BP,BMI, Glucose, etc.)
 Communications
Web
Fax
Email
What are the risks of smoking?
 Leading “preventable” cause of disease and premature death.
(Surgeon General Report, The Health Consequences of Smoking,
2004)
 Smoking causes more than 85% of lung cancers and can cause
cancer almost anywhere in the body. One in three cancer deaths
in the U.S. is tobacco-related.
(Center for Disease Control, 2010)
 Brief exposure to secondhand smoke can cause cardiovascular
disease and could trigger acute cardiac events, such as heart
attack.
(Center for Disease Control, 2010)
CDC – Current Smoker Statistics
20% - adults - 18 years of age and old - cigarette smokers
22% - report as former smokers
58% - report - never smoked
Adults (bachelor’s degree education)
** less likely to smoke AND more likely to have never smoked
 ( CDC Summary Health Statistics for U.S. Adults: National Health Interview Survey,
2008, Series 10, Number 242 December 2009)
Quick Statistics……
443,00 deaths each year
50% secondhand smoke responsible
for 50,000 of those deaths
50 % of long-term smokers
die prematurely
( ENDING THE TOBACCO EPIDEMIC: A Tobacco Control Strategic Action Plan for the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2010)
Healthy People 2010 now 2020
tobacco control objectives:
 Reduce tobacco use by adults and adolescents.
 Reduce the initiation of tobacco use among children,
adolescents, and young adults.
 Increase successful cessation attempts by smokers.
 Reduce the proportion of nonsmokers exposed to
secondhand smoke.
Pennsylvania Law
Clean Indoor Air Act (Senate Bill 246)
 Prohibits smoking in most public areas and
workplaces, protecting the majority of citizens in
Pennsylvania from tobacco smoke.
September 10, 2008
**Smoking is unrestricted in establishments that
report less than 20% food sales. However, no one
under 18 may enter the premises, even
momentarily, and appropriate signage must be
posted.
National legislation
 June 22, 2009,President Obama signed into law
historic legislation granting the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) authority to regulate tobacco
products to protect the public health.
 March 23, 2010, President Obama signed into law
historic health insurance reform legislation, the
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Affordable
Care Act). - Prevention and Public Health Fund –
FDA Regulation of Tobacco
Family Smoking Prevention and
Tobacco Control Act (H.R.1256)
Signed into Law - June 22, 2009
BANS:
Candy Flavored cigarettes
Tobacco Co. logos at sporting events or on clothing
Tobacco ads near schools or playgrounds
Companies from promoting products as lower-risk alternatives to traditional tobacco
REQUIRES:
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) power to regulate tobacco products
No “light” or “low tar” labels
Larger warning labels on cigarette packaging
Tobacco Free Initiative
 Grassroots inquiries
 White Paper/Research
 Presentations (Executive, SLT, Board of Trustees,
Town Hall)
 Pre- July 1, 2010
 Implementation Process
(Phase 1)
Grassroots Inquiries
- faculty
- staff
-students
Tobacco Free - White Paper
(providing an overview of the rationale for a tobacco-free campus climate)
 Graduate Intern = Research

(senior science policy analyst)
 Presentation to subcommittee, Senior Leadership
Team, President and Board of Trustees
College Campuses
 Cigarettes, Cigars
 Hookahs or waterpipes
1 Hookah session = 100 cigarettes
1 Cigar = 1 pack of cigarettes
(World Health Organization, 2005)
 Smokeless Tobacco
(National Cancer Institute, 2009)
Planning Strategies

Communicate the announcement, policy and resources to all
Widener University faculty, staff, students and contractors.

Raise awareness through a variety of methods, including very
visible posted signs throughout the campus.

Train members of the University community regarding the policy
procedures, enforcement, and resource options and availability.

Implement the policy in a caring way by offering resources, such
as tobacco cessation, exercise and health awareness programs.

Make enforcement the shared responsibility of all Widener
University faculty, staff and students by encouraging others to
comply and respectfully bringing any violation of this policy to
the awareness of the person or persons observed violating the
policy.
Tobacco-Free Policy
who - all university faculty, staff, students,
visitors, contractors and guests
when - at all times and the use of tobacco,
including smoking
where - prohibited within “university boundaries”
university facilities, outdoor areas, and
university owned vehicles
Activities
Time Frame
Who is
Responsible?
Funding
President Harris’ announcement of the commitment to create a tobaccofree environment - with Final Policy
May 2009
President Harris
No
Present and circulate the policy proposal to University groups and
constituents for suggestions and modifications to identify any potential
problems before the policy is finalized
May 2009
Representatives
of Wellness
Committee
No
Incorporate into new student orientations
June 2009
Health Services
Director
No
Incorporate into new hire orientations
June 2009
HR
No
Social Marketing campaign development targeting student’s smoking
behavior – Survey and draft plan
Summer 2009
Wellness
Committee
Yes
Social Marketing campaign development targeting employee’s smoking
behavior – Survey and draft plan
Summer 2009
Wellness
Committee
Yes
Webpage with policy, resources offered, resource links, contact for
feedback
August 2009
HR
Yes
Official President Harris memo - with Final Policy, resources, webpage
September 2009
Wellness
Committee/HR?
No
Personalized email stating the change in smoking policy, effective date
and webpage for employees
September 2009
HR
No
Personalized email stating the change in smoking policy, effective date
and webpage for students
September 2009
President,
Provost, Dean of
Student Affairs ?
No
Train supervisors and university members to communicate the policy,
promote awareness of policy and enforcement procedures
Fall 2009
HR
Yes
Pocket sized cards to hand to Widener Community stating the change in
smoking policy, effective date and webpage
September 2009
Wellness
Committee/HR
Yes
Electronic banner in University Center with effective date and webpage
September 2009
Health Services
Director
No
Large informational board in Wellness Center announcing exercise class
options, education
September 2009
Wellness Center
Yes
LED board outside of Metropolitan Hall (effective date and webpage
posted)
September 2009
Health Services
Director
No
TV system in University Center (effective date and webpage posted)
September 2009
Health Services
Director
No
Signs posted throughout the campus strategically located – in front of
University Center, Library, Wellness Center
September 2009
HR
Yes
Smoking cessation class on campus
September 2009
IBC
Yes
Public Service Announcement
September 2009
Multiple Options
No
LLPD program with smoking focus
September/
October 2009
IBC
Yes
Social Marketing campaign implementation
October 2009
Wellness
Committee
Yes
Table tents in dining hall to educate about the policy and obtain resources
– part of social marketing campaign
October 2009
Wellness
Committee/HR
Yes
Great American Smokeout Program
November 19, 2009
IBC
Yes
Smoking cessation class on campus
January 2010
IBC
Yes
LLPD program with smoking focus
February 2010
IBC
Yes
Student handbooks - updated to reflect policy change
Effective July 1,
2010
Student Services
No
Employee handbooks - updated to reflect policy change
Effective July 1,
2010
HR
No
Policy manuals - updated to reflect policy change
Effective July 1,
2010
HR
No
September 11, 2009
University Memorandum
Series 8 - #1b
Tobacco-Free Policy (Students)
In order to promote a healthy environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors, Widener University will
become tobacco-free, effective July 1, 2010 on all four campuses. The Tobacco-Free Policy will apply to all
university faculty, staff, students, visitors, contractors and guests at all times and the use of tobacco, including
smoking, will be prohibited within university facilities, outdoor areas, and university owned vehicles. Although
this initiative is new for Widener, we will be following the lead of many colleges and universities throughout the
nation whose campuses are currently tobacco-free.
The purpose of announcing the Tobacco-Free Policy several months in advance of implementation is to
give everyone ample opportunity to adjust to these restrictions, while facilitating a smooth transition to a
tobacco-free environment. To assist in the adjustment process, the university will make available current
information regarding resources to assist those who want to quit smoking or those who wish to support someone
in their effort to quit.
Student Health Services will offer students both educational programming and patient care/individual
counseling appointments for options in smoking cessation. In late September, look for more information on
Campus Cruiser and the Tobacco-Free website regarding the Tobacco-Free Policy and current information about
resources for students.
I look forward to all of us enjoying the enhanced health benefits of a tobacco-free campus.
James T. Harris III, D.Ed.
President
September 11, 2009
University Memorandum
Series 8 - #1a
Tobacco-Free Policy (Faculty and Staff)
In order to promote a healthy environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors, Widener University will
become tobacco-free, effective July 1, 2010 on all four campuses. The Tobacco-Free Policy will apply to all
university faculty, staff, students, visitors, contractors and guests at all times and the use of tobacco, including
smoking, will be prohibited within university facilities, outdoor areas, and university owned vehicles. Although
this initiative is new for Widener, we will be following the lead of many colleges and universities throughout the
nation whose campuses are currently tobacco-free.
The purpose of announcing the Tobacco-Free Policy several months in advance of implementation is to give
everyone ample opportunity to adjust to these restrictions, while facilitating a smooth transition to a tobacco-free
environment. To assist in the adjustment process, the university will make available current information
regarding resources to assist those who want to quit smoking or those who wish to support someone in their
effort to quit.
Updated information regarding the Tobacco-Free Policy and current resources available to assist Widener
employees will be posted on the Tobacco-Free website when it is operational in late September. In the interim,
the Widener University Wellness Committee will e-mail resource information to all university employees.
I look forward to all of us enjoying the enhanced health benefits of a tobacco-free campus.
James T. Harris III, D.Ed.
President
 University Policy
 Campus Champions
 Cessation Programs
 Healthful Links
 www.widener.edu/tobaccofree/
American College Health Association (Position Paper 9/09)
ACHA –NCHA II Reference Group Executive Summary
Spring 2010 - 95,712 respondents
ACHA-NCHA - nationally recognized research survey that
provides precise data about students’ health habits, behaviors,
and perceptions.
Spring 2010 - tobacco-related responses:
84% of college students described themselves as non-smokers
91.2% reported being non-smokers for hookah/water pipes
86.2% described themselves as non-users of smokeless tobacco (never
used or have not used in the last 30 days)
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES WITH 100% TOBACCO-FREE
CAMPUS POLICIES
Updated January 2011
259 colleges and universities prohibiting
smoking and all forms of tobacco use
everywhere on campus
http://www.lungoregon.org/tobacco/pdf_word_doc/TobaccoFree_Colleges_and_Universities_100.pdf
U.S. Colleges and Universities with
Smokefree Policies
April 1, 2011
501 - 100% smokefree campuses with no exemptions
http://www.no-smoke.org/pdf/smokefreecollegesuniversities.pdf
What Widener Offers…
 One-on-one cessation counseling
 Nicotine Replacement – patches/gum
 Education
 Biofeedback
Free Smoking Cessation Programs
Spring Semester (announcement sample)
Open to all students, faculty and staff
One-on-one weekly cessation coaching with free nicotine replacement provided by the Wellness
Connection
February 8th through March 22nd
(No meeting week of March 1st)
Mondays 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Individually scheduled appointments:
Student Health Services Conference Room
To register go to www.connect2wellness.com to schedule your individual sessions or call 800-2002229.
Student Smoking Cessation Group with free nicotine replacement provided by Student Health Services
February 8th through March 22nd
(No meeting the week of March 1st)
Mondays 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Student Health Services Conference Room
To register send an email to studenthealth@mail.widener.edu. Provide your name and cell number for
a return confirmation call.
Enforcement
1) The university administration is responsible for
coordinating the implementation plan.
(Phase 2)
2) Enforcement of the policy will depend on the respect and
cooperation of all Widener University faculty, staff and
students adhering to and enforcing the policy.
Campus Safety
(policy)
Campus Safety staff will give a copy of the Tobacco-Free
card to visitors using tobacco on university property and
ask them to extinguish cigarettes, cigars or pipes or
dispose of smokeless tobacco products.
If a visitor refuses to comply with this request, Campus
Safety staff may ask the visitor to leave campus (as is
currently done when visitors violate the university’s alcohol
and drug policy).
In extreme cases, Campus Safety staff may request
enforcement by the Chester, Wilmington, Harrisburg or
Exton police.
Enforcement
 The first offense will result in an incident report but no fine
Subsequent offenses will result in fines as follows:
 For Students:
$25 for the second offense
$50 for the third or any subsequent offenses
Fines will be directly applied to student accounts and will result in a “hold” on a
student’s account for non-payment of the fine.
A fourth offense will also result in Suspension from Widener University.
 For Faculty and Staff:
$25 for the second offense
$50 for the third or any subsequent offenses
Copies of the incident reports will be sent to an employee’s supervisor or a
faculty member’s dean and the fine will be charged to the employee’s account.
Infractions
(as of 4.1.11)
 Students – 3 incident reports/ judicial
 Faculty/Staff – 0
Evaluation and Feedback
 Mechanism for allowing employee feedback during the transition
period.
 The implementation should be monitored for effectiveness
 Permits altering implementation and allows reporting to
management and employees about the impact of the policy.
 Assess policy effectiveness, 3 months post July 10, 2010:
 Compliance with the policy
 Utilization of smoking cessation support
 Problems encountered by management
 Evaluate the policy over the longer term:
 Awareness of the policy and smoking cessation activities
 Utilization of and participation in smoking cessation activities
 Effectiveness of smoking cessation activities
Possible Challenges
a. Lack of awareness of policy
b. Non-compliance
c. Unsuccessful enforcement
d. Smoking on city-owned sidewalks
“Spitting in the Wind”
Jeff Cooper
Athletic Trainer
Monday, April 12, 2010
Lathem Hall
7:30 PM
The Franklin Institute
The Great
American
Smokeout
November 18, 2010
Planning Questions:

When will the new policy be implemented?
 Who will the policy apply to?
 What will the tobacco-free policy prohibit?
 What else is included in the policy?
 Where will the policy apply to?
 Can an individual smoke in his/her personal car?
 Which committee made this tobacco-free policy recommendation?
 Why the change in tobacco policy now?
 What are other colleges and universities doing?
 Will there be any designated smoking areas for employees,
students and visitors?
 Why is the tobacco-free policy being announced over a year in
advance of when
the policy will be implemented?
 How will this policy be implemented
 Which committee made this tobacco-free policy recommendation?
 Why the change in tobacco policy now?
 What are other colleges and universities doing?
 Will there be any designated smoking areas for employees, students and visitors?
 Why is the tobacco-free policy being announced over a year in advance of when the
policy will be implemented?
 How will this policy be implemented?

What resources will be available to help employees and students with the transition?
 What should an employee or student do who sees a fellow employee or student using
tobacco and violating the tobacco-free policy?
 How will the new tobacco-free policy be enforced?
 What are the options available to University members that are not planning or
prepared to quit?
Thank you