Talking Points
Tobacco Free USC
Campus Wide Policy – January
1, 2014
Tobacco Free USC
Effective: January 1, 2014
• Tobacco Free Campus Policy
– Email from President 10/22/13
– Enforced 1/1/14
• Review Purpose of Policy and Essentials of Policy
• The 3 T’s Implementation Plan
– Tell, Treat and Train
• How You Can Help
Purpose of the Policy
1. To provide a healthy campus in which to live, learn, work
and play.
2. To support the health and well-being of all Gamecocks.
3. Support the university’s commitment to public health and
sustainability
The specific intent of this policy is to:
• Create an environment that is conducive to quitting
tobacco
• To promote the prevention of tobacco use and
• To prevent the risks associated with exposure to secondhand smoke.
What is the Policy?
Covered Individuals
• Faculty, staff, visitors, students, volunteers, contractors and vendors
Definitions
• “Tobacco and smoking products” include, all tobacco-derived or
containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes (i.e. clove,
bidis, kreteks), electronic cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos, pipes, water
pipes, smokeless tobacco products or substitutions (spit and spitless,
chew, pouches, snuff) or any other device intended to simulate smoked
tobacco. This does not apply to nicotine replacement therapy, which is
designed to assist tobacco users to quit tobacco.
• “University property” shall include all buildings, facilities, grounds and
spaces leased, owned or controlled by the University of South Carolina
whether or not signs are posted.
What is the Policy?
Use of Tobacco Products
• The use of any tobacco and smoking products are prohibited
on University property. No ashtrays, receptacles or smoking
shelters will be permitted.
• The use of tobacco products in University owned, operated
or leased vehicles and personal vehicles on University
property is prohibited.
• USC also discourages the use of tobacco products by all
covered individuals on properties adjacent to the campus.
What is the Policy?
Support of Tobacco Products
• All tobacco industry promotions, advertising, marketing, are
prohibited on university properties. Includes Tobacco
industry and related company sponsorship of athletic events
and athletes is prohibited.
• The university discourages the acceptance of any funds from
tobacco companies.
The 3 Ts of Tobacco-free Policy
Implementation
•TELL about the policy via good signage, branding,
and integrated, consistent communication
•Treat tobacco users by providing NRT (free
preferably) and a menu of counseling/behavioral
support
•Train staff and volunteers in firm yet
compassionate scripting in handling violators
Hahn, E.J., Fallin, A., Darville, A., Kercsmar, S.E., McCann, M., Record, R. (2012). The Three T’s of adopting tobacco-free
policies on college campuses. Nursing Clinics of North America, 47(1), 109-117.
TELL - New Signage
• Focusing on:
• Parking lots
• Periphery of Campus
• Green Spaces
• Trash Cans
• Removal of cigarette butt
receptacles in December
• Emphasize messages on
littering
TELL - One Pager
TELL - Campus Map
Adding statement that USC property is 100% tobacco free
Tell - Postcard
Tell - Advertisements
TREAT: Programs and Resources
• sc.edu/tobaccofreeusc
• Campus Wellness offers multiple options
– Technology-based: phone, web, text
• www.sa.sc.edu/shs/cw/students/tobacco
• www.sa.sc.edu/shs/cw/staff/tobacco
• Quit for Life for State Health Plan members (Medication &
Coaching) - Call 1-866-QUIT4LIFE
• Deer Oaks - Call 1-866-EAP-2400
• SC State Quitline for Uninsured and Underinsured
• 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669)
• Pharmacy in Thomson Student Health Center has Nicotine
Replacement Therapy available: (803) 777-4890
TRAIN: Policy Enforcement
•
•
•
•
•
Everyone Plays a Part
Emphasize we are asking for respect for the policy
First priority is to make aware of the policy
Educate about treatment options
If violators continue or refuse to respect the policy
they can be addressed by disciplinary action
TRAIN: Policy Enforcement
• Staff: Management will follow disciplinary policy for repeat
violators
– Supervisor Toolkit for Coaching
• Students: Code of Conduct
– Focuses on Education about tobacco, referral to treatment
with repeat violations requiring essay, fines and
community service
– http://www.housing.sc.edu/osc/pdf/UNIV500ProposedTob
accoSanctions091913.pdf
• Faculty – Report violations to Unit Head
• Visitors, Affiliates, Vendors, Contractors – Everyone’s
Responsibility
Key Words for Key Moments:
Promoting Respect for the Policy via Scripting
If you see a person using tobacco
on USC property:
• Be polite and friendly
• Assume that the person does
not know about the policy
• Explain that tobacco use is not
permitted on USC property,
grounds or spaces
• Offer a USC Tobacco Free
Campus Policy information
card
Consistent scripting will ensure that the message is
firm, polite and compassionate
Example:
If you see someone using tobacco products:
“Hello, my name is [your name] and I am a(n) [position/student] here with the
University of South Carolina. Are you are aware that we don’t allow the use of
tobacco products of any kind on campus? Please respect our policy and put your
cigarette (or cigar) out and dispose of it in a trash can. I also wanted to let you
know that there are free resources here on campus to help you quit tobacco if you
are ready. Visit the sc.edu/tobaccofreeusc web site for more information. I really
appreciate your willingness to help us keep our campus tobacco free.”
Where am I allowed to use tobacco products?
“Smoking and other tobacco products are not allowed anywhere on the USC
campus. “
If the person using tobacco becomes hostile:
Walk away and contact campus police.
TRAIN: Policy Enforcement
• Additional Tools to
Help:
– Supervisor Toolkit
– Scripting
Handout/Video on how
to approach violators
– Informational Cards
regarding policy
– Website- Reporting
Form for Hot Spots
Maintaining Compliance
• Compliance must-go-hand in hand with compassion
• Using best judgment in tragic and stressful situations
It takes everyone!
We Need Your Help
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•
•
•
Incorporate the message in communications
Know the policy
Enforce the policy with respect and empathy
Encourage tobacco users to use treatment
resources available.
Questions? Find out more information at:
View the policy and find resources at:
www.sc.edu/tobaccofreeusc
For help with a policy related issue email:
TOBACCOF@mailbox.sc.edu