Wright State University
Tobacco Policy Task Force
An evaluation of the consequences of implementing a
tobacco free university policy
Task Force Efforts
Spring 2013
• Developed a tobacco free policy recommendation including
next steps
• Recommendation based on:
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Ohio Board of Regents
Trends of other campuses
Faculty, staff, students input
Ohio’s College and University Tobacco Use Policy Action Kit (ODH
and OESC)
Wright State University Tobacco Policy Task Force
Task Force Efforts
Winter 2014
• Evaluated intended and unintended consequences of tobacco free
policy implementation
• Utilized WSU Center for Urban and Public Affairs (CUPA)
• Mission: to analyze information to help our public and nonprofit
sector clients improve operations or create new programs and
policies. Our analysis makes Ohio's communities safer, healthier,
more prosperous and inclusive.
• Recent CUPA Clients
• Public Health Dayton & Montgomery County
• Ohio Department of Job & Family Services
• Ohio Board of Regents
Wright State University Tobacco Policy Task Force
CUPA Scope of Work
• Identify benchmark criteria for selecting universities to study
• Identify peer schools that have been tobacco free for 3 + years
• Analyze data from universities, their websites, and perform
interviews to determine the impact of tobacco free policies
• Report findings
Wright State University Tobacco Policy Task Force
CUPA Study Results (cont.)
Benchmark Criteria
• Enrollment size, including international student enrollment
• Spatial layout of campus
• Commuter status
• Tobacco use in the state
• Public institution
• At least two Ohio public institutions
Wright State University Tobacco Policy Task Force
CUPA Study Results (cont.)
Schools Evaluated
• Choose six schools
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Miami University – Tobacco free August 2008
University Toledo – Tobacco free August 2011 (UT Health Center)
Washington University St. Louis – Tobacco free July 2010
Tennessee Tech – Tobacco free January 2010
IUPUI – Tobacco free August 2006
University North Dakota – Tobacco free October 2007
Wright State University Tobacco Policy Task Force
CUPA Study Results (cont.)
Intended/Unintended Consequences
• Interviews queried university personnel about:
• Impact on student, faculty, staff recruitment, retention, and
enrollment, including international students
• Number/type of employee grievances
• Impact on general physical environment
• Impact on wellness and/or health care
• Other impacts
Wright State University Tobacco Policy Task Force
CUPA Study Results (cont.)
Recruitment, Retention, Enrollment
• Based on:
• Enrollment data before and after policy implementation
• Interviews with student affairs, international program offices,
admissions, human resources
Had no impact on student, faculty, or staff recruitment, retention,
or enrollment, including international students
Wright State University Tobacco Policy Task Force
CUPA Study Results (cont.)
Faculty/Staff Grievances
• No reports of faculty or staff collective bargaining unit grievances
• Some general push back and ignoring of policy reported
• In general, has caused minimal issues among the university
communities
Wright State University Tobacco Policy Task Force
CUPA Study Results (cont.)
Physical Environment
• Little data or subjective info to suggest improved physical
environment or reduction in tobacco related litter
Wright State University Tobacco Policy Task Force
CUPA Study Results (cont.)
Wellness and Healthcare
• All universities implemented tobacco use cessation programs
• Noted as a key to success
• 12 year study of pre and post policy implementation showed
reduced use of tobacco by students at UND.
• “used tobacco in the last 30 days?”
2000 – 32.6% yes
2012 – 11.5% yes
Wright State University Tobacco Policy Task Force
CUPA Study Results (cont.)
Advice to WSU
• Leadership Involvement
• Very Important, must be visible and unwavering
• Enforcement
• Handle like other university policies
• Boundaries
• Commitment of Resources
• Decision making process
• Promote, signage, cessation program
• Budget
Wright State University Tobacco Policy Task Force
Other Considerations
• Addresses April 2013 Faculty Senate request
• Consistent with WSU Wellness Initiative
• Compatible with Campus desires
• Preparing students for the future
Wright State University Tobacco Policy Task Force
Questions
Wright State University Tobacco Policy Task Force