Tobacco Policy
In the interests of a healthy campus environment, President Davenport announced a campus tobacco policy for Minnesota State University, Mankato starting January 1, 2012. This transition aligns with a March 12, 2010 resolution by the Minnesota State College and Universities Board of Trustees which encourages each Minnesota State institution to take steps to reduce tobacco use on campuses.
Thank you for supporting the University’s goal of a healthy environment for all through the elimination of tobacco use on our campus.
Tobacco & Smoke-Free Campus Official Policy
Tobacco and Smoke-Free Campus Policy
Minnesota State University, Mankato prohibits smoking, tobacco use, electronic delivery devise use, and tobacco sale (including the use or sale of smokeless tobacco products and electronic delivery device products) on the property or in vehicles it owns, operates, or leases. This policy applies to all students, employees, visitors, or any person on University property.
Procedures
Definitions
Smoking: Inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted or heated cigar, cigarette, pipe, or any other lighted or heated tobacco or other product intended for inhalation, in any manner or in any form. Smoking also includes the use of an e-cigarette that creates a vapor, in any manner or any form, or the use of any oral device for the purpose of circumventing the prohibition of smoking in this Policy.
Smokeless Tobacco Products: Smokeless tobacco consists of the use of snuff, chewing tobacco, smokeless pouches, or other forms of loose-leaf tobacco.
”Electronic Delivery Devices” means any product that can be used by a person to deliver nicotine, lobelia, or any other substance through inhalation of aerosol or vapor from the product. The term includes but is not limited to, devices manufactured, distributed, marketed, or sold as e-cigarettes, e-cigars, e-pipes, or any other product name or descriptor.
Policy Exceptions
This policy does not apply to tobacco products used in connection with the practice of cultural activities by American Indians that are in accordance with the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, 42 U.S.C. sections 1996 and 1996a, or other ceremonial use. The use of tobacco products for these activities must be approved in advance by the President of the University or his/her designee. Such use must be preceded by reasonable advance notice to the public.
Cessation Programs and Services
To support Minnesota State Mankato students and employees who wish to reduce and/or quit using tobacco products, a variety of tobacco cessation resources are available on the university website.
Policy Rationale
Minnesota State Mankato is committed to promoting a clean, safe, and healthy living, learning, and working environment for all students and employees of the University.
In addition, the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (Minnesota State) Board of Trustees passed a resolution, dated March 16, 2010, stating:
The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees encourages each college and university to consult with its employees and students about additional steps the institution should take to:
- 1. Educate employees and students about the danger of tobacco use to themselves and others;
- 2. Provide information to employees and students about smoking cessation resources available; and
- 3. Further restrict tobacco use.
