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Tobacco Free Resources
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Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Faculty & Staff Questions
General Questions
When does the Tobacco-Free policy start?
November 15th, 2007
Whom does this policy affect?
The policy applies to anyone who comes to any Purdue North Central campus.
Don't we already have a smoke-free policy? How is this different from our current policy?
Currently, smoking is permitted in designated locations, and at least 20 feet away from any entryway. Smoking in buildings has long been prohibited. The new policy is intended to promote a healthier environment by prohibiting the use of all tobacco products anywhere on property owned or leased by Purdue University North Central.
Where can I smoke?
While many towns, cities, companies, etc., have established smoke/tobacco free zones, there are still many venues where smoking is permitted. It is important to know what the policies are in the various venues and then to adjust your behavior accordingly.
Can I smoke in my personal car?
Parking lots owned and leased by Purdue University North Central are included in the ban and there is no smoking in any vehicle in parking lots.
Does this policy apply to state or county owned roadways, sidewalks and right-of-ways?
Purdue University North Central has no jurisdiction over the use of State or County-owned streets, sidewalks and right-of-ways that do not run through Purdue property.
What happens if a visitor violates the tobacco policy?
A guest or visitor will be informed of the policy and requested to comply.
Will the campus or city police be responsible for enforcing the tobacco policy?
This is a campus policy and will be enforced internally. It is expected that campus police will, as members of the campus community, be involved in enforcement in the same manner as all other members of the campus community.students, faculty and staff.
How will the new policy be enforced?
The goal of the policy is to promote a healthier environment for everyone. With that in mind, the focus will be on self-enforcement. Enforcement will depend upon the cooperation of all faculty, staff, and students, not only to comply with the policy, but also to encourage others to comply with this policy in order to promote a healthier environment in which to work and study. Accordingly, tobacco users are expected to voluntarily comply with the policy. Anyone who observes a possible violation may courteously, compassionately, and without confrontation inform the individual of the tobacco-free policy and attempt to offer an information card that states the new policy and offers cessation resources. Repeat violations of the policy will be handled through already-established discipline procedures for both students and staff.
What are the consequences for violating the policy?
In compliance with the policy "repeat offenders will be reported through the appropriate administrative structure and be subject to progressive disciplinary action." Progressive disciplinary action takes into account the pervasiveness and severity of offender's behavior.
Can a smoker smoke tobacco-free cigarettes?
All students, staff, and visitors are expected to comply with the policy. By using tobacco-free cigarettes, a person will be perceived as not complying with the policy.
Can visitors smoke on our campus?
No. Visitors and guests are expected to comply with PNC policies the same as students, faculty and staff.
Is tobacco related apparel banned?
The policy does not ban tobacco related apparel being worn as a personal article of clothing. Intentional advertising, soliciting or advocating use of tobacco products in opposition to the policy could be viewed as a violation to the intent of the policy and handled accordingly. There is no intent to incorporate a dress code within the policy.
Faculty & Staff Information
As an employee, do I have to quit smoking?
No, the university cannot compel you to quit using tobacco, but you cannot use tobacco on university property. For those who do choose to quit, information regarding cessation programs and resources will be made available prior to and continuing throughout the implementation date.
What pharmacological therapies are available to university employees with employer-provided health insurance?
More help for smokers: The new health plans effective in January 2008 will cover up to $400 a year in prescription and over-the-counter tobacco and smoking cessation products. The products will be available through retail pharmacies for a 20 percent coinsurance with a written order from a physician. The products will not be available through the mail order prescription service.
What resources are available to help those who are struggling with this change and would like counseling?
Counseling visits for smokers: Coverage, effective January 2008 will allow up to five smoking-cessation counseling visits per calendar year with a health care professional who is qualified to perform tobacco cessation counseling. Visits with a network provider will be free from deductible and coinsurance.
Can I use the money I put aside in my FSA to pay for costs related to smoking cessation aids and counseling that are not covered by insurance or after the $400 smoking cessation product benefit runs out?
Yes, Fiserv states that once you have exhausted the $400 smoking cessation product benefit remaining expenses are eligible to be reimbursed through your FSA.
Does the policy affect employees at facilities off the main PNC campus?
Yes, this policy will be in place for PNC Porter County as well as the Biology field station.
Isn't this a violation of my civil rights?
No. The Trustees of Purdue University have the authority to govern the use of university property and regulate its use.
How should managers/supervisors talk to employees about the policy?
It is recommended that managers/supervisors should inform all employees of this policy both in writing and in person.
What should managers/supervisors do if one of their employees violates the policy?
Violations of PNC policy should be addressed through established procedures and processes.
Will progressive discipline be used if someone violates this policy?
The policy states that repeated offenders will be reported through the appropriate administrative structure and be subject to progressive disciplinary action.
How will this policy change be communicated to students, staff and visitors?
The primary area for policy communication is the web. You can find up-to-date information at www.pnc.edu/tobaccofree. Secondarily, the information will be distributed to staff via all exchange user emails, posters, signage, and other communications venues, e.g.
The Smoke Free Implementation Committee is in the process of designing a comprehensive communication plan for educating about the policy change. All students and staff will receive information by email regarding the policy change. The notification will also be included in any Student Handbooks (i.e. Connections) and will be communicated at student orientations. There will also be clear signage that will prepare our students and visitors.
