CREATING A SMOKE-FREE CAMPUS

A WEBINAR for Paper Clip Communications

July 14, 2009

Ty PattersonDirector of The Center of Excellence for Tobacco-Free Campus Policy

Ozarks Technical Community CollegeSpringfield Missouri

Why Smoke Free? EPA classifies secondhand smoke

as a Group A carcinogen along with chemicals such as asbestos and radon.

2006 Surgeon Generals Report declared there is “No safe level of exposure to second hand smoke.”

Why Tobacco-Free?

The use of smokeless tobacco is an issue on your campus as evidenced by damage to the environment and use in high profile activities such as baseball.

The tobacco industry is going smokeless and you do not want to have to address smokeless tobacco use later.

If your policy is based on improving health, use of smokeless tobacco is more addictive than smoking!

Setting A Trend

OTC was one of the first higher education institutions in the US to become completely smoke(tobacco)-free in 2003. There are now over 130 higher education institutions whose campuses are 100% tobacco-free! A list of tobacco-free institutions go to www.otc.edu/about/tobaccofree.php.

The OTC Story

Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC) established 1990

First semester enrollment Fall 1991 1,100

Anticipated enrollment Fall 2009 12,000

Number of employees 1,100

New buildings constructed on main campus 1996 to present

President requested consideration of 100% tobacco-free campus 1997

Trustees voted to make OTC Tobacco-Free in 2003 December 1999

Organized effort to educate about policy January 2000 to present!

Policy implemented August 1, 2003

Enforcement plan adopted October 2004

Center of Excellence for Tobacco-Free Campus Policy established 2004

Celebration of 5th Anniversary 100% tobacco-free August 2008

Why Adopt 100% Smoke –Free Policies?

Easier to enforce a campus wide prohibition than perimeter

restrictions or designated tobacco use areas Removes barrier for those who are adversely effected by exposure to

secondhand smoke (SHS) Prepares students for entry/advancement in tobacco-free work

environments Eliminates smoking on campus for minors

Emphasizes importance of mutual respect in the campus culture

Reduces pressure to smoke through social norming

Keys To Success Know why the policy should be adopted

Identify champion(s)

Decide on organizational structure

Allow time for teaching/learning Involve students, faculty, staff, community

Be respectful to those who disagree

Never give up

Signage (Inside)

Signage(Outside)

Internal Communication

Establish timeline and themeTop down messagingWeb pageFaculty In-ServiceEmployment Application Interview ProcessResource Room with High VisibilityFocus groupsFaculty, Staff, Student Governance groupsStudent Orientation SurveysSignage

External Communication

Advisory Committee Alumni Catalog and all campus publications Press releases Web page Focus groups Surveys Signage Facilities rental/use agreements Vendors Continuing Education Letters to editor

Keys to Enforcement

Understanding why policy was adopted Having realistic expectations Realizing enforcement is everyone’s

responsibility Teaching non-compliance is not acceptable

Treating everyone with respect Approach someone using tobacco on campus

Listening

Annual Workshop and Consultation Services

The Center of Excellence for Tobacco-Free Campus Policy hosts annual workshops and provides consultation services to help institutions develop and implement tobacco-free policy. The following institutions are among many to credit The Center of Excellence for helping them become tobacco-free. Stanly College, Albemarle North Carolina De Anza College, Cupertino California Ivy Tech Community College, Lafayette Indiana St Charles Community College, St Peters Missouri University of Arkansas, Fayetteville Arkansas University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond Oklahoma

Contact Ty Patterson Director

The Center of Excellence for Tobacco-Free Campus Policy

Ozarks Technical Community College 1001 E Chestnut Expressway

Springfield MO 65802 417-447-8887

www.otc.edu/about/tobaccofree

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