Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Drury’s Tobacco-Free Policy
Tobacco Policy
Through the University's respective commitments to Wellness and Sustainability, we are committed to presenting a healthy, safe and clean campus environment for students, employees, visitors to campus, and the Drury community. Tobacco use, including but not limited to cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes, snus, hookah, or any other tobacco product is prohibited on campus and inside University-owned vehicles. The policy is enforceable for all general use and academic buildings, residence halls and apartment-style housing, athletic facilities, open air spaces, and common areas.
When does the policy take effect?
August 1, 2011: Policy in Enacted. Educate the Drury University community.
August 1, 2011 to Aug. 16, 2012: Continue with education efforts and seek compliance.
Aug. 17, 2012: Enforcement of the tobacco-free policy begins.
Why is Drury University going tobacco free?
Through the University's respective commitments to wellness and sustainability, we are committed to presenting a healthy, safe and clean campus environment for students, visitors to campus, and the Drury community.
Isn't this a violation of my civil rights?
No, a tobacco free campus policy is not a violation of an individual's civil rights. There is no state or federal law that provides a "right" to smoke or use tobacco. In addition, the University has the authority to govern and regulate the use of its facilities and properties.
Am I in violation of the policy if I possess tobacco products?
No, the policy governs use of tobacco products, not possession of tobacco products.
Will the policy be enforced inside personal vehicles on campus?
No. Drury will not enforce the tobacco policy inside individual, personal vehicles parked on university property. It will be the vehicle owner's responsibility to reasonably contain the smoke inside their vehicle while parked on campus. This does not include university-owned vehicles, which will be included in the policy.
Does the tobacco-free policy mean that smokers can no longer work at Drury?
Drury University does not want to lose any employees. The new policy means that no one may smoke or use tobacco on Drury's campus or in university-owned vehicles. Essentially, you may continue to use tobacco, but you may not use tobacco on campus.
What about Drury's satellite course delivery sites? Is the policy in effect at those locations?
Drury does not own the properties at its satellite course delivery sites throughout southwest Missouri. Drury rents or leases space for its classes, often in a high school or other public building. Many of those properties are already tobacco-free. Drury will continue to abide by the tobacco policies put in place by the owners of those properties. As always, during a Drury class, tobacco use is not allowed.
Does the policy include on-campus housing?
Yes. In accordance with federal law pertaining to tampering with smoke detectors, Drury campus housing has long been smoke-free inside buildings. The tobacco policy will now include open air spaces and perimeters of all dormitory, apartment-style housing and fraternity houses.
Will the policy apply to campus sporting events, concerts and other university or non-university sponsored events?
Yes. The policy will be included as standard language in all campus contracts and facility rental agreements; the policy will pertain to suppliers and service providers while on campus, and the policy will be announced prior to all Drury sporting events.
Does the policy include ALL of Drury's Springfield campus, and, if so, what constitutes "campus"?
Yes. View Drury's Online Campus Map
Who is responsible for enforcing the policy and what are the consequences of violating the policy?
Efforts will be made to ensure that faculty, staff and students are aware of the policy. Responsibility for complying with the policy rest first and foremost with the individual. Individuals who violate the policy will be referred to the appropriate campus administrative unit for disciplinary action.
What resources are available to help those who are struggling with this change and would like assistance with quitting tobacco use?
Students are encouraged to contact Campus Wellness for cessation assistance. Faculty and staff are encouraged to contact Human Resources for services through our health care provider for tobacco cessation options, or to visit Cessation Resources on the Drury University website.
Does this policy apply to city owned streets, sidewalks and right-of-ways?
Drury University does not have jurisdiction over the use of city owned streets, sidewalks and right-of-ways in regard to tobacco use or related activities. Please note, however, that many streets and sidewalks adjacent to the campus are university property. To avoid confusion, those wishing to use tobacco should do so on a site that is clearly not university property. It is also really important to be respectful of the owners of that non-university property. Please do remember that Central High School is also a tobacco free campus. You are not permitted to use tobacco on Central High School's campus or adjacent streets.
Does this policy apply in University residence halls?
Drury University residence halls have been smoke free. The revised tobacco free policy does apply to residents of University residence halls.
Why does the tobacco policy apply to the entire campus, instead of just the academic side?
Though students living on campus may find it more difficult and inconvenient to adhere to the tobacco policy, allowing tobacco use outside of the residence halls on university property would not align with Drury University's strategic goal of creating a healthy, clean and safe environment for the campus and community.
Why is smokeless tobacco included in the ban?
Establishing a comprehensive policy that includes all forms of tobacco has better health outcomes, is more equitable, and easier to enforce. The policy consistently addresses health issues, because there is no safe form of tobacco. Chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes and snuff contain cancer-causing agents and can lead to hypertension. In addition, smokeless tobacco use often creates unwanted and sometimes hazardous waste and byproducts that can be spilled both outdoors and indoors. These spills create more cleanup work for campus maintenance staff and harm the environment.
Who should I talk to about questions or concerns that I have about the Tobacco-Free Policy?
Your opinion and feedback are very important to us and we want to help you understand the policy and answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to contact Amy Blansit, Director of Campus Wellness (417) 873-6362.
Drury University Campus Tobacco Policy
Tobacco Cessation Resources
Tobacco Task Force
Return to Wellness Homepage
