EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
SECTION:     PPP-53
SUBJECT:     Smoking Policy Procedures (Current Policy)
 
 

Tobacco Free Workplace

Policy

As of August 1, 1997, smoking and other tobacco usage will be completely prohibited in any and all buildings, including buildings owned, leased or rented by ETSU, with the exception of residence halls. Effective June 1, 1998, smoking and other tobacco usage also will be prohibited in any and all residence halls on campus. This includes buildings located outside of the Johnson City campus. Doorway areas are considered part of the building for the purposes of this policy. Smoking continues to be prohibited in all state vehicles.

Background

Health risks of tobacco usage, including exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, and of the use of mouth tobacco are well known to all members of the ETSU community. The failure to address the practice of smoking in buildings at ETSU would constitute a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Vocational Rehabilitation Act. After verification of the legitimacy of complaints received from faculty, staff and students with legitimate disabilities, consultation with appropriate medical professionals, and upon recommendation of the appropriate college officials charged with implementation of these laws, it is our determination that this policy is a reasonable accommodation as defined by federal law.

Support

Understanding the addictive nature of some uses of tobacco products, ETSU will make every effort to assist those who may wish to stop smoking. If there is sufficient demand, ETSU will offer Smoking Cessation Programs.

Compliance

It is the responsibility of all members of the College community to observe this smoking policy. Complaints relating to the implementation of this policy should be referred to the building coordinator. The complaint either will be resolved by the building coordinator or will be referred to the appropriate supervisor. If necessary, disciplinary actions will be initiated consistent with University policy.
 
 

EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
SECTION:     PPP-53
SUBJECT:    Smoking/Tobacco Policy (revised 2008)

Tobacco-Free Campus

 Policy

 Effective August 11, 2008, ETSU is a Tobacco-Free Campus, with smoking and all other tobacco usage permitted only in private vehicles.  This policy applies to all university buildings/grounds; ETSU-affiliated off-campus locations and clinics; any buildings owned, leased or rented by ETSU in all other areas; and ETSU facilities located on the campus of the James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center at Mountain Home.  Tobacco use is also prohibited in all state vehicles.  This tobacco-free policy is in effect 24 hours a day year-round.

 Background

 The university promotes a healthy, sanitary environment free from tobacco smoke and tobacco-related debris.  The ETSU community acknowledges that long-term health hazards may accrue to people who use tobacco products or who are subjected to second-hand smoke.  The failure to address the use of tobacco products on campus would constitute a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Vocational Rehabilitation Act and Tennessee law. 

Support

 Understanding the addictive nature of tobacco products, ETSU will make every effort to assist those who may wish to stop using tobacco.  The university offers current information about available resources via http://www.etsu.edu/humanres/smokingcessationresources.htm.

 Compliance

 It is the responsibility of all members of the ETSU community to comply with this Tobacco-Free Campus Policy.  Violations of the policy will be dealt with in a manner that is consistent with university procedures.  There shall be no reprisals against anyone reporting violations of this policy.