Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Wichita State University want to be a tobacco-free campus?
When did the policy take effect?
Isn't smoking a personal, legal right?
Am I required to quit using tobacco?
Will I be expelled / fired if I use tobacco while on campus?
What do I do if I see someone using tobacco on WSU campus?
What support programs are available to assist students, staff and faculty in becoming tobacco-free?
Why was tobacco chosen as opposed to other health risks?
Why does Wichita State University want to be a tobacco-free campus?
Wichita State University is committed to providing a tobacco-free environment for the health, well-being and safety of university students, faculty, staff and visitors.
The use of tobacco products, in any form, will be prohibited on all Wichita State University properties. These products include, but are not limited to: cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, roll your own tobacco, snus and other spitless products, e-cigarettes, hookah, pipes and smokeless tobacco.
When did this policy take effect?
The policy was implemented on July 1, 2017.
No. However, Tobacco Free Wu & Me is committed to creating a smooth transition to a tobacco-free environment, so we will continue to educate our campus community about the policy.
Isn't smoking a personal, legal right?
Yes, however, being a tobacco user is not a “protected class” under discrimination laws. Tobacco Free Wu & Me believes in the rights of individuals to make choices and does not want to infringe upon what individuals do at home or at other venues. However, out of respect for the health and safety of everyone who visits our facilities, we will have a tobacco-free campus.
Am I required to quit using tobacco?
No. Our goal is to create a healthier, tobacco-free environment, not to force people to stop using tobacco products. While information about support programs and nicotine replacement therapies will be provided to assist anyone who wishes to stop, quitting is not a requirement for policy compliance.
Will I be expelled / fired if I use tobacco while on campus?
No, the goal is not to punish people severely for using tobacco, but assist them with understanding the purpose of the policy and with cessation as requested. Tobacco Free Wu & Me would like to see a campus environment that is respectful of this policy, as with any other campus policy.
What do I do if I see someone using tobacco on WSU campus?
Tobacco Free Campus Ambassadors are volunteers who have been specially trained to help maintain a culture of respect, health, and safety on WSU campus. If you are not a trained Tobacco Free Campus Ambassador, the main thing to remember is to always be respectful of others while on campus and to maintain your safety first. If you feel comfortable approaching the non-compliant individual(s), a courteous reminder that WSU is a tobacco-free campus is all that is needed. Please report the incident, including time of day, nearest building, and location description (parking lot, sidewalk, etc.) to the Ambassador Program Coordinator. If you are interested in becoming a Tobacco Free Campus Ambassador, contact Tobacco Free Wu & Me HERE.
What support programs are available to assist students, staff and faculty in becoming tobacco-free?
Student Health Services and the Counseling and Testing Center are working together to offer comprehensive cessation services for students, staff and faculty to include individual and group counseling sessions and potentially offer nicotine replacement therapy on campus for no / low cost. The Kansas Tobacco Quitline is also a free service available to anyone older than 13 with a highly trained cessation counselor by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669) or by going online at KSQuit.org. Employees who are tobacco users can call 1-888-275-1205 to see what services, medications, and other resources are available as part of the employee benefits plan.
No. There have over 1,500 other colleges / universities around the country that have adopted tobacco-free policies without any dramatic changes in enrollment.
Why was tobacco chosen as opposed to other health risks?
Tobacco use continues to be the #1 cause of preventable disease and death in the United States.