Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Macalester College policy on use of tobacco products on campus?
Link to the Macalester College’s policy
Who will the Tobacco-Free Campus Policy affect?
The policy applies to anyone who is on the Macalester College campus, including faculty, staff, students, alumni, contractors, vendors, volunteers, and visitors.
How is the policy going to be enforced?
The success of this policy depends upon the thoughtfulness, respect, and cooperation of everyone. All faculty members, staff members, and students share the responsibility of following and enforcing the policy. Individuals who refuse to comply with the policy will be held accountable through established Macalester College conduct policies and procedures.
What are the boundaries of the tobacco-free environment?
The Tobacco-Free Campus Policy establishes a tobacco-free environment on all College owned or leased properties. This includes the Ordway Field Center. Consequently, the use, distribution or sale of tobacco, including any smoking device or carrying any lighted smoking instrument, in College buildings or on College premises, or in any College-owned rented, or leased vehicles, is prohibited. Free distribution of tobacco products on campus or at College sponsored events is also prohibited.
Where can I direct questions about the Tobacco-Free Campus Policy?
Please send questions to [email protected].
Are other colleges tobacco-free?
Yes, colleges have been going tobacco-free since 2003. The number of universities adopting tobacco-free policies is continuing to increase. 50 Minnesota campuses already have tobacco-free policies in place. Nationwide, 975 are tobacco-free and more than 1,477 are smoke free as of October 1, 2014.
List from American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation
What products are considered tobacco?
For the pupose of this policy, “tobacco” is defined to include any lighted cigarette, cigar, pipe, clove cigarette, hookah smoked products, electronic cigarettes, and any other smoking product; and smokeless or spit tobacco, also known as kip, chew, snuff or snus, in any form.
Why are electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) included in Macalester’s tobacco-free policy?
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are included in the policy due to concerns about the health of e-cigarette users and bystanders and about the environmental impact of e-cigarettes. E-cigarettes are currently unregulated, largely untested and have not been proven safe or effective cessation aides. Despite some claims, their emissions are not simply “water vapor”. Studies have found nicotine, heavy metals, toxins, and carcinogens in e-cigarette emissions. E-cigarettes are manufactured without regulatory oversight or quality controls and disposal of their components, including lithium ion batteries, pose environmental concerns. For more information, please visit our “Tobacco Facts” page.
Do I have to quit smoking or stop using tobacco to live/work/study/attend events on campus?
The tobacco-free policy is not requiring tobacco users to quit but is more about maintaining a health environment, eliminating exposure to tobacco and secondhand smoke and having policy that is consistent with Macalester’s commitment to sustainability and social justice.Whether you use tobacco or not is up to you.
Why did Macalester go tobacco-free?
The tobacco-free campus policy is part of the college’s commitment to creating a healthy and sustainable environment for all members of our campus community, and is designed to be positive and health directed. In addition to health benefits, benefits of a tobacco-free policy include a reduction in fire hazards and chemicals on campus, creating cleaner grounds and air that support our college sustainability efforts.
Tobacco control is also a social justice issue. Strong tobacco control policies, including a tobacco-free campus, are in line with Macalester’s long-held commitment to social justice, activism and standing up for what is right even when it is difficult.