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Frequently Asked QuestionsGeneral Questions
Faculty & Staff Information
When does the Tobacco Free policy start?August 20, 2007, ashtrays completely removed by September 4, 2007. Whom does this policy affect?Patients, visitors, faculty, staff, volunteers, physicians, students, contract / other employees, contractors and service representatives. In fact, it applies to anyone who comes to campus. Don't we already have a smoke-free policy? How is this different from our current policy?Smoking in buildings has long been prohibited. The IU Northwest campus modified its policy in 1997 to prohibit smoking within 30 feet of buildings. The new policy is intended to promote a healthy environment by prohibiting smoking and tobacco use anywhere on property owned or leased by the university's IU Northwest campus. Where can I smoke?Although sidewalks along these city streets are noted as city property, we continue to request as a courtesy to others and in keeping with the tobacco free commitment of the campus, that individuals refrain from tobacco use on the sidewalks adjoining campus property. The streets with the main campus boundaries which are included in the IU Northwest Tobacco Free Initiative:
Smoking is permitted only in your personal car. Parking lots owned or operated by the university are included in the ban; however, there will be no effort to enforce the ban in private vehicles located on university property provided users make a reasonable effort to contain smoking materials inside the vehicle (e.g., not throwing cigarette butts out of the window). Can I smoke in my personal car?Parking lots owned or operated by the university are included in the ban, however, there will be no effort to enforce the ban in private vehicles located on university property provided users make a reasonable effort to contain smoke and smoking materials inside the vehicle (e.g., not throwing cigarette butts out of the window). Does this policy apply to City owned streets, sidewalks and right-of-ways?Indiana University has no jurisdiction over the use of City owned streets, sidewalks and right-of-ways. However, please note that many streets and adjacent sidewalks on the campus are university property. Those interested in engaging in tobacco-related activities should exercise care to obviously and clearly engage in these activities on property that is not university property. What happens if a visitor violates the tobacco policy?We expect visitors to the campus to comply with campus policy. You may inform a visitor of the policy and its importance to the campus. Reports of violations by visitors may be made to the Office of the Student Services at: URL, physical location and phone. Will the campus or city police be responsible for enforcing the tobacco policy?No. How will the new policy be enforced?The policy states that enforcement will depend upon the cooperation of all faculty, staff, and students not only to comply with this policy but also to encourage others to comply with this policy in order to promote a healthy environment in which to work, study, and live. Accordingly, tobacco users are expected to voluntarily comply with the policy. Anyone who observes a possible violation may courteously and without confrontation inform the individual of the tobacco-free policy and attempt to offer an information card. The card outlines the tobacco-free campus policy. More information about these cards can be found at www.iun.edu/~nonsmoke . What are the consequences for violating the policy?Great efforts will be made to ensure faculty, staff and students are aware of the new policy. Individuals who knowingly violate the policy will be referred to the appropriate campus administrative unit for appropriate administrative action. Can a smoker smoke tobacco-free cigarettes?You are expected to comply with the policy. By using tobacco-free cigarettes you will be perceived to not be complying with the policy. Can visitors smoke on our campus?No. Visitors may not smoke on IU Northwest property. Faculty & Staff InformationAs an employee, do I have to quit smoking?No, the university cannot compel you to quit using tobacco, but you cannot use tobacco on university property Click here for more information that answers this question. However, if you are interested in quitting, a number of resources are available to help you quit, including:
Additional Resources
What pharmacological therapies are available to university employees with employer-provided health insurance?Contact the company that provides your coverage.What resources are available to help those who are struggling with this change and would like counseling?Full-time appointed employees have access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 1-888-234-8327 (toll-free) . The IU Northwest Office of Counseling Services, located in Sycamore Hall, room 301 is also available to assist and can be reached at 219- 981-4235. Can I use the money I put aside in my Tax Saver Benefit (TSB) account to pay for costs related to smoking cessation aids and counseling that are not covered by insurance?Yes, you can use your TSB money to pay for counseling (by a licensed counselor, M.D., Ph.D., social worker), nicotine gum not covered by insurance, or for co-pays on items that are partially covered by insurance (patches, nasal sprays, inhalers, drugs for smoking cessation, etc.). If you have questions or want to be certain that you have picked a counselor that is acceptable for use of TSB funds, call Nyhart at (317) 803-7750. Does the policy affect employees at facilities off the main IU Northwest campus?Yes, the policy applies to everyone at all IU Northwest, regardless of location. This includes the Portage and Merrillville sites. Isn't this a violation of my civil rights?No. The Trustees of Indiana University have the authority to govern the use of university property and regulate its use. How should managers/supervisors talk to employees about the policy?It is recommended that managers/supervisors should inform all employees of this policy both in writing and in person. What should managers/supervisors do if one of their employees violates the policy?Violations of campus policy should be routed through the appropriate offices for administrative action. Will progressive discipline be used if someone violates this policy?Employees who engage in knowing repeated violations of the policy will be addressed through appropriate administrative action. How do I tell visitors about our smoking policy?You may simply state, "For the health of our visitors, students and employees, tobacco is not allowed on our campus." You may also want to acquire some Info Cards. Visit www.tobaccofree.iun.edu. What resources are available to assist in the transition?IU Northwest understands that change can be difficult. The following
information and resources are available to assist in the transition.
Thank you for your support! General tips for communicating with visitors
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Last Updated:
22 August 2007
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