Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Wayne State's smoke- and tobacco-free policy and when does it take effect?
Effective August 19, 2015, smoking and the use of all tobacco products is prohibited in all university buildings, facilities, grounds and university-owned vehicles, as they are considered property of the university. “Property,†for purposes of this paragraph, includes parking structures, bridges and walkways, sidewalks, and parking lots.
- Why is the policy being implemented?
Wayne State University has a vital interest in maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees and visitors. Research findings indicate that use of tobacco products and exposure to secondhand smoke in general constitutes a significant health hazard. The health education programs of the university perform an important function by demonstrating and promoting healthy lifestyles through activities such as curtailment of the use of tobacco products.
- What does Wayne State's smoke- and tobacco-free policy cover?
“Smoking†or “smoke†means inhaling, exhaling, vaping, burning or carrying any lighted or heated cigar, cigarette, pipe or other tobacco product as defined below.
“Tobacco products†means all forms of tobacco, including but not limited to tobacco and other products used in cigarettes, cigars, pipes, water (hookah) pipes or pens, electronic cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco products.
- To whom does the policy apply?
All university employees, students, contractors and visitors are required to adhere to the smoke- and tobacco-free policy while on WSU property.
- Will there be designated smoking areas?
No. The university will not provide designated smoking areas. Smoking will be permitted outside the perimeter of the campus, and we believe that will provide those who continue to smoke with accessible areas in which to do that.
- Can people smoke and use tobacco in personal vehicles?
Yes. Smoking and tobacco use is permitted in private vehicles parked on the WSU campus. University parking lots are included in the smoke- and tobacco-free campus, but the ban does not include the interior of vehicles parked in those lots.
- What will happen to people who don’t follow the policy?
The success of this policy will depend on the thoughtfulness, consideration and cooperation of both tobacco users and non-users. All students, faculty, staff, volunteers, customers and visitors share in the responsibility for adhering to and enforcing this policy.
Students who violate this policy may be subject to the Student Code of Conduct, as well as warnings and ticketing by WSU Police. Employees who violate this policy may be subject to the appropriate disciplinary process, as well as warnings and ticketing by WSU Police.
- Have other universities gone smoke- and tobacco-free on the whole campus?
Yes. As of Oct. 2, 2015, there were more than 1,600 smoke-free campuses, of which 1,130 around two-thirds were fully tobacco-free. In addition, a rapidly growing number (769) now also prohibit the use of e-cigarettes anywhere on campus.