Talking Points Tobacco Free USC

Campus Wide Policy – January 1, 2014

Tobacco Free USCEffective: January 1, 2014

• Tobacco Free Campus Policy– Email from President 10/22/13– Enforced 1/1/14

• Review Purpose of Policy and Essentials of Policy• The 3 T’s Implementation Plan– Tell, Treat and Train

• How You Can Help

1. To provide a healthy campus in which to live, learn, work and play.

2. To support the health and well-being of all Gamecocks.3. Support the university’s commitment to public health and

sustainability

The specific intent of this policy is to:• Create an environment that is conducive to quitting tobacco• To promote the prevention of tobacco use and• To prevent the risks associated with exposure to second-

hand smoke.

Purpose of the Policy

What is the Policy?Covered Individuals• Faculty, staff, visitors, students, volunteers, contractors and vendors

Definitions• “Tobacco and smoking products” include, all tobacco-derived or

containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes (i.e. clove, bidis, kreteks), electronic cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos, pipes, water pipes, smokeless tobacco products or substitutions (spit and spitless, chew, pouches, snuff) or any other device intended to simulate smoked tobacco. This does not apply to nicotine replacement therapy, which is designed to assist tobacco users to quit tobacco.

• “University property” shall include all buildings, facilities, grounds and spaces leased, owned or controlled by the University of South Carolina whether or not signs are posted.

What is the Policy?

Use of Tobacco Products• The use of any tobacco and smoking products are prohibited

on University property. No ashtrays, receptacles or smoking shelters will be permitted.

• The use of tobacco products in University owned, operated or leased vehicles and personal vehicles on University property is prohibited.

• USC also discourages the use of tobacco products by all covered individuals on properties adjacent to the campus.

What is the Policy?

Support of Tobacco Products• All tobacco industry promotions, advertising, marketing, are

prohibited on university properties. Includes Tobacco industry and related company sponsorship of athletic events and athletes is prohibited.

• The university discourages the acceptance of any funds from tobacco companies.

The 3 Ts of Tobacco-free Policy Implementation

•TELL about the policy via good signage, branding, and integrated, consistent communication

•Treat tobacco users by providing NRT (free preferably) and a menu of counseling/behavioral support

•Train staff and volunteers in firm yet compassionate scripting in handling violators

Hahn, E.J., Fallin, A., Darville, A., Kercsmar, S.E., McCann, M., Record, R. (2012). The Three T’s of adopting tobacco-free policies on college campuses. Nursing Clinics of North America, 47(1), 109-117.

TELL - New Signage

• Focusing on:• Parking lots• Periphery of Campus• Green Spaces• Trash Cans

• Removal of cigarette butt receptacles in December

• Emphasize messages on littering

TELL - One Pager

TELL - Campus Map

Adding statement that USC property is 100% tobacco free

Tell - Postcard

Tell - Advertisements

TREAT: Programs and Resources• sc.edu/tobaccofreeusc• Campus Wellness offers multiple options– Technology-based: phone, web, text• www.sa.sc.edu/shs/cw/students/tobacco • www.sa.sc.edu/shs/cw/staff/tobacco

• Quit for Life for State Health Plan members (Medication & Coaching) - Call 1-866-QUIT4LIFE

• Deer Oaks - Call 1-866-EAP-2400

• SC State Quitline for Uninsured and Underinsured• 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669)

• Pharmacy in Thomson Student Health Center has Nicotine Replacement Therapy available: (803) 777-4890

TRAIN: Policy Enforcement

• Everyone Plays a Part• Emphasize we are asking for respect for the policy• First priority is to make aware of the policy• Educate about treatment options• If violators continue or refuse to respect the policy

they can be addressed by disciplinary action

TRAIN: Policy Enforcement• Staff: Management will follow disciplinary policy for repeat

violators– Supervisor Toolkit for Coaching

• Students: Code of Conduct– Focuses on Education about tobacco, referral to treatment

with repeat violations requiring essay, fines and community service

– http://www.housing.sc.edu/osc/pdf/UNIV500ProposedTobaccoSanctions091913.pdf

• Faculty – Report violations to Unit Head• Visitors, Affiliates, Vendors, Contractors – Everyone’s

Responsibility

Key Words for Key Moments:Promoting Respect for the Policy via Scripting

If you see a person using tobacco on USC property: • Be polite and friendly• Assume that the person does

not know about the policy• Explain that tobacco use is not

permitted on USC property, grounds or spaces

• Offer a USC Tobacco Free Campus Policy information card

Consistent scripting will ensure that the message is firm, polite and compassionate

Example:If you see someone using tobacco products:“Hello, my name is [your name] and I am a(n) [position/student] here with the University of South Carolina. Are you are aware that we don’t allow the use of tobacco products of any kind on campus? Please respect our policy and put your cigarette (or cigar) out and dispose of it in a trash can. I also wanted to let you know that there are free resources here on campus to help you quit tobacco if you are ready. Visit the sc.edu/tobaccofreeusc web site for more information. I really appreciate your willingness to help us keep our campus tobacco free.” Where am I allowed to use tobacco products?“Smoking and other tobacco products are not allowed anywhere on the USC campus. “If the person using tobacco becomes hostile:Walk away and contact campus police.

TRAIN: Policy Enforcement• Additional Tools to

Help:– Supervisor Toolkit– Scripting Handout/Video

on how to approach violators

– Informational Cards regarding policy

– Website- Reporting Form for Hot Spots

Maintaining Compliance

• Compliance must-go-hand in hand with compassion• Using best judgment in tragic and stressful situations

It takes everyone!

We Need Your Help

• Incorporate the message in communications• Know the policy• Enforce the policy with respect and empathy• Encourage tobacco users to use treatment

resources available.

Questions? Find out more information at:

View the policy and find resources at:

www.sc.edu/tobaccofreeusc

For help with a policy related issue email:

TOBACCOF@mailbox.sc.edu