100.1 Tobacco Free Campus

Date Adopted: 2/4/2011
Date Revised: 4/21/2016
Date Last Reviewed: 01/16/2024
References: MCA 50-40-102
Issuing Office: Chancellor
Approved By: Office of the Chancellor

1. Policy

   The use of tobacco (including cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, pipes, bidi, hookah, snus, orbs, vape, vapor, vaporizer pens and all forms of smokeless tobacco) by students, faculty, staff, guests, visitors, and contractors is prohibited on all properties owned by The University of Montana Western.

2. Background and Goal

   Tobacco use and second-and third-hand exposure to smoke and other carcinogenic tobacco waste, both in and outdoors, have been identified by the Surgeon General to be the cause of preventable diseases as evidenced by numerous scientific studies.

   In 2005, the Montana legislature decreed that the “right to breathe smoke-free air has priority over the desire to smoke” (Montana Code 50-40-102).

   A goal of Montana Western is to promote safety and encourage wellness of all individuals on campus.

   Montana Western is committed to supporting students and employees who wish to stop using tobacco. Students and employees wanting to quit can access the Montana Quit Line at 1-800-784-8669 (1-800-QUIT-NOW). Employees on the MUS medical benefits plan can also contact the MUS Employee Benefits Department at 1-877-501-1722 or visit the MUS benefits website at www.mus.edu/choices to explore eligibility for the Tobacco Cessation Benefit. Cessation counseling, classes, and/or quit kits may also be offered through the Campus Counseling Program.

3. Procedures

   1. The prohibition of tobacco use on campus includes:
      1. all interior space on Montana Western’s campuses and property leased by Montana Western;
      2. all outside property or grounds owned by Montana Western or leased by the University, including areas such as walkways, breezeways, shelters, parking lots, and patios;
      3. all vehicles leased or owned by Montana Western;
      4. all indoor and outdoor athletic facilities, as well as in the grandstands of outdoor facilities.
   2. All advertisement, sale, or distribution of tobacco is prohibited on Montana Western’s campuses.
   3. Littering any University property, whether owned or leased, is prohibited as well as against the law. Tobacco remains, including cigarette butts, are litter. While this policy supports the use of non-tobacco substitutes, such as herbal chews, users must be responsible for hygienic disposal of their waste products.
   4. It is prohibited to expose others on campus to the negative effects of second- or third-hand smoke.
   5. Attendees at all public events, using Montana Western facilities are required to abide by Montana Western’s tobacco-free policy. Organizers of such events are responsible for communicating the policy to attendees and for enforcing this policy.
   6. Specific activities used in connection with the practice of cultural activities by American Indians that are in accordance with the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, 42 U.S.C. sections 1996 and 1996a allow for the use of ceremonial tobacco. All ceremonial use exceptions must be approved in advance by the Chancellor of Montana Western or his/her designee.
   7. All college employees, students, visitors, guests, and contractors on campus are required to comply with this policy, which shall remain in effect at all times. All members of the campus community share responsibility in reminding violators of this policy.
   8. Students who repeatedly violate this policy may be subject to sanctions by the Dean of Students in consultation with the Chancellor.
   9. Faculty members who repeatedly violate this policy may be subject to sanctions by the Provost in consultation with the Chancellor.
   10. Staff and administration members who repeatedly violate this policy may be subject to sanctions by the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance in consultation with the Chancellor.

4. Authority and References

   • US Surgeon General’s Report. 2006. The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke.
   • MCA 50-40-102 (Montana Clean Indoor Air Act, Intent and Purpose, 10/01/05) American Indian Religious Freedom Act, U.S.C. sections 1996 and 1996a.
   • Montana Code 50-40-102
   • Surgeon General’s Report, December 09, 2010. How Tobacco Smoke Causes Disease: The Biology and Behavioral Basis for Smoking-Attributable Disease.

5. Responsibility

   Chancellor, Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Student Affairs, Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance, Dean of Students