Tobacco- and Smoke-Free Project Team Town Hall Discussion March 27, 2013
Project Structure Communications Facilities and Grounds Steering Committee Policy & Overall Coordination Health & Wellness Enforcement
Project Roadmap Jan Convene teams Plan assessment Outline Policy Feb - Mar Complete Assessment Utilize to draft policy and implementation plan Launch website Invite feedback Apr Submit to President for approval Brief student leaders & 3Ds Announce policy May Jul Implement actions Communications Aug Policy takes effect Monitor, evaluate, adjust Communications Sep Dec Monitor, evaluate, adjust Communications
Assessment National Surveys 14.7% of student respondents indicated that they had used cigarettes in the last 30 days and 8.3% indicated that they had used Hookah. Perceived use very high. In a recent health survey, 19% of US adults (18 and over) identified themselves as current cigarette smokers. At AU 12.5% of undergraduate student respondents indicated that they smoke multiple times a day, with another 6.8% reporting smoking between once a week to once a day. 10% of graduate students identified themselves as a smoker. Estimate that the percentage of faculty, staff and contractors who smoke in their respective buildings and department is closer to 10%. It is estimated that nearly 30% of contract workers smoke. American College Health Association National College Health Assessment, Spring 2012 National Health Interview Survey, 2011 AU Undergraduate Student Smoking Ban Survey, 2013. AU Graduate Student Survey Related to Smoke Free, 2011.
Forms of Tobacco Hookah Use: Seen by some to be safer. Second most commonly used form of tobacco. Nationally, 8.4% of students used in past 30 days. Nearly 60% of hookah users report using another form of tobacco as well. Campuses are seeing the use of e-cigarettes: 2.6% of students who use tobacco also use e-cigarettes. 13% of cigarette smokers also use e-cigarettes. Source: University of Kentucky
Where Smoking Occurs Today
Policy Framework Policy Element Proposed 1. Effective date and rationale for policy August 15, 2013. Tobacco use in any form is a significant health hazard (Surgeon General). To reduce the health risks associated with exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (secondhand smoke). Reduce health costs associated with tobacco and smoking use. 2. Does the policy apply to only smoking or to the use of any tobacco product? Prohibits use of any and all tobacco products, whether inhaled or ingested. Applies to all tobacco and smoking products including Hookah, and electronic cigarettes. 3. Are students and employees prohibited from bringing tobacco products or just using these products on campus? Not prohibited from bringing to campus. Use, distribution, and sale on campus are prohibited. 7
Policy Framework Policy Element 4. Does the policy apply to contractors, students, visitors, and other nonemployees, or only to employees? 5. Does the policy apply to all campus areas (e.g., owned property, leased facilities, parking lots, parking decks, construction areas)? Proposed Applies to anyone who is on property owned, leased or otherwise controlled or operated by the university including students, faculty, staff, contract/other employees, visitors, volunteers, contractors, and service representatives. Applies to buildings, parking lots, other structures and grounds. Applies to vehicles owned, leased or rented by AU. Only permitted for controlled research or theatrical performances as set forth in the DC Code. 6. Who is responsible for informing students, faculty, staff, contract workers, visitors? For students, Dean of Students. For staff, immediate supervisors and ultimately HR. For faculty, immediate supervisors and ultimately Dean of Academic Affairs. For contract employees, Contract Administrator. Enforcement of the policy is reliant on the cooperation of all students, faculty, staff and contractors. 8
Policy Framework Facilities Sub Committee Policy Element Proposed 7. Are there designated smoking areas on campus? Three temporary sites will be designated until the end of the fall semester. The University does not own the sidewalks and streets that border its campus. 8. Does the policy apply to the use of tobacco products in private vehicles while these vehicles are on campus (e.g., in parking lots)? Use of tobacco products prohibited in cars on university property including parking lots. 9. Does the policy apply to the use of tobacco products in university vehicles when these vehicles are off campus? Yes. Use in university vehicles when off campus is prohibited. 9
Facilities and Grounds Signs Tobacco use allowed until the end of the fall 2013 semester.
Campus Map The university does not own the streets and sidewalks that border the campus.
Other Properties
Campus Map Transition Areas Area 1 Area 2 Tobacco use allowed until the end of the fall 2013 semester. Area 3
Transition Area 1: Beeghly Deck near Osborn OSBORN
Transition Area 2 Kogod Ellipse near Massachusetts Ave.
Transition Area 3 Walkway near Roper and SIS
Policy Framework Enforcement Sub Committee Policy Element 10. Who is responsible for spotting and reporting violations? Fielding complaints regarding possible violations? Initiating disciplinary measures for noncompliance? Proposed Create a culture of compliance. Tobacco-Free Ambassadors support compliance. All may approach tobacco user or report use of tobacco through reporting system. 11. What will the disciplinary measures be? Students, Staff and Faculty subject to respective discipline processes. Visitors may be barred from campus. 17
Enforcement Creating a Culture of Compliance Tobacco-Free Ambassadors, team of faculty, staff, student volunteers who are committed to promoting compliance with the tobacco-free policy. Compliance is achieved through consistent messaging via scripting, and policy and tobacco treatment education. Use of a firm, polite and compassionate approach! It is an ongoing, long-term initiative. Source: Tobacco-Free University of Kentucky
Tobacco-Free AU Ambassadors Paid part-time staff and volunteers. Walk through campus with a focus on hot spots ; use scripting with violators. Report violators, monitor report line, follow up in a timely fashion. Collect data (e.g., cigarette butt pick up to evaluate compliance, number of violators, response to scripting). Educate about the policy and treatment resources. Promote visibility and good will! Source: Tobacco-Free University of Kentucky
Tobacco-Free AU Ambassadors Example of Scripting: Hello, my name is and I am a(n) (position) at AU. Our campus is completely tobacco-free so I need to ask you to please put out your cigarette. Thank you for respecting our policy! If asked where smoking is permitted: Until the end of November, smoking is permitted (cite locations). Additionally the University does not own the sidewalks and streets that border its campus. Source: Tobacco-Free University of Kentucky
3Ts of Tobacco Free Policy Implementation 1. Tell about the policy via good signage and integration, consistent communication 2. Treat tobacco users by providing free nicotine replacement and a menu of counseling/behavioral support 3. 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 a tobacco-free policy on college campuses. Nursing Clinics of North America, 47(1), 109-117.
Three Step Process for Corrective Action 1) Tell tobacco user to move to a proper location and remind that the campus is tobacco-free. Provide treatment information. 2) Tobacco user is reported to a policy enforcement volunteer. Contact with the person will be made with a reminder of the policy referral to available resources. 3) Tobacco user is referred to respective disciplinary process. 22
Processes Enforcement Student Code of Conduct Failure to follow the directive of a University Official. Staff Progressive Discipline Failure to follow University policy. Faculty To be determined Contractors To be determined Visitors To be determined
Communications Tobacco- and Smoke-Free Campus Update: March 1 24
Communications Tobacco- and Smoke-Free Campus Update to the AU Community: Feedback Tone of the Response 11 - Negative 14 - Neutral 7 - Positive AU Community Status 7 - Faculty 5 - Staff 20 - Students (4-WCL, 3-PhD, 7-Undergrad, 6-Undetermined) Type of Response 8 - Complaints 3 - General Comments (Praise/Thank you) 8 - Questions 13 - Suggestions (some provided comments to all of the questions in the memo) Main Concerns - AU can t take away my right to smoke, i.e., infringement on rights. - This may unintentionally target our international students and their culture. - This will cause a decrease in enrollment. - How will policy be enforced?; what will the policy encompass? 25
Communications Tobacco- and Smoke-Free Website - Launched week of March 18 - Direct URL: http://www.american.edu/initiatives/tobaccofree/tobacco-free-au.cfm - User-friendly URL: http://www.american.edu/tobaccofree 26
Communications Next Steps - 2nd memo to campus community on proposed policy framework: March 27 - Tobacco-Free AU Town Hall Discussion: March 27, 5:30 p.m. - Presentations to campus constituencies starting week of March 25 Faculty Town Hall PrOCo Faculty Senate University Council Students Town Hall RHA Meeting SG Meetings Student Health Advisory Committee University Council Staff Town Hall OCL Directors Meeting HR Reps HR Staff Benefits Committee University Council Staff Council 27
Policy Framework Health & Wellness Sub Committee Policy Element 12. What tobacco use cessation services will the university offer to employees and through what channels? Proposed Various support for students, faculty, staff. Ensure support from contractors. 28
Student Resources Wellness Center/Student Health Center Tobacco Cessation Programs Smoking /Tobacco Cessation Visits and Medication Management Reduced cost /free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) options for all participating students Educational sessions on coverage provided by Student Health Insurance Smoking cessation programs / Chantix with referral from SHC Educational sessions on accessing benefits from other plans Wellness Center and Health Center Programming 29
Faculty and Staff Resources AhealthyU Faculty and Staff Wellness Program Faculty Staff Assistance Plan AhealthyU/Wellsource: Online LivingFree smoking cessation program AU Medical Flexible Spending Account Covers smoking cessation programs and medications (including over-thecounter medications), if prescribed by a physician AU Health Plans CareFirst/Express Scripts Chantix and generic medications available at no copay CareFirst smoking cessation web site AU Health Plans Kaiser Members pay 50% of the cost for smoking cessation medications Online smoking cessation program & website; Telephonic wellness coaching Contractors (e.g. Bon Appetit, Aramark) 30
Initiatives and Collaborations Community Collaboration Kaiser Mid-Atlantic s on-site smoking cessation program (8 weeks) Local/national organizations (e.g. American Lung Association, American Cancer Society, DC Department of Public Health) Supplies Nicotine gum Tabling and Health Promotion Great American Smoke Out, Kick Butts Day Online Resources 31
Questions/Next Steps Policy Present at Town Hall and other meetings to obtain feedback Determine unit responsible for ongoing management and monitoring Finalize policy Implementation Planning Plan from all sub committees Develop budget Salary for part-time staff Signage Supplies including smoking cessation material Protocols for visitors Longer term monitoring plan including avenues for input and feedback 32
We Welcome Your Feedback. Email us at: tobaccofree@american.edu Or visit us at: http://www.american.edu/tobaccofree