The policy will restrict the use of all forms of tobacco products including, but not
limited to, cigarettes, pipes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and snuff, as well as smokeless
electronic cigarettes and other similar devices.
It allows the use of tobacco products in private vehicles on campus.
The policy went into effect July 1, 2011, but implementation is delayed until Jan.
1, 2012, to allow a transition period and to provide support to those wishing to cease
tobacco usage.
Tennessee law already prohibits smoking in all buildings owned or operated by the
state, which includes any University-owned or leased facilities, vehicles, and athletic
venues.
Previous policy previously allowed smoking 20 feet away from doorways, windows, ventilation
systems, walkways, and gates.
Why is MTSU Tobacco-Free?
We at MTSU are not alone in making such a move. More than 400 colleges and universities
across the nation are completely smoke-free on campus.
Across the state, universities like Austin Peay, Tennessee Tech, and East Tennessee
State have enacted similar policies.
We feel this policy is not about denying rights; it's about promoting and creating
a healthy environment for all.
We are not focusing on tobacco users as much as we are focusing on a behavior in public
spaces we all share. Individuals can still use tobacco in their cars and at off-campus
locations.
Student Health Services has reported treating students with asthma and other respiratory
illnesses whose conditions are triggered by outdoor exposure to second-hand smoke.
