Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Penn State going tobacco-free?

Penn State strives to be a leader in promoting quality of life, and to enhance the health of all members of the campus community. Establishing a smoke-free and tobacco‐free campus policy supports Penn State’s strategic priority to enhance health and wellness within the Penn State community. The University also wants to support individuals who are working toward becoming tobacco- or smoke- free. Tobacco-free campus policies help individuals who want to quit while simultaneously protecting non-smokers from exposure to second-hand smoke.

Why did Penn State decide to go both smoke-free and tobacco-free?

A tobacco-free environment helps create a safe and healthy workplace. There are numerous benefits to a tobacco-free campus, including reduced health-care costs, and reduced tobacco and cigarette litter on campus. Being tobacco- and smoke-free contributes to an overall healthier environment for Penn State.

Have other institutions implemented smoke-free and/or tobacco-free policies?

The majority (11 of 14) of Big Ten institutions have either a tobacco-free or smoke-free campus policy. The American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation reports that, as of April 3, 2017, there are at least 1,827 institutions which are 100 percent smoke‐free campuses. Of these, 1,536 are 100 percent tobacco‐free, and 1,400 prohibit the use of e‐cigarettes.

What tobacco products are included in the policy?

Tobacco is defined as all tobacco-derived or containing products, including and not limited to cigarettes (e.g., clove, bidis, kreteks, electronic cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos), hookah smoked products, pipes and oral tobacco (e.g., spit and spitless, smokeless, chew, snuff) and nasal tobacco. It also includes any product intended to mimic tobacco products, contain tobacco flavoring or deliver nicotine, other than for the purpose of cessation.

What about vaping?

The policy includes any product intended to mimic tobacco products, which includes electronic cigarettes, other than for the purpose of cessation.

Will tobacco users be able to use tobacco products anywhere on campus?

Smoking and tobacco use are permitted in personal vehicles on Penn State properties.

Does the tobacco-free policy apply to outdoor sporting events, tailgating, concerts, or other events?

The policy applies to all University owned, operated and leased property, including athletic facilities, tailgating fields, and concert venues. Visitors are asked to comply with the tobacco-free policy and encourage others to comply with the policy as well.

Will the policy allow for religious or cultural exceptions?

Exemptions to the policy include:

1. Research
2. Cultural and religious practices

Does this policy apply to all students, employees and visitors to campus?

Yes

What resources are available to me?

A list of tobacco cessation resources for faculty, staff and students can be found on the Resources page.

Are technical service employees affected by this policy?

The updated policy does not apply to Penn State employees currently represented by unions, although voluntary compliance will be encouraged.

How will this policy be enforced?

Penn State strives to create a culture that encourages compliance by promoting and supporting a healthy environment. The success of this policy depends upon obtaining and maintaining the willingness, understanding and cooperation of all tobacco and non-tobacco users at all University locations. It is the responsibility of all members of the Penn State community to establish and maintain smoke-free/tobacco free campus environments. Each University member is responsible for monitoring compliance with this policy at his/her level of involvement in the University community.