What are the boundaries of the university for the purposes of defining university property?

The boundaries include any property owned or leased by the university, as well as any adjoining sidewalks. For more detailed information about Texas State property boundaries, visit Boundary Map of Texas State .

Does the tobacco-free policy apply to university apartments?

The policy applies to all university residence halls and apartments.University apartments include Clear Springs, Comanche Hill, Campus Colony and Bobcat Village.

Can persons smoke on city streets or sidewalks that cross the campus?

Texas State has both university and city streets. The use of tobacco is prohibited on all university streets and sidewalks. The tobacco policy does not apply to city streets (e.g. Aquarena Springs, Sessom, University, Comanche) or sidewalks that are not adjoining university property.

Will the use of e-cigarettes be permitted?

Electronic cigarettes create a vapor that delivers nicotine. E-cigarettes have been classified as a tobacco product and will be regulated by the FDA. E-cigarettes are not approved for smoking cessation. Scientific studies regarding their safety are inadequate at this time. E-cigarettes will not be permitted until the FDA rules on their safety. However, nicotine gum and lozenges are available without prescription for use in managing nicotine cravings. Nicotine patches are effective for smoking cessation, but less effective for sporadic nicotine cravings. Nicotine inhalers and nasal sprays are available by prescription for use in managing nicotine cravings.

Does the Texas State Tobacco Policy apply at university sanctioned events or sporting activities occurring off campus?

The Texas State Tobacco Policy applies only to university owned or leased property or vehicles. Events or activities scheduled elsewhere are bound by the policies or rules of the event coordinator or property manager.

Does the Texas State Tobacco Policy prohibit the use of chewing tobacco on campus?

The use of all tobacco products, including chewing tobacco and snuff, is prohibited on all university owned or leased property or vehicles.

How will Texas State enforce the Tobacco Policy?

The Tobacco Policy includes a two-step approach to enforcement. Persons violating the Tobacco Policy should first be informed that the use of tobacco is not permitted anywhere on university property or in university vehicles. The expectation is that persons will voluntarily comply with the policy. Persons who refuse to comply, or repeatedly violate the Tobacco Policy, should be reported to a university management official which may include persons such as supervisors, program coordinators, directors, vice presidents, professors, department chairs, deans, residence hall directors, apartment managers, or university police. Failure to comply with the request of a university management official to discontinue the use of a tobacco product may result in the person being reported to a university administrative official for possible disciplinary action. Students would be reported to the Dean of Students Office, faculty to the Office of the Provost, staff to their respective vice president’s office, contractors to the department administering the contract, and visitors to University Police. Administrative officials have discretion in determining the appropriate disciplinary action based on the individual case circumstances.
 

Are clove cigarettes permitted?

Will the use of tobacco-free hookahs be allowed on campus?

I am Native American Indian and use tobacco during certain religious ceremonies. Will the use of tobacco be allowed in these situations?

Will smoking be permitted in personal parked vehicles on campus?

Texas State will become a Tobacco-Free Campus in fall of 2011. Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke are associated with significant health risks. Even brief exposures to second-hand smoke can increase the risk for heart attack and lung cancer in non-smokers. Texas State has responded to the growing evidence of the harmful effects of smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke by progressively restricting smoking on our campus. Smoking and the use of any tobacco product will not be allowed anywhere on Texas State property or in university owned or leased vehicles.   The tobacco use restriction includes Sewell Park, the Golf Course, Bobcat Stadium and all university athletic or recreational fields.  

To assist students who want to quit smoking, the Student Health Center provides a free smoking cessation program and discounted smoking cessation medications. Faculty and staff can use the Student Health Center smoking cessation program for a $10 charge or access smoking cessation programs offered through their health insurance.  There are also a variety of online smoking cessation resources. To get more details about the new Tobacco-Free Policy, click here to view UPPS 04.05.02 Tobacco Policy.

The Texas State Smoking Policy undergoes periodic review and was scheduled for review in 2010. During the review process, it was discovered that there was significant new scientific evidence about the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. In an effort to share the new information with the campus community and solicit feedback, a smoking policy presentation was developed. The smoking policy information was presented to the President’s Council on Women in Higher Education, Staff Council, University Council, Associated Student Government, a student open forum and a faculty/staff open forum. To view the smoking policy presentation, click here.

Dear Texas State Faculty, Staff, and Students:

The Student Health Center has a smoking cessation program that is free for all enrolled students. The smoking cessation program includes assessment and educational materials, as well as support provided by trained nursing staff. Successful smoking cessation often requires the use of medication. Students who require medication to assist them in their quit program can make an appointment with a Student Health Center healthcare provider ($10 office visit charge) to discuss the most appropriate therapy.To help support students who want to quit smoking, the Student Health Center Pharmacy will offer smoking cessation medications at 25-50% discounts from retail prices. Texas State students interested in taking advantage of the smoking cessation program can call 512-245-2161 to schedule an appointment with a nurse. Over-the-counter products sold at the Pharmacy include nicotine patches, gum and lozenges. Click here for price and product information.

HealthSelect of Texas (Blue Cross Blue Shield)

• Blue Care Connection Offers Support for Smokers Who Want to Quit
  • Control. If you’re a smoker, you control the date you’re going to quit. And although quitting smoking is not easy, it can be done. You can do it. And BCBSTX wants to help.Through Blue Care Connection, BCBSTX has a Tobacco Cessation program available to help you quit smoking. The program provides personal coaching, online tools, and more.All Blue Care Connection programs are offered at no charge to you and your participation is completely voluntary. Call (800) 462-3275 for more information.
• http://www.bcbstx.com/health/preventive_care/smoking_cessation.html  (888) 334-9473

• The HealthMedia® programs are uniquely tailored to each individual so you will receive tips, tools, and support specific to your individual needs. The program offerings include the following:
  • HealthMedia® Breathe^TMA smoking cessation program (must login using insurance information to gain access to information) https://my.healthmedia.com/index.html  
• http://www.cfhp.com (210) 358-6262

• Be guided to make healthier choices and lifestyle changes that will help you prevent disease.  Your Succeed^® plan will provide you with personalized strategies designed by healthcare professionals to help you make healthy lifestyle choices. Scott & White Health Plan members are encouraged to log in to MyPlan before beginning the programs. However, you do not need to be a member of the Scott & White Health Plan to take advantage of these programs. Simply click here to get started. 
• VitalCare Breathe® - Learn to deal with cravings, boost your motivation and decrease your dependency.
• http://ers.swhp.org/homepage/state-of-texas-ers2011/ers-wellness2011/onlineprograms
• (512) 930-6040

• Bobcat Balance—offers no nicotine or patches, only counseling http://www.worklife.txstate.edu/
• American Cancer Society Quitline—uses counseling and nicotine replacement therapy. 1-877-YES-QUIT http://www.yesquit.com/resources.php

Texas State Student Health Center

• The QUIT program is available for faculty or staff. The initial visit is $10.  Participants receive a personal assessment, private counseling with a nurse, self-help materials, information about smoking cessation aids and follow-up support.  Faculty and staff who need prescription medication should make an appointment with their primary care physician (PCP).  Call 512.245.2161 to make an appointment for the QUIT program.
• Faculty and staff can purchase over-the-counter products from the Student Health Center Pharmacy, including nicotine patches, gum and lozenges. Click here for price and product information.

Quitnet was launched in 1995 and is the Internet's original quit-smoking site. Launched in 1995, Quitnet is one of the most relevant sites on the subject today. This website site is dedicated to providing comprehensive resources and support for people trying to give up smoking.

Smoking Cessation by About.com is a collection of online articles and advice on the subject of quitting smoking. This website provides a wealth of information on smoking cessation.

Yes Quit Thinking about quitting tobacco? We’re here to help. Whether it’s your first or your 37th attempt, this site can be a valuable resource for you. You’ll find tips to help you curb cravings and successfully quit as you make that change to healthier living. It isn’t easy to quit smoking or toss the dip, but you CAN be successful if you keep trying.

Smokefree.gov provides an online step-by-step cessation guide, information on local, state, and national telephone quitlines, an instant messaging service, and numerous publications that may be downloaded, printed, or ordered for your convenience. 1-800-QUITNOW. (1-800-784-8669).

Smokeless Tobacco: A Guide For Quitting is a website that provides a quitting plan, helpful articles, and educational information to create a tobacco-free lifestyle.

My Last Dip offers a series of unique Web-based interventions  designed to help chewing tobacco users quit for good. Several programs have been created to appeal to different age groups. Developed by researchers with over 30 years' experience in smokeless tobacco research, these programs are funded by a research grant from the National Cancer Institute (U. S. National Institutes of Health).