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Smoke-free and tobacco-free Saint Mary’s campus as of November 19

posted in: Environment

NOTRE DAME, INDIANA 

Beginning November 19, 2020, the Saint Mary’s campus—which includes all Sisters of the Holy Cross and Saint Mary’s College properties—will be a smoke-free and tobacco-free environment. With this status, all tobacco use, including the use of any electronic smoking devices or hookahs will be prohibited.

Sisters of the Holy Cross, Inc., joined with the college for this initiative, which honors the well-being of each person on our campus and demonstrates our continued and shared commitment to environmental care. For members of Sisters, Inc., who would like to quit tobacco use, courses, counseling and stop smoking aids are available for cessation support. 

We ask all campus residents and visitors to comply with this initiative, detailed in the Sisters, Inc., policy and a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) shared below.

We appreciate your cooperation in this effort as we strive to create a healthy environment for work, ministry, life and study!

Gratefully,
Sister M. Veronique (Wiedower), CSC
President, Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross 


Sisters of the Holy Cross, Saint Mary, Indiana

Smoke-free and Tobacco-free Policy

The purpose of this policy is to provide a smoke-free and tobacco-free campus to protect public health and welfare by prohibiting smoking and the use of tobacco products, including electronic smoking devices or hookahs, on Sisters of the Holy Cross convent property and the Saint Mary’s College campus. 

policy

definitions


WHY ADOPT A SMOKE-FREE AND TOBACCO-FREE POLICY?

Why go tobacco free?

How does adopting a Smoke-Free/Tobacco-Free policy help clean up the environment?

Are students really at risk?

 Why not allow people to smoke outdoors? Is there really a health risk?


WHAT IS AND IS NOT PERMITTED?

What does having a Smoke-Free/Tobacco-Free policy mean?

What is included in “tobacco?”

Isn’t it my right to use tobacco? Do Sisters of the Holy Cross, Inc., and Saint Mary’s College have the right to tell me I can’t use tobacco products on campus property?

Will it be OK to use smokeless tobacco, such as chew?

Will the use of hookahs and other devices for smoking tobacco be permitted?

Are electronic-cigarettes (e-cigs) permitted?

Can I use tobacco in my personal vehicle while on Sisters of the Holy Cross, Inc., or Saint Mary’s College property?


Options for Tobacco Users

Are there resources to help employees quit using tobacco?

Can I go off campus during my meal period to smoke?

Can I extend my break or change the time of my break so I have time to walk off campus to smoke?

Am I able to attend tobacco cessation sessions during paid work time?

What will Sisters of the Holy Cross, Inc., and Saint Mary’s College do about people leaving the campus or going across the street into neighboring properties to smoke?


Handling Concerns with Individuals Who Use Tobacco on Campus

How will Sisters of the Holy Cross, Inc., enforce the Smoke-Free/Tobacco-Free policy?  

How will Sisters of the Holy Cross Inc. handle employees who do not want to stop the use of tobacco products?

What if I see someone using tobacco on campus?

How do I handle a situation where I suspect someone is using tobacco (i.e., smokeless tobacco) but I’m not certain?

What do I do if my request for someone to stop using tobacco is not effective?

As a supervisor, what is my responsibility if I receive reports or observe an employee violating the policy?


Miscellaneous 

HOW WILL PEOPLE KNOW THAT TOBACCO USE IS PROHIBITED?

WHAT ARE THE BOUNDARIES OF SISTERS OF THE HOLY CROSS, INC., AND SAINT MARY’S COLLEGE PROPERTIES FOR THE PURPOSES OF DEFINING THE SMOKE-FREE/TOBACCO-FREE AREAS GOVERNED BY THE POLICY?

Are targeted efforts being made to communicate the policy to special populations who are statistically at increased risk for tobacco use?

Have other universities implemented tobacco-free or smoke-free policies? 

WHERE CAN I FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT SISTERS OF THE HOLY CROSS, INC., SMOKE- FREE/ TOBACCO-FREE POLICY?