Why does NMU have this policy?
A healthy environment to live, work and learn is a priority at Northern Michigan University. A tobacco-free policy shows NMU's commitment to health and wellness for its students, faculty, staff and visitors. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is sponsoring a national initiative to eliminate tobacco use on college campuses.
What are the borders of the tobacco-free environment?
The policy will cover all university property and university-owned vehicles including the Superior Dome, Berry Events Center and Physical Education and Instructional Facility. The only excluded areas include:
- Public sidewalks and roadways bordering the campus
- Personal vehicles driven or parked on campus that have the windows fully closed
- NMU Golf Course
Where can I find the resources to help me quite?
Talk to your primary healthcare provider or visit our resources page.
How will the policy be enforced?
Visit our enforcement page for more information.
What should I do if I see someone violating the policy?
The policy is intended to support a healthy NMU community, not punish those who use tobacco. Assume that a person using tobacco on NMU's campus is unaware of the tobacco-free policy. If you see a person using a tobacco product on campus, respectfully inform the person of the tobacco-free policy. You may direct him or her to this website for more information.
As a supervisor, what is my responsibility if I receive reports or observe an employee violating the policy?
Are smokeless tobacco products or e-cigarettes banned?
The tobacco-free policy prohibits the use of all tobacco products as defined by the American College Health Association which includes all tobacco-derived or containing products, including cigarettes, vapor cigarettes (e-cigarettes), cigars, cigarillos, hookah-smoked products and oral tobacco (spit and spitless, smokeless, chew, snuff).
How does the policy apply to Native Americans use of tobacco?
For tribes throughout North America, the use of traditional tobacco plants goes back thousands of years. NMU's tobacco-free policy recognizes tobacco in all uses that fit the Native American definition of "traditional tobacco use," which include religious, ceremonial (including cultural gift-giving), medicinal and educational purposes. Uses that fall under the Native American definition of "commercial tobacco use" are not exempt from NMU's tobacco-free policy. These include tobacco use of any kind for recreational or habitual purposes.