What are the parts of a Tobacco-Free Campus Compliance Plan?

Most people willingly comply with a campus tobacco policy if they know about it. Therefore, the best way to prevent policy violations is to publicize the policy often and in a variety of ways. Considerations around compliance should be woven into all phases of policy development, communication, and implementation.

Policy Rationale

When you are developing the policy, make sure that you are clear about why a policy is important. Consider building in the rational during the adoption process.

Points to consider:

• Why is the policy necessary?
• What is so bad about tobacco and secondhand smoke and e-cigarette emission?
• What are the benefits of a tobacco free policy?

Communication

Signs are your very best strategy to inform and remind everyone about the policy. Make sure resources, such as QuitlineNC, are well publicized on the campus. The nicotine in tobacco, including vapes, is highly addictive and users normally make multiple quit attempts before being able to quit for good. Providing quit tips helps tobacco users better follow the campus policy. Also see the Communication Checklist for other ideas.

Monitoring

Unfortunately, some policy violations will undoubtedly occur. When they do, those who use tobacco on campus need to be reminded of the policy clearly, gently and tactfully. Violators are usually unaware of the policy and are happy to refrain from tobacco use once they are reminded.

One tool to help with raising policy awareness: Tobacco Free College Policy Reminder cards.

PDF of this list available