The College
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota recognizes that some individuals choose to use tobacco products. Given the extensive evidence linking tobacco use and adverse health risks for individuals who smoke and for others who consume second hand smoke, the university has a responsibility to provide students with a clean and healthy environment. State and national trends are moving towards greater restrictions for individuals who smoke in an attempt to reduce the risks associated with tobacco use. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota will provide encouragement and support to those students who are trying to quit while providing a smoke free environment to the other majority of non using students.
Tobacco Use Policy Regulations
Please note that any student who chooses to violate these policies will face disciplinary action
Smoking and tobacco use are prohibited in all Saint Mary’s University facilities. This prohibition includes residence halls, classrooms, athletic and recreational venues, and laboratories. Tobacco use includes the use of smokeless tobacco such as chewing tobacco. Smoking includes smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes.
Neither smoking nor other tobacco use is permitted in university-owned or university-leased vehicles. Smoking is not permitted within 20 feet of an outside building entrance. At no time should tobacco paraphernalia be used (including Hooka bongs) anywhere on campus.
Consequences for Tobacco Policy Violations
Level I first time violations may include: Meet with relevant staff members/judicial officials*, restitution for any damages, Tobacco 101, community service***.
Level II second time/ multiple violations may include: Meet with relevant staff members/judicial officials*, restitution for any damages, Tobacco 201, $25 fine, community service***, suspension from residence halls.
*The responsibility to attend judicial meetings with staff members lies with the student. Students who refuse to meet with staff or judicial bodies to discuss policy violations or who do not complete assigned consequences in a timely manner are subject to additional, more severe, consequences. Students are strongly encouraged to finish sanctions in a timely manner. Students will NOT be allowed to register for classes until the sanction is completed.
Disciplinary records are cumulative and consequences can carry over from year-to-year. Students who have specific consequences which have carried over from the previous year will be notified of their responsibilities upon their return to campus.
Parental Notification: Saint Mary’s University will notify the parents of students, under the age of 21, who are found responsible for multiple and/or serious violations of the alcohol policy. Students who violate the university drug policy also face notification of parents. The university intends to partner with parents in combating the consequences of high-risk behaviors associated with alcohol and illegal drug use. The university will provide educational programs, counseling options and other services to address the responsible use of alcohol and consequences of using illegal drugs.
Off-campus living, events and travel programs: Although students may study abroad or in a different city or state, or live and socialize off-campus, as Saint Mary’s students they are held accountable for the values espoused by the university. When the off-campus actions or behaviors of an enrolled student come to the attention of university officials while classes are in session, the student will face disciplinary action.
On-Campus Resources
Wellness Center
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Wellness Center, located in the basement of the Toner Center, provides opportunities for students to obtain information about alcohol and drug use/abuse. Individual and group counseling, online educational CD-ROMs, books, and pamphlets are available for students use.
On-Line Assessment
The e-CHUG (electronic Check-Up to Go) is an interactive web survey that allows college students to enter information about their drinking patterns and tobacco use. Students then receive feedback about their use of alcohol and tobacco. It is a free service to any SMU student. It is accessible from any computer with internet access: www.smumn.edu/echug. The assessment takes about 5-10 minutes to complete, is self-guided, and requires no face to face contact time with a counselor or administrator. However, any counselor in the Wellness Counseling Center will be willing to give you feedback or answer any additional questions you have regarding the assessment results. |