Tobacco-Free Campaign Begins Wednesday, Oct. 1 With Kick Butts Day

VALDOSTA – Valdosta State University’s Tobacco Free Campaign begins Wednesday, Oct. 1 with Kick Butts Day.

In accordance with the Georgia Smoke Free Air Act of 2005, the University System of Georgia has made a commitment to provide a safe and amicable workplace for all employees by prohibiting tobacco and tobacco use on its campuses. The goal of the policy is to preserve and improve the health and environment of students, employees and anyone who occupies the campuses.

Valdosta State has been preparing for the launch of the campaign by installing signage around campus and amending popular documents to include the university’s status as a tobacco-free workplace. In addition, the university has been offering courses for faculty, staff and students to offer tips and information about how to quit tobacco use. Students in the residence halls have received brochures and some halls are doing friendly competitions to promote awareness of the dangers of smoking and the new policy.

The university’s Office of Human Resources and Employee Development has also created a website that answers frequently asked questions and provides links to the university system’s Tobacco Free Campus Policy and Enforcement

Frequently Asked Questions

Who does this policy affect?

This policy apples to the entire VSU community, including but not limited to students, employees (faculty, staff and administers) trustees, visitors, volunteers, vendors and contractors who are on property and facilities owned and operated by VSU.

What does tobacco and smoke free mean?

Smoking or the use of any tobacco product will not be permitted. Use of smokeless tobacco, cigars, pipes and other tobacco products have been shown to lead to disease and death. Therefore, all tobacco products are not permitted.

What is considered a tobacco product?

Tobacco products include but are not limited to; cigarettes, e-cigarettes, chew, pipes, cigars, hookah or water pipe smoking, and snuff.

Are there any designated smoking areas on campus?

No, there are none.

Can I smoke in my car?

Smoking in your personal vehicle is not permitted while on VSU campus premises including open parking lots and parking garages.

What is a Valdosta State University facility?

A VSU facility is defined as any property that is owned, leased, use or occupied by VSU, including but not limited to classrooms, restrooms, auditoriums, offices, lounges, dining areas, recreational facilitates, storage areas, service shops, garages, walkways, thoroughfares, facilities operations areas, athletic facilities, extension locations, VSU vehicles (owned or leased) and personally owned or rented vehicles when used to transport staff or students on any school-related business, academic or student life activities.

For information on courses to help quit smoking, contact Tim Yorkey at teyorkey@valdosta.edu or (229) 259-5105. For more information on VSU’s status as a tobacco-free campus, visit http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/finance-admin/campus-wellness/smoking-cessation-program.php .