OU is Tobacco-Free

Breathe Easy Logo The purpose of this policy is to foster a healthier environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors on the University of Oklahoma campus by minimizing tobacco use, which is the leading cause of death in Oklahoma and the United States. The policy is designed to prevent or reduce exposure of individuals to secondhand smoke, and to help reduce tobacco use among OU students and employees. The policy is not intended to be judgmental of individual lifestyle choice or to be punitive towards any individual or group.The tobacco-free policy is already in effect at the Health Sciences Center and OU-Tulsa. The Norman campus is included in the policy on July 1, 2012.

Policy Summary - Use of tobacco products including cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, is not permitted on university property beginning July 1, 2012. The policy applies to every person on any University of Oklahoma campus, including visitors, faculty, staff, volunteers, students, alumni, contractors, and service representatives. The policy includes all OU-owned, leased, rented, or maintained property, including, but not limited to: buildings, facilities, sidewalks, roadways, parking lots, and grounds. The policy also includes all university owned, leased, or rented vehicles. Click here to review the full policy and frequently asked questions.

Community Suggestions - Enforcement of this policy is an ongoing process that involves community awareness and cooperation. Certain areas on campus may need more resources to increase compliance with the OU tobacco-free policy. If you know of such areas, please email your comments to BreatheEasy@ou.edu.

On-Campus Policy Reminders - Employees, students, and visitors will be reminded of OU's tobacco-free policy by posted signs and periodic email reminders. OU community members are encouraged to voluntarily comply with the university's tobacco-free policy. Consequences for violating the policy may include a verbal warning, employee disciplinary action, student misconduct action, escort off of campus property, or ticketing and fines.

Respecting Campus Neighbors - The OU community asks our students and employees to help maintain a positive relationship with our neighbors, and to respect neighboring properties outside the campus. Tobacco use and smoking off campus does not give anyone permission to litter, loiter, or trespass on private or public property. Property owners have the right to enforce their boundaries, including trespass warnings and requesting police action. Please be a good neighbor.

Quit Today - Employees and students can find tobacco-quitting resources through Healthy Sooners.

Periodic Review - The implementation and administration of this policy will be periodically reviewed for effectiveness and consistency.