Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is NAU going tobacco-free?
A tobacco-free policy will promote a healthy and safe learning and working environment for all, free of tobacco and secondhand smoke. The policy also will improve air quality and reduce litter associated with tobacco use.

2. Are there other campuses that are tobacco-free?
Yes, there are currently more than 1,400 colleges and universities nationwide that have implemented similar policies.

3. Isn’t it my/our right to smoke?
Tobacco is a legal product for adults. However, where tobacco products are used is regulated by law and policy, primarily due to health concerns related to second hand smoke.

4. How will people be informed of the policy?
Students, faculty and staff will be informed about the policy change through educational presentations, written messages and signage throughout campus. Information and resources will be available through this website.

5. How will the policy be enforced?
The policy will be upheld through NAU personnel policies and the student code of conduct. Every member of the campus community will play a role by reminding each other that we are a tobacco-free campus. Educational campaigns and trainings will be provided to empower the campus community to feel comfortable and safe in respectfully informing others of the policy.

6. What are the consequences for those who violate the tobacco-free policy?
Employees and students are required to abide by all university policies in their day-to-day activities at NAU. Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action. For further information, see the NAU personnel policies and the Student Code of Conduct.

7. Why ban smokeless tobacco if it only harms the user?
This policy is focused on the health of all NAU community members and the surrounding environment.

8. Will the use of E-Cigarettes be allowed on campus?
No. E-Cigarettes are prohibited by the tobacco-free policy.

9. Are students, faculty, and staff being asked to quit using tobacco?
The policy is not requiring that any member of the university community quit using tobacco. Rather, the policy prohibits such activities on our campus in order to promote a healthier environment.

10. What about tobacco users who don’t want to quit?  What are they supposed to do?
No one is being asked to quit. Faculty, staff, students and visitors may use tobacco beyond the university boundaries. See the detailed tobacco-free area map. This policy does not prohibit nicotine delivery systems, such as gum, lozenges and patches.

11. Does the policy apply to visitors/guests on campus?
Yes, this policy will apply to everyone on the NAU campus at all times.

12. What about athletic events or other events on campus?
All university events and facilities will be tobacco-free.

13. What about the safety of students and employees who choose to smoke and must go off campus, especially at night?
Going off-campus to use tobacco products would carry the same risk as other trips off campus for things such as dining, shopping and other recreational activities.

14. Will a tobacco-free policy potentially negatively impact our student enrollment?
More than 1,400 campuses nationwide have adopted similar policies, including our sister institutions in Arizona. Tobacco-free zones are common in public spaces including airports, hospitals and other schools. There is no evidence of decreased enrollment at any of the other institutions and, in most cases, campuses report increased enrollment. The majority of college age students and working adults do not use tobacco products.

15. What assistance will be provided to help those who wish to quit using tobacco?
Many employee health plans cover the cost of nicotine replacement therapy (including the NAU Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona plan). Free cessation services are available through NAU Campus Health Services and the Arizona Smoker’s Helpline at ashline.org. Employees may also contact EAW to discuss available resources.