Wright State University Tobacco Policy Task Force

Wright State University Tobacco Policy Task Force

An evaluation of the consequences of implementing a tobacco free university policy

Task Force EffortsSpring 2013

• Developed a tobacco free policy recommendation including next steps

• Recommendation based on:• Ohio Board of Regents• Trends of other campuses• Faculty, staff, students input• Ohio’s College and University Tobacco Use Policy Action Kit (ODH

and OESC)


• Evaluated intended and unintended consequences of tobacco free policy implementation

• Utilized WSU Center for Urban and Public Affairs (CUPA)• Mission: to analyze information to help our public and nonprofit sector

clients improve operations or create new programs and policies. Our analysis makes Ohio's communities safer, healthier, more prosperous and inclusive.

• Recent CUPA Clients• Public Health Dayton & Montgomery County• Ohio Department of Job & Family Services • Ohio Board of Regents


Task Force EffortsWinter 2014

CUPA Scope of Work

• Identify benchmark criteria for selecting universities to study

• Identify peer schools that have been tobacco free for 3 + years

• Analyze data from universities, their websites, and perform interviews to determine the impact of tobacco free policies

• Report findings


• Enrollment size, including international student enrollment

• Spatial layout of campus

• Commuter status

• Tobacco use in the state

• Public institution

• At least two Ohio public institutions


CUPA Study Results (cont.)Benchmark Criteria

• Choose six schools

• Miami University – Tobacco free August 2008• University Toledo – Tobacco free August 2011 (UT Health Center)• Washington University St. Louis – Tobacco free July 2010• Tennessee Tech – Tobacco free January 2010• IUPUI – Tobacco free August 2006• University North Dakota – Tobacco free October 2007


CUPA Study Results (cont.)Schools Evaluated

• Interviews queried university personnel about:

• Impact on student, faculty, staff recruitment, retention, and enrollment, including international students

• Number/type of employee grievances

• Impact on general physical environment

• Impact on wellness and/or health care

• Other impactsWright State University Tobacco Policy Task Force

CUPA Study Results (cont.)Intended/Unintended Consequences

• Based on:

• Enrollment data before and after policy implementation

• Interviews with student affairs, international program offices, admissions, human resources

Had no impact on student, faculty, or staff recruitment, retention, or enrollment, including international students


CUPA Study Results (cont.)Recruitment, Retention, Enrollment

• No reports of faculty or staff collective bargaining unit grievances

• Some general push back and ignoring of policy reported

• In general, has caused minimal issues among the university communities


CUPA Study Results (cont.)Faculty/Staff Grievances

• Little data or subjective info to suggest improved physical environment or reduction in tobacco related litter


CUPA Study Results (cont.)Physical Environment

• All universities implemented tobacco use cessation programs • Noted as a key to success

• 12 year study of pre and post policy implementation showed reduced use of tobacco by students at UND.• “used tobacco in the last 30 days?”

2000 – 32.6% yes 2012 – 11.5% yes


CUPA Study Results (cont.)Wellness and Healthcare

• Leadership Involvement• Very Important, must be visible and unwavering

• Enforcement• Handle like other university policies• Boundaries

• Commitment of Resources• Decision making process• Promote, signage, cessation program• Budget


CUPA Study Results (cont.)Advice to WSU

Other Considerations • Addresses April 2013 Faculty Senate request

• Consistent with WSU Wellness Initiative

• Compatible with Campus desires

• Preparing students for the future


Questions


Documents

Wright State University Tobacco Policy Task Force