FAQ

The University’s number one goal is to provide a healthy environment for all students, faculty, staff and visitors. The Tobacco-Free campus policy will assist in meeting this goal by removing all ash urns throughout campus and replacing them with signage indicating we are now tobacco-free. Therefore; students, faculty, staff and visitors are not allowed to smoke anywhere on campus to include all buildings and structures, privately owned and University vehicles, sidewalks, parking lots, attached parking structures and walkways. Please see the campus map for additional details.

As a higher institute of education, bringing awareness to personnel on the importance of having a tobacco-free environment will play a major role in enforcing this policy. In addition, the University will bring awareness through signage, electronic messaging, events and other marketing. Lastly, it is the responsibility of everyone at Georgia Southern to kindly inform others of the Tobacco-Free campus policy and ask that they stop using tobacco products on campus.

This policy applies to satellite campus locations as well.

The Tobacco-Free campus policy applies only to University owned, operated, leased, occupied, or controlled property. Any events or activities elsewhere are governed by the policies at that location.

Yes, signs with the international symbol for tobacco-free are posted in major areas throughout the University. However, the Tobacco-Free campus policy applies to the entire campus and satellite locations even if there is not a visible posted sign.

No. E-cigarettes are included in the list of unauthorized tobacco products therefore; their usage on campus, at campus events located on campus, and at satellite campuses are prohibited.

“Hi, I just wanted to make you aware that Georgia Southern is a tobacco-free campus. All types of tobacco products are prohibited on campus. We would appreciate if you abide by our policy and not use tobacco products while here. Thank you for your cooperation.”

Yes. You may report the instance to tobaccofree@georgiasouthern.edu or use the online Incident Report Form. If you do not know the identity of the person violating the policy report with the date, time, and location of the violation to help the University identify any potential problem areas and respond accordingly. If you know the identity of the person violating the policy you may also include their name with the above information.

Yes. According to the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation, there are more than 700 college and university campuses across the United States that have implemented a 100% tobacco-free policy In addition, the University System of Georgia Board of Regents voted in March of 2014 that all forms of tobacco products on property owned, leased, rented or in the possession of the USG will be prohibited.

Tobacco is a legal product for adults. The University is not requiring anyone to quit using tobacco. However, the University can develop policies for campus property. A tobacco-free policy does not prohibit tobacco use; it instead establishes where usage can occur. It is our hope that tobacco users will respect the University’s adoption of a tobacco-free environment.

As a new initiative to campus, we are continuously updating information on the Tobacco-Free website. If you still have additional questions, please email tobaccofree@georgiasouthern.edu.