Board of Trustees
[email protected]
(231) 591-2505
Smoke-Free/Tobacco-Free Policy
| Owner | Administration and Finance |
|---|---|
| Contact | [email protected] |
| Document Type | Policy |
| Issue Date | January 2026 |
| Last Review | |
| Related Documents |
Contents
Research Misconduct proceedings shall consist of the following phases:
This policy statement represents Board of Trustees approved policy in accordance with, and in addition to, Public Act 188 of 2009, otherwise known as Michigan's Smoke-Free Indoor Air Law, MCL 333.12601 et. seq.; Public Act 167 of 2022, otherwise known as the Youth Tobacco Act, MCL 722.641-645 (hereinafter “Acts”).
A. Purpose
Ferris State University is committed to the health and wellness of its students, faculty,
staff, and visitors. This
tobacco-free policy will ensure that students, employees, and visitors have a healthy
learning and working
environment.
B. Policy
It is the policy of Ferris State University to, at a minimum, abide by the Acts, and any amendments that may be adopted under the Acts, which prohibit smoking in public places and sale or distribution of tobacco to minors and possession of tobacco by minors as defined in the Acts.
No person shall (a) smoke, or (b) otherwise use any product derived from or containing tobacco, on any property governed by the Board of Trustees of Ferris State University or in any vehicle owned or leased by the University. Products derived from or containing tobacco, smoking products, and electronic smoking devices may not be sold on any property governed by the Board.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, all FDA-approved nicotine replacement therapy products are permitted when used for cessation.
The use of tobacco products is permitted when used in connection with the practice of cultural activities by American Indians that are in accordance with the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, 42 U.S.C. sections 1996 and 1996a allowing for the use of ceremonial tobacco. All ceremonial use exceptions must be approved in advance.
Employees who work in other locations on behalf of Ferris are expected to be aware of and follow local ordinances regarding smoking, tobacco products and e-cigarettes.
C. Definitions
For this policy:
The Act defines “Smoking” or “smoke” as the burning of a lighted cigar, cigarette,
pipe, or any other matter or
substance that contains a tobacco product. The University also includes the use of
any smoking device or useof any simulated smoking device in the definition of “smoking”
or “smoke."
To “smoke” means inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted or heated tobacco or plant product intended for inhalation, whether natural or synthetic. To “smoke” also includes the use of any tobacco or plant product in a pipe or hookah; of any electronic smoking device which creates, in any manner, an aerosol or vapor, in any form; or any other oral smoking device.
“Tobacco-derived or containing products” include, without being limited to, cigarettes (including clove, bidis, kreteks), electronic cigarettes, aerosol or vapor nicotine delivery devices, cigars and cigarillos, pipe tobacco, hookah-smoked products, oral tobacco (spit and spitless, smokeless, chew, snuff), synthetic nicotine products, and oral nicotine pouches.
D. Enforcement
The success of this policy will depend on the thoughtfulness, consideration, and cooperation of tobacco users and non-users. All faculty, staff, and students share in the responsibility for adhering to and enforcing this policy.
If someone is observed in violation of this policy the following steps are recommended:
- Politely remind the person of the tobacco policy. Usually, a gentle reminder or pointing at the tobacco-free signage at the time of violation is all that is needed.
- Should the problem persist, ask the person for their name and whether they are a student,
faculty, staff member, or visitor. If the person refuses to identify themself, contact the Ferris
Department of Public Safety (DPS) at 231-591-5000 for assistance.
- If the person violating the policy is a student, a complaint should be filed with the Office of Student Conduct which shall take appropriate action.
- If the person is a faculty or staff member, a complaint should be filed with Human Resources which shall act pursuant to the appropriate personnel policies.
- If the person is a visitor, the host of the event or DPS may take action to ban the person from University facilities and/or property.
E. Contacts
For more information, please contact the following departments:
Chief Human Resources Officer/Associate VP
Amanda Matheson: Vice President Administration & Finance
Cross-Reference: Board Policy, Subpart 8-3, Smoking Policy