Tobacco-free Policy FAQs

The smoke- and tobacco-free policy aligns with the University’s core values of Cura Personalis and Contemplation in Action. The hazards of tobacco use have been well documented and we can no longer ignore the fact that the majority of locations in our society – including hospitals, public and private universities, restaurants, retail establishments and public buildings – have been smoke and tobacco free for quite some time. For example, UMKC has been smoke and tobacco free since August 2014 and Creighton since 2008.

Most health insurance policies, including the one offered to Rockhurst University faculty, staff and students, offer resources for tobacco users who wish to quit. If you are a Blue Cross Blue Shield member, you can access information about smoking cessation and incentives to quit through the “A Healthier You” portal. Premium differentials will be available to those BCBS members who successfully stop smoking.

Please visit our Cessation Resources page and also explore the following online resources:

• BeTobaccoFree.gov
• Smoking and Tobacco Use – CDC
• American Heart Association
• American Lunch Association
• American Cancer Society

Tobacco-free policies have been shown to be effective in promoting the cessation of tobacco-related product usage and improvement in community health. Rockhurst acknowledges that hard-and-fast deadlines may present challenges to tobacco users. However, given the University’s focus on Cura Personalis, the implementation of a tobacco-free campus is considered imperative and the sooner the better. Becoming a tobacco-free campus is not an admonishment to smokers and while RU will provide campus tobacco users guidance in quitting, the policy does not require cessation.

Those who do not comply with the policy will be encouraged to take advantage of all available resources that will assist them in complying. Faculty and staff members who choose not to comply after being referred to the appropriate resources may be subject to corrective action as administered by the Office of Human Resources. Students are subject to corrective action through the appropriate student conduct process administered by the Office of Student Development. Visitors who choose not to comply may be asked to leave campus.

Students, please contact the Office of Student Development at 816-501-4127. All others, including faculty and staff, contact human resources at 816-501-4583.