Tobacco PolicyDesignated Tobacco AreasPolicy Information Cards

Vincennes University Tobacco Policy - Frequently Asked Questions


Is any tobacco/smoking allowed in residence halls?

No.
 

Does this policy apply to city owned streets, sidewalks and right–of-ways?  

Vincennes University does not have jurisdiction over the use of city owned streets, sidewalks and right-of-ways in regard to tobacco-related activities. However, please note that many streets and adjacent sidewalks on the campus are university property. To avoid confusion, those wishing to use tobacco should utilize the designated tobacco areas or move to a site that is clearly not university property.

 
Can I use tobacco in my personal car?

Parking lots owned by the university are included in the ban, however, there will be no effort to enforce the ban in private vehicles located on university property as long as users make a reasonable effort to contain smoke and tobacco related materials or waste inside the vehicle (e.g., keeping windows closed, not throwing cigarette remnants on ground).

 

Will the Vincennes University Police Department be responsible for enforcing the tobacco policy?

No. All university employees and students have a role of responsibility in the enforcement of the policy.

 
How will the new policy be enforced?

The policy is in place to promote a healthy environment in which to work, study, and live. The enforcement of this policy will depend upon the cooperation of all faculty, staff, and students not only to comply with this policy but also to encourage others to also comply.  Accordingly, tobacco users are expected to voluntarily comply with the policy.

 

Anyone who observes a possible violation may courteously and without confrontation inform the individual of the tobacco policy and attempt to offer an information card which outlines the tobacco-free campus policy. Learn more about the information cards.Those who suspect another is violating the policy may report it to the appropriate unit for possible disciplinary action

 

If the person is an employee and that person continues to use tobacco products in a prohibited area, report the incident. On the Vincennes Campus, contact the Office of Human Resource (888-5848); if the person is a student, report him or her to the Dean of Students (888-4301). If on the VUJC campus, please contact the Office of the Dean at 812-482-3030 or Director of Student Services (812) 482-3030. 

 

What are the consequences for violating the policy?

Great efforts will be made to ensure faculty, staff and students are aware of the policy. Individuals who knowingly violate the policy will be referred to the appropriate campus administrative unit for disciplinary action.

 
How do I tell visitors about our tobacco policy?

You may simply state, "For the health of our visitors, students and employees, tobacco is not allowed on our campus except at designated areas." You should also keep some of the policy info cards on hand.

 
General tips for communicating with visitors?

Faculty and staff members courteously and tactfully approach the person and calmly explain the tobacco policy at Vincennes University. “For the health and safety of our visitors, students and employees, VU has designated smoking areas and they are located …. List.” Give him/her the card. Walk away.

 

What happens if a visitor violates the tobacco policy?

We expect visitors to the campus to comply with campus policy. You may inform a visitor of the policy and its importance to the campus. Reports of violations by visitors may be made to the Office of the Dean of Students.

 
As an employee, do I have to quit using tobacco?

No, the university cannot mandate that you quit using tobacco, but you cannot use tobacco on university property except in designated areas. If you are interested in quitting, a number of resources are available to help you quit, including:

  • University cessation classes (888-5848, Human Resources
  • Good SamaritanHospital Respiratory Clinic (882-5220)
  • Indiana Tobacco Quitline which is free to all Indiana residents. (1-800-QUIT NOW)
  • For a list of smoking cessation programs in other Indiana counties, click here and click on your county on the map
  • Request a Quit Packet at www.indianaquitline.net
  • The National Cancer Institute has a toll-free quitline in English and Spanish. The toll-free number is 1-877-44U-QUIT (7848) and it is available Monday-Friday, 9-4:30, local time
  • Quitnet offers a way to devise your own quit plan, forums where you can communicate with others and expert advice. Go to www.quitnet.com and click on "Get Started Now" in box on right. They also have information in Spanish and an online chat area where quitnet members can go "when you need help right now."
  • There’s a great site especially for college students at http://www.tobaccofreeu.org/
  • The American Lung Association, whose Web site is in both English and Spanish, has an online smoking cessation program called "Freedom from Smoking" that can be accessed by going to http://www.lungusa.org/tobacco. The site also has great information on steps to take when you’re planning to quit. If you would like to use printed guides or attend smoking cessation sessions, contact the local office of the American Lung Association at (317) 573-3900.
  • The Center for Disease Control Web site, in both English and Spanish, has educational information and information on how to quit. Go to http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco
  • Women who are pregnant and quit smoking are more likely to go full-term and give their babies more oxygen and a chance to have good lung function and normal birth weight. After birth, smoking cessation means that you lower the baby’s chances of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and lung-related infections. If you are looking  for specific information about pregnancy and smoking, go to www.americanlegacy.org/greatstart , http://www.helppregnantsmokersquit.org or call toll-free1-866-66-START (78278)
  • Tobacco Free Nurses (tobaccofreenurses.org)
  • Your personal primary care physician can also assist you in quitting
 

What resources are available to help those who are struggling with this change and would like counseling?

Employees have access to the Health Office (888-4277) or with counseling needs should call the Counseling Center (888-4374) for a referral.

 

What benefits are available through the university health care provider?

Please check the Anthem web site: www.anthem.com/home-providers.html for information on health benefits.

 

Does the policy affect employees at facilities off the Vincennes campus?

The policy applies to Vincennes University properties including vehicles.

 

Can university vehicles be used to travel off of university property to go on break and smoke off campus?

University vehicles are to be used for business purposes only; using a university vehicle solely for the purpose of going off campus to smoke without a legitimate business purpose is prohibited.

 
Isn’t this a violation of my civil rights?

No. The Trustees of Vincennes University have the authority to govern the use of university property and regulate its use.

 

How should managers/supervisors talk to employees about the policy?

It is recommended that managers/supervisors inform all employees of this policy both in writing and in person.

 

What type of discipline will be used if someone violates this policy?

Employees who engage in knowing repeated violations of the policy will be addressed through a meeting with their manager/supervisor. The review meeting might include an overview of the policy, a verbal warning or a written reprimand. 

 

Is employee training on the tobacco campus policy and implementation available?

Yes. Training sessions are currently being scheduled.  Please check with us soon for upcoming dates.
 
 
 
What resources are available to assist in the transition?

Vincennes University understands that change can be difficult. The following information and resources are available to assist in the transition.
Click here for more information regarding resources:

Vincennes University offers "Quit Kits" at various locations on campus. View list of  offices.

An extensive list of resources such as quitlines, smoking cessation programs in the community, etc.

Thank you for your support!
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Kotter recertified as collegiate retailer

November 20, 2009


VINCENNES, IND. - Ronald L. Kotter, manager of Vincennes University’s Old Post Bookstore, recently completed the requirements to renew his Certified Collegiate Retailer (CCR) designation through the National Association of College Stores.  The CCR designation indicates skillful leadership, stewardship, and expertise in college store operations.

In addition to Kotter’s career experience in collegiate retailing, CCR designees must successfully complete a comprehensive examination that tests their fundamental knowledge of all areas of the collegiate retailing profession and their ability to apply that knowledge.  To successfully recertify for the designation, individuals complete a minimum of 60 hours of continuing education and professional development in the four years since initially earning the designation or from the date of the last renewal, as applicable.

More than 100 collegiate retailers have earned the CCR designation since its launch in fall 2004.

About NACS

Headquartered in Oberlin, Ohio, the National Association of College Stores is the professional trade association representing the $11 billion collegiate retailing industry.  NACS represents more than 3,100 collegiate retailers and approximately 1,100 associate members who supply books and other products to college stores.  NACS member stores daily serve America’s college students while supporting the academic missions of higher education institutions everywhere.  Additional information is available online at www.nacs.org.

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VU Christmas Gala Concert is Dec. 2

November 20, 2009

VINCENNES, IND. - The Vincennes University Music Department will present a Christmas Gala Concert on Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m. EST, in the Red Skelton Performing Arts Center Theatre.  The concert is free and the public is invited to attend.

The concert will showcase various Christmas songs in a variety of musical styles.  Featured groups include the VU Connection, Concert Band, Concert Choir, Brass Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, String Ensemble, Blues Ensemble, performances by VU faculty members, and more.

For more information, please contact Duane Chattin, Director of Public Information, at 812-888-4164 or dchattin@vinu.edu

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Lady Trailblazers 10th, Trailblazers 25th in NJCAA’s 1st hoops polls of season

November 18, 2009


COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The Vincennes Lady Trailblazers are No. 10 in the NJCAA's first Div. I Women's Basketball Poll of the season, which was released today.

The VU men were in a tie for 25th in the initial poll announced late Tuesday afternoon.

The 7-0 Lady Trailblazers had been ranked No. 13 in the pre-season poll. Gulf Coast - host of this weekend's Gulf Coast Classic in Panama City, Fla, in which the Lady Trailblazers will participate – tops the first regular-season poll. VU, after beating No. 14 Lincoln Trail 69-64 Tuesday, faces Gulf Coast Saturday, after taking on No. 22 Chipola on the tournament's first day.

Each of the event’s games will be carried live on the Gulf Coast Sports Network. The broadcasts can be heard by visiting the Gulf Coast Athletics Web site at www.gcathletics.com.

The Vincennes Trailblazers, 6-1 on the season, share the 25th slot in the rankings with the College of Southern Idaho. Central Florida Community College is the top-ranked team in the first poll. The Trailblazers defeated Lincoln Trail (ranked No. 23 in the first poll) 81-77 Tuesday night.

VU will host Southeastern Illinois at 7 p.m. Saturday at the P.E. Complex.

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Former VU Blazer Baseball Player Jason Clutter Making Way in Music


NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Jason Clutter's family moved from Elberfeld to Haubstadt when he was 10 and he discovered sports, especially baseball. He loved it so much that he worked hard enough to turn his God-given talent into a scholarship to pitch and play outfield at Vincennes University.

Clutter graduated in 2002 as one of the NJCAA's top closers and holding a degree in graphic design. He moved on to Oakland City and then spent part of summer 2003 in Italy playing baseball. Unfortunately, his shoulder gave out during his senior year with the Oaks and he would never play baseball again.

So Clutter looked to his other passion - country music, which until that time had been a way to pass time on baseball road trips. “I would sing on the bus on road trips during college and the team would join in," he said.

Music certainly became more than a hobby when Clutter started a local band and recorded seven original songs, two of which got fairly heavy play on Evansville market radio for almost two years. The band quickly grew from playing in front of about 20 people to crowds of about 200 per night.

Clutter has opened for 13 national acts and hopes to complete a new album for release in 2010.

**For more information, visit wwww.jasonclutter.com.

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WVUB radio receives state Community Involvement Award

November 19, 2009


VINCENNES, IND. - Vincennes University radio station Blazer 91.1 WVUB is the recipient of the “Community Involvement” award from the Indiana Broadcasters Association.  The award was presented Nov. 14 during the annual Spectrum Awards ceremonies in Indianapolis.

“I am very honored to have received this award for two reasons,” said Phillip Smith, general manager of WVUB.  “We were very happy to have been selected as Radio Station of the Year last year.  But this award has even more meaning.  This is recognition of service to our community.  Actually being concerned and involved in local events and activities is what broadcasting is all about, and being honored for that by your peers is the highest form of recognition.  Secondly, both VU and the VU Broadcasting Department were recognized and highlighted by broadcasters from throughout the state.”

According to the Indiana Broadcasters Association, the Spectrum Award recognizes broadcast excellence for outstanding achievement in broadcasting by radio and television stations throughout Indiana.  The competition was established to encourage the highest standards of reporting, community service, and production creativity.  It is the ultimate peer recognition for members of the broadcast industry in Indiana.

“When I travel throughout the state, I frequently encounter graduates of VU’s broadcasting program and they always speak highly of their preparation at VU.  Giving students the opportunity to be involved with award-winning stations such as WVUB is an important part of why our graduates achieve great success in this field.  I commend everyone associated with WVUB on receiving this honor,” said VU President Dick Helton.

WVUB Program Director Michael Woods said the award is a motivator for the station’s staff.  “The trophy shows the dedication of our staff and the acceptance of our listeners.  We promise not to let up, but to continue to deliver quality programming for the people of the Wabash valley.”

VU BROADCASTING

The VU Broadcasting Department prepares students for successful entry into radio, television, and allied career fields while earning a college degree. The program emphasizes hands-on, real-world experience for students, including many hours in VU broadcast studios and stations perfecting both on-air and behind-the-scenes technical skills.  VU’s public broadcast stations, WVUB and WVUT-TV, are the only ones in Indiana that are part of an academic broadcast program.

VINCENNES UNIVERSITY - Indiana’s First College

VU is state-supported with campuses in Vincennes and Jasper and additional sites such as the Indianapolis International Airport.  VU also offers instruction at military sites throughout the nation.

In addition to offering 200 associate degree and certificate programs, VU also offers bachelor’s degree programs in technology, homeland security, nursing, and secondary education programs in mathematics, science, and special education.

VU enrolls students from throughout Indiana, 26 other states, and 37 foreign countries.  Tuition and fees are the lowest among Indiana campuses with residence halls.  VU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Founded in 1801, VU is Indiana’s first college and is the only college in the nation founded by an individual who would later become President of the United States.  William Henry Harrison, the ninth U.S. President, founded VU while serving as governor of the Indiana Territory.  More information is available at www.vinu.edu.

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H1N1 vaccination clinic for VU students is Nov. 23

November 19, 2009


VINCENNES, IND. - An H1N1 vaccination clinic will be offered to Vincennes University students on Nov. 23 from 5:00-7:00 PM EST (or until all vaccine is given) in VU’s Beckes Student Union, Fort Sackville Room 1.

“We have a limited number of vaccinations and we must follow the priority guidelines set by the Center for Disease Control and the Indiana State Board of Health for administration of the vaccine.  We will be offering additional H1N1 vaccination clinics as soon as we receive additional doses from the County Board of Health,” said Peggy Milligan, coordinator of the VU Student Health Center.

Recommended initial priority groups include:  pregnant women, household/caregivers of babies under 6 months of age, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, persons aged 6 months to 24 years, persons aged 25-64 who have high-risk medical conditions.

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VU Health Watch Wednesday Continues

 VU Health Watch Wednesday began with two e-text messages that provided H1N1 wellness tips and reminded subscribers to visit the VU Health Office web page

Updates will be posted each Wednesday (or sooner if the situation warrants).  The webpage includes links to the Center for Disease Control flu pages, preventative tips, and campus information. 

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