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OTC is Tobacco Free

Thanks for helping make our lives healthier and our campus cleaner!

Ozarks Technical Community College goes Tobacco-Free.

Ozarks Technical Community College is dedicated to providing students with a healthier, tobacco-free campus.  It is through a philosophy of respect for others that OTC has implemented its tobacco-free campus policy.  In September 1997 OTC administration began the discussion of implementing a tobacco-free campus policy.  A couple of years later, in November 1999, the OTC President recommended that the Board of Trustees approve a tobacco-free policy.  It was on December 13, 1999 that the Board of Trustees adopted the policy to be effective on August 1, 2003.  On April 2003, an external Tobacco-Free Advisory Committee was formed in order to provide full support for the upcoming policy.  The final step of implementation was to form a entity that would operate to maintain the policy and to provide assistance to other institutions that were trying to become tobacco-free; hence the Center of Excellence for Tobacco-Free Campus Policy was formed.  

Center of Excellence for Tobacco-Free Campus Policy

The Center of Excellence for Tobacco-Free Campus Policy at Ozarks Technical Community College was created in January 2004. The mission of the Center of Excellence focuses on five main areas:

  • Maintenance of exemplary practices on the OTC Campus.
  • Ongoing research on the impact of creating a tobacco-free environment.
  • Organize workshops to provide information to prospective campuses that are considering going tobacco-free.
  • Dissemination of information and resources to others interested in making the change to a tobacco-free environment.
  • Pursuit of funding for the Center.

5th Annual Tobacco-Free Campus Workshop Summary
Our 5th Annual Tobacco-Free Campus Workshop was held on April 11, 2008. We had 24 participants from higher education institutions, medical centers and tobacco programs (such as CASE) located in Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska and Ohio. Our featured presenters were Kim Homer Vagadori, California Youth Action Network, Sacramento; and Andrew Epstein, Lung Association of Oregon, Portland.  Other presenters were Ty A. Patterson, Ozarks Technical Community College; Dr. Jim Blaine, OTC Health and Wellness Clinic;  S.M.A.S.H. (Students of Missouri State Against Smoking Hazards); and Jeff Ovalle, student assistant for the Center of Excellence for Tobacco-Free Campus Policy. 

The Workshop started at 9 am with a welcome from OTC President, Dr. Hal L. Higdon.  Mr. Patterson proceeded to open up the floor for introductions from each attendee.  It was very exciting to see various states and organizations being represented at the Workshop.

 After enjoying a great continental breakfast, the attendees welcomed Kim Homer Vagadori.  Mrs. Vagadori’s presentation titled “Taking Tobacco Out of Higher Education: A Look at Tobacco-Free College Policies” dealt with topics such as the beginning of the movement, the need for tobacco-free policies, national policy recommendations, types of policies, policy campaigns and many more.  Mrs. Vagadori was available after her presentation to answer any questions and to give out some resource material to attendees. 

The Workshop was designed to have session breaks after each presentation to give attendees a chance to ask each presenter question and also to allow networking among attendees.  After a quick break, Andrew Epstein gave his presentation titled “Promoting Healthier Campuses: Tobacco-Free”.  Mr. Epstein’s presentation dealt with why a campus should adopt a tobacco-free policy, identifying and responding to local concerns, findings from Oregon College Survey, and the Clark College tobacco-free experience.  Mr. Epstein had many online and printed resources for the attendees. 

The attendees ate a hot lunch as the student organization S.M.A.S.H gave a presentation about their activities on the Missouri State campus.  The presentation from S.M.A.S.H. covered the organization’s activities, purpose and workings since being founded on April 2007. 

Next, Ty Patterson gave his presentation titled “What We’ve Learned”.  Mr. Patterson’s presentation covered the tobacco-free campus policy development at Ozarks Technical Community College, the Center of Excellence for Tobacco-Free Campus Policy and his experience with providing consultations for other higher education institutions trying to go tobacco-free.  After his presentation, Mr. Patterson encouraged attendees to ask questions and opened the floor for discussion.

Following Mr. Patterson’s presentation, Dr. Jim Blaine gave a presentation regarding the role of the Advisory Board and Community.  Dr. Blaine’s presentation dealt with the importance of creating a Tobacco-Free Advisory Committee.  Dr. Blaine also had a Q and A session after his presentation.

The Workshop was wrapped up by Jeff Ovalle.  Mr. Ovalle gave out the evaluation forms for the Workshop.  The evaluation forms allowed the attendees to make comments and rate the presentations and the quality of the Workshop.  There was much valuable information collected on the evaluations.  Mr. Ovalle also gave his student perspective regarding his attendance to both a tobacco-free campus and a smoking campus.  He also shared his experience working for the Center of Excellence for Tobacco-Free Campus Policy.

The Workshop stayed on time throughout the day and the attendees left with a packet that included the presentations from the Keynote and Featured speaker.  The packet also included other resource materials.

What others say about our annual workshop. . .
“OTC has been a true pioneer in assisting other colleges to adopt tobacco-free policies. Spokesperson Ty Patterson and his trendsetting team of educators offer step-by-step guidance through written materials and seminars that give examples of what worked and what didn’t work for them and for others. Their Center of Excellence and their Tobacco-Free Campus Workshops are well organized to teach through experience. OTC continues to pave the way to a healthy and safe learning and working environment for students, employees, and citizens throughout our state and nation.”        

John M. McGuire, Ph.D.
President
St. Charles Community College, MO

What do others say about OTC’s commitment to health?


Tobacco-Free Policy

It is the policy of Ozarks Technical Community College that smoking is not permitted on campus.  OTC is a Tobacco-Free institution and committed to providing its students and employees a safe and healthy environment.  Effective August 1, 2003, no consumption of tobacco is allowed on any college property or in any college facility; this includes all buildings, grounds, sidewalks and streets within the campus proper.  The institution displays notice of the tobacco-free policy at all college locations.

Reasons for adoption of the policy:

  • An overall desire to create a safe and healthy environment for all students and the campus community.
  • It eliminates smoky areas at building entrances.
  • It is a positive example for secondary students on campus.
  • It eliminates unsightly litter on college property.
  • A community effort to eradicate tobacco use in all public settings.

The college community thanks you for observing this policy. For more information check out the Background information and the Timeline of Policy Implementation or contact Ty Patterson, Vice President of Student Services and Director of the Center of Excellence for Tobacco-Free Campus Policy, at 417-447-6952 or e-mail patterst@otc.edu.

Marketing Campaigns

When establishing a tobacco-free campus policy it is very important to inform students, staff, and faculty about the different aspects of the policy.  Seeing the issue from all angles is vital in stimulating critical thinking about the policy.  An effective marketing campaign will be very helpful on the road to implementing a tobacco-free campus policy.  Please click on the link below to see the how the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville is using an effective marketing campaign to help with tobacco-free campus policy implementation.
http://fresh.uark.edu/home.html

Model Community College Policy

This model was drafted by the American Lung Association of Oregon and Mr. Andrew Epstein, Oregon School Policy Coordinator at ALA; Mr. Epstein worked with Mr. Patterson in developing this model policy. This policy and other important Tobacco-Free information can be accessed at www.lungoregon.org.

More information:

Enforcement

The first year the Tobacco-Free Policy was in place, voluntary compliance was emphasized. In the event that an individual or group was found using tobacco products, they were given a verbal reminder with a review of the Tobacco-Free Policy and their compliance was requested. Failure to abide by this policy could result in a fine or community service work on campus.

 

Recent Activities

The Director of the Center of Excellence travels to institutions that seek help in the process of implementing a Tobacco-Free Policy. Some of the institutions Mr. Patterson has worked with are as follows:

    • Hawkeye Community College, Waterloo, Iowa.  (Spring 2008)
    • St. Louis Community College-Meramec, St. Louis, Missouri. (Spring 2008)
    • University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas.  (Winter  2008)
    • Clackamas Community College, Oregon City, Oregon. (Winter 2008)
    • Portland State University, Portland, Oregon.  (Winter 2008)
    • Lorain Community College, Elyria, Ohio.  (Fall 2007)
    • Ursuline College, Pepper Pike, Ohio. (Fall 2007)
    • University of Arkansas, Little Rock, Arkansas.( Fall 2007)
    • Ivy Tech Community College, Lafayette, Indiana. (Spring 2007)
    • Okmulgee State University, Okmulgee, Oklahoma.  (Spring 2007)
    • Lansing Community College, Lansing, Michigan. (Spring 2007)
    • Stanly Community College, Albemarle, North Carolina. (Spring 2007)
    • Des Moines Area Community College, Ankeny, Iowa. (Spring 2007)
    • St. Louis Community College, Florissant Valley, St. Louis, Missouri.  (Summer 2006)
    • Sothern Illinois University, Edwardsville, Illinois. (Summer 2006)

For additional information regarding the Center of Excellence or to schedule a visit, contact Ty Patterson, Vice President of Student Services and Director of the Center of Excellence at 417-447-6952. 

Consultation Article

Student Assistant for the Center of Excellence for Tobacco-Free Campus Policy, Jeff Ovalle, writes an article about his experience at the University of Arkansas.  Jeff Ovalle had the opportunity to participate in a panel discussion regarding the new tobacco-free policy that will come into effect at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville on July 1st 2008. The panel was held at the UA Union Ballroom. The panel was comprised of Mary Alice Serafini, UA director of Pat Walker Health Center; Ty Patterson, director of the Center of Excellence for Tobacco-Free Campus Policy at OTC; Ed Mink, director of UA Health Promotion; Carter Ford, ASG Town Hall Committee Chair.
“My role on the panel was to relate to students my experiences as a student in both tobacco-free and non tobacco-free environments.  I was pleased that some of the questions were referred to me.  I think that the fact that I am still an undergraduate at Missouri State University really helped the students relate to the panel in a more positive way.”
Read the Article

 

Community Advisory Committee

Tobacco-Free Policy implementation at Ozarks Technical Community College has been guided by a Tobacco-Free Advisory Committee consisting of a group of eminent individuals from the community and the College. The role of the committee is not limited to the policy but extends to providing a vision to the Center of Excellence in reaching out to different constituents across the community and the nation. The Center of Excellence is grateful to the Tobacco-Free Advisory Committee for their services. Members serving on this advisory committee are as follows:

Jim Blaine, MD Chair Director of the OTC Health and Wellness Center
Dalen Duitsman Professor of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, and Director of Ozarks Public Health Institute at Missouri State University
Jean Grabeel Health Services Coordinator, Springfield Public Schools
Marilyn Hill Executive Director of Corporate Health & Wellness, St. John’s Hospital
Delores Joyce Project Coordinator, Ozarks Public Health Institute, Missouri State University
Elizabeth Keith Community Education and Training Center Coordinator, Cox Health
Bonnie Linhardt Advocacy Director, American Heart Association, Heartland Affiliate, Jefferson City
Charlie O’Reilly O’Reilly Auto Parts
Sylvia Persky Associate Director, Community Partnership of the Ozarks
Carrie Reynolds American Cancer Society
James T. Rogers, MD St. John’s Hospital
Jeff A. Rogers District Wellness Coordinator, Springfield Public Schools Health Services
Terri Stafford American Lung Association
Joan Barrett Interim Registrar
Karla Gregg Dean of Counseling & Advising
Doris Huitt Secretary to the Vice President of Student Services
Jeff Jochems Assistant to the Vice President of Administration and Business
Ty Patterson Vice President of Student Services
Pete Rothrock Director of Safety & Security
Joyce Thomas Director of Counseling and Advising

Student FAQs

Why did OTC become tobacco-free in 2003?

Map
  • The presence of high school students on campus each day.
  • Unsightly debris littering the ground.
  • Smoky areas at building entrances.
  • Community efforts to reduce smoking in public places.
  • An overall desire to create a safe and healthy environment for all students.

What does "Tobacco-Free" mean exactly?

Tobacco-free means that OTC strives for a completely, 100% tobacco-free campus. Smoking has been prohibited inside all college buildings since the college was established in 1990. As of August 1, 2003, there is no tobacco use permitted anywhere on campus, per Board of Trustees approval of the policy in December 1999. This includes all common areas, parking lots, building entrances, etc. In other words-if you are anywhere on the OTC campus, you may not use tobacco products.

See the map above to specifically define the tobacco-free area...anything within the above box is OTC campus and is tobacco-free.

What happens if you are caught smoking or chewing tobacco on campus?

For the first year of the tobacco-free campus policy, OTC Safety and Security Officers emphasized voluntary compliance and did not cite students for using tobacco products. OTC entered the second phase of enforcement on October 18, 2004. If you are discovered using tobacco products on campus you may receive a citation and will be required to meet with the Director of Safety and Security. In addition, you will need to either pay a fine of $15 or spend two hours cleaning up tobacco refuse around campus.

How many students use tobacco products here at OTC?

The number of students at OTC who use tobacco has decreased since the policy was implemented. In the Spring of 2003, 31% of students reported current tobacco use and by Fall 2003 the number had decreased to 26%. Surveys taken by the Fall 2004 graduating class indicated that only 22% of the graduating class are tobacco-users.

College students are too young to want to quit smoking, right?

No! The most recent student surveys here at OTC showed that over 83% of tobacco-users (smokers and those that use chewing tobacco) have tried to quit at least once in the last year, and 45% say they would like to quit soon.

Who should I talk to about questions or concerns that I have about the Tobacco-Free Campus Policy?

Your opinion and feedback are very important to us and we want to help you understand the policy and answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to contact Ty Patterson, Vice President of Student Services and Director of the Center of Excellence for Tobacco-Free Campus Policy, (417) 447-6952.

Cessation Information

OTC is committed to providing assistance to students, staff and faculty members wanting to quit using tobacco. OTC provides on– campus resources for students as well as referrals to programs in the Springfield community.

OTC On-Campus Resources

  • The Tobacco-Free Resource Room is located in the Student Services office, on the second floor of the Information Commons West building. It contains a multitude of information about the consequences of using tobacco, the effects of second-hand smoke, and information and resources for quitting.
  • The American Lung Association’s Freedom from Smoking® program. The ALA’s lifestyle behavior modification program incorporates:
    • Stress Management Techniques
    • Exercise & Nutrition Programs
    • Effective Smoking Cessation Methods
    • Ongoing Support Group meetings

The program is available on-campus through Counseling & Career Resources at (417) 447-6974, or through the American Lung Association in Springfield, (417) 883-7177.

Cessation Programs in the Community

If you are a tobacco user and carry health insurance coverage, most health care plans provide reimbursement benefits for those who successfully complete a tobacco cessation program. Call your insurance provider to learn more about your preventative health benefits.

St. John’s Road to Freedom Tobacco Cessation Program

  • A “Road to Freedom” self help kit containing dozens of valuable tips and tools
  • Nutrition consultation to reduce cravings
  • Stress management classes
  • Support group schedule and information
  • Telephone follow-up support

For more information, contact the St. John’s Road to Freedom program at (417) 820-9459.

Or contact them by 1-800-QUIT-NOW

Springfield-Greene County Health Department Smoking Cessation Support Group

  • A 15-minute education session
  • Open discussion among participants
  • Discussion topics including stories of success and struggle, helpful tips, and various methods to overcome smoking obstacles.

This support group opportunity will be offered numerous times throughout the year. Call Karen at the Health Department at (417) 864-1687 for exact times and locations.

Fore more information

For further information on the risks involved with using tobacco, visit the following sites: