Clean Air Policy Frequently Asked Questions

Smoking is prohibited in all facilities owned or leased by Bowling Green State University and on the grounds of any property owned or leased by the University. Smoking is defined as inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe, or other lighted smoking device for burning tobacco or any other plant, per section 3794.01 of the ORC. This includes all buildings owned or controlled by Bowling Green State University, shelters, indoor and outdoor athletic facilities, indoor and outdoor theatres, walkways, sidewalks, residence halls, and parking lots (unless otherwise designated). Smoking is prohibited on sidewalks that adjoin University property. Smoking is also prohibited in any vehicle or equipment owned, leased or operated by Bowling Green State University. Application of this policy to university owned detached single family residences shall be determined by University Facilities at the time any such lease is executed.  

This policy should not be construed as constraining academic research by the faculty into matters associated with smoking.

The Clean Air policy begins on January 1, 2014. 

First, students, faculty and staff at both the Bowling Green and Firelands campuses were surveyed about receptiveness to moving to a clean air campus.  The majority of respondents supported moving in this direction.  Results of the surveys are located in the left navigation of this site.

View the policy.  It will also be located in the constituency handbooks once the policy goes into effect on January 1, 2014.

The Clean Air policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, visitors, contractors, volunteers and service representatives.

Bowling Green State University is dedicated to promoting a healthy and comfortable environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors. To meet this commitment, smoking is limited. Research shows tobacco use, in general, constitutes a significant health hazard. The policy is designed to educate the community and reduce exposure to secondhand smoke and to help reduce tobacco use among students, faculty and staff. 

Effective January 1, 2014, smoking will be permitted in designated areas located adjacent to certain University parking lots.  You can view a map of designated areas.  Anyone may also choose to smoke in their personally owned vehicles. 

Designated smoking areas are identified with signage and receptacles for cigarette butts.  View a map of the designated smoking areas.

Tobacco products that do not produce second-hand smoke are permitted and are not covered by the Clean Air policy.

No. It is important to note, however, that because the Residence Halls are governed by the Community Living Standards they have the authority to have a policy that might differ from other parts of the campus.

Students, faculty, and staff violating this policy may be subject to university action. Visitors who violate this policy may be denied access to Bowling Green State University campuses and may be subject to prosecution for trespass. Violations of this policy will be handled in accordance with procedures outlined in the Code of Student Conduct and the BGSU Employee Common Handbook.   

Students alleged of violating of the Clean Air policy may be documented using the University’s incident report form.  Faculty, staff or any other individual alleged of violating the Clean Air Policy should be reported through an email to cleanair@bgsu.edu including date, time location and names of individuals when possible.

All persons coming on to the campus and property of BGSU must comply with this policy. Persons observing a violation of this policy should, if feasible, and in a respectful and polite manner, inform the person about this policy by directing their attention to the appropriate signage.  Continuing or repeated non-compliance with the policy should not be handled by individuals but should instead be reported to campus authorities including, when appropriate, the BGSU campus police.

We recommend supervisor inform their employees about the Clean Air policy and seek their cooperation with compliance.  Supervisors are encouraged to communication the University’s smoking cessation initiatives to interested employees.  We have provided information on talking points and cessation programs.

View a full listing of cessation programs

No.

Outside of designated areas, all parts of BGSU’s campus, including athletic venues and their surroundings, are smoke-free.

As stated in the Clean Air policy, academic research by the faculty into matters associated with smoking are exempted.

No. Students will not be assessed any new fees with the implementation of the new Clean Air Policy.

Additional questions may be sent to cleanair@bgsu.edu.  Your email will be answered within two (2) business days.