Smoke-Free Campus Policy

1. Purpose

The University is committed to providing a healthy, safe, and productive environment for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors. In support of this commitment and to comply with relevant laws and regulations, the University has adopted a smoke-free policy to promote the well-being of the entire community.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all University-owned, leased, or controlled properties, including but not limited to:

All indoor and outdoor spaces, including buildings, walkways, parking lots, and green areas.
University vehicles and privately owned vehicles when parked or operated on campus.
Off-campus University-sponsored events.

3. Policy Statement

Smoking and the use of tobacco products, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), and smokeless tobacco products (such as chewing tobacco or snuff), are strictly prohibited:

Inside all University buildings, including residential halls, classrooms, offices, laboratories, libraries, and recreational facilities.
On all University-owned or leased property, including outdoor areas.
In all University-owned or leased vehicles.

4. Definitions

Smoking: The inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying of any lighted cigarette, cigar, pipe, or other combustible tobacco or plant product in any manner or form.
Tobacco Products: Includes all tobacco-derived products such as cigarettes, cigars, pipes, e-cigarettes, vapes, hookahs, chewing tobacco, and snuff.

5. Responsibilities

All members of the University community, including faculty, staff, students, contractors, and visitors, are responsible for adhering to this policy.
Supervisors and University officials are responsible for ensuring compliance with this policy within their respective areas.

6. Signage

Appropriate signs indicating that the campus is smoke-free will be posted at strategic locations throughout campus, including entrances, building exteriors, and parking lots.

7. Enforcement

Students: Violations of this policy by students will be addressed through the University’s student conduct process.
Faculty and Staff: Violations by faculty or staff members will be addressed through the University’s disciplinary procedures.
Visitors: Non-compliant visitors may be asked to leave the premises.
Repeated violations may result in fines or other penalties as deemed appropriate by University administration.

8. Support for Smoking Cessation

The University encourages those who smoke or use tobacco products to quit. To support this, the University will provide resources, including access to smoking cessation programs and counseling services through the health and wellness center.

9. Exceptions

This policy does not apply to:

The use of tobacco products in research projects that have been approved by the University’s Institutional Review Board (IRB).
Culturally significant or religious ceremonies involving tobacco use, with prior approval from the appropriate University authority.

10. Review and Amendments

This policy will be reviewed annually and amended as necessary to ensure its effectiveness and compliance with applicable laws and health guidelines.