University Tobacco Policy

The University of New England intends to accomplish the following with this new policy: reduce exposure to second-hand smoke, provide an environment supportive of tobacco-free lifestyles, reduce the risk of accidental fire, and reduce the environmental impact of cigarette litter.

Procedures:

• Smoking, the burning of any type of pipe, cigar, cigarette, or similar product is prohibited in all facilities, partially enclosed areas such as breezeways and covered walkways, and vehicles owned, leased, or rented by the University. Smoking is also prohibited within 50 feet, approximately 20 paces, of any structure owned and/or operated by the University of New England, including residence halls.
• Organizers and attendees at public events using UNE facilities, such as conferences, meetings, public lectures, athletic events, social and cultural events will be required to abide by the University Tobacco Policy. Organizers of such events are responsible for communicating and enforcing this policy.
• Distribution and advertisements of tobacco products are prohibited.
• In an effort to support those who wish to quit smoking, the University will support a variety of tobacco cessation information programs and other efforts as deemed appropriate and supported by budgets. Such initiatives shall include informational efforts to promote and support a smoke-free lifestyle, University sponsored smoking cessation programs (to the extent that interest warrants and resources permit), access to available services through our health insurance program and the Maine smoke-free quitline, and other events that may be sponsored by the various departments of the University.
• Receptacles will be placed at various locations throughout the campus for disposal of smoking items. Signs will be placed on buildings to inform guests, faculty, staff and students of our non-smoking perimeter.
  

Compliance

Compliance of this policy is a community effort. In our small community it is important to remember that we are friends, co-workers, acquaintances, hosts and guests and must be mindful of the need to treat each other with respect.

Staff, faculty and students may approach an individual who is not currently adhering to the policy to inform them of the specifics of the policy as well as provide assistance and information if appropriate. Many individuals may wish to quit smoking and it is a difficult, although not impossible, task for a current smoker to become a non-smoker. Respect and support are particularly useful in assisting individuals through this process.

Frequent disregard of this policy may result in progressive discipline under the appropriate student, staff and faculty handbooks.

Effective Date

This policy will become effective at midnight of August 15, 2003. Please contact Human Resources, Student Affairs or Health Center for questions regarding this policy. They can be reached at the following numbers.

On the WCC Campus:
Student Affairs: extension 4212
Human Resources: extension 4256

On the UC Biddeford Campus:
Student Affairs: extension 2518
Human Resources: extension 2339