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Coalition for a UNM Smoke-Free Campus
Proposed Policy Change: in MS Word
2250 SMOKE FREE CAMPUS ON UNIVERSITY PROPERTY Effective Date: June 1, 1997 Subject to Change Without Notice (2006 Edit) 1. General Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) has been shown, through research and field studies, to be the most widespread harmful air pollutant. According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 4,000 chemicals have been identified in mainstream tobacco smoke; however, the actual number may be more than 100,000. Of the chemicals identified in secondhand smoke, at least 60 are carcinogens (1). Many chemicals in ETS are tumor promoters or cancer precursors. Exposure to ETS has been shown to cause pulmonary, cardiovascular, and reproductive health effects in nonsmoking adults and children. Described herein are policies and procedures designed to reduce the hazards of ETS to non smokers and to comply with the New Mexico Clean Indoor Air Act, House Bill 48, 1985 as amended. Smoking of tobacco products is prohibited on University Campus, in University buildings, facilities, vehicles, and during organized indoor and outdoor events on University property. This policy also applies to other legal smoking preparations such as clove cigarettes. To allow individuals an opportunity to adjust to the changes required by this policy, the campus community is asked to go smoke-free as soon as possible, but no later than three (3) months after the effective date reflected above. 2. Smoke Free Campus Smoking is prohibited at the following UNM sites: " All UNM Campus including the Main Campus, North Campus, South Campus, & all branch campuses " Golf Courses " Science and Technology Park " Fraternities & Sororities & theme houses on University Property " All University owned and leased properties "Smoke Free Campus" signs will be posted at all major buildings & congregation areas. The University Risk Safety, Health, and Environmental Affairs (RSHEA) Department will provide signs for facilities as required. 2.1. Smoke Free Buildings Smoking is prohibited in or at: " all enclosed buildings and facilities including classrooms, offices, food service venues, lavatories, and residence halls (in accordance with Residence Life policies); " corridors, elevators, and enclosed walkways; " University-owned vehicles; and " indoor and outdoor athletic or other University-sponsored or designated events. "No Smoking" signs will be posted at every major entrance of all University buildings and facilities. The University Safety, Health, and Environmental Affairs Department will provide signs for facilities as required. Ashtrays will not be provided on University property. 3. Smoke-free Outdoors Smoking is forbidden outdoors on University property. Individuals choosing to smoke outdoors must move to public areas off UNM campus. 4. Education, Support Groups, and Services for Smokers In light of numerous adverse health effects associated with active smoking, the University will provide educational services to faculty, staff, and students about the hazards of smoking and information and services on quitting smoking. The University encourages support groups on campus for smokers in the process of cutting down or quitting smoking. In addition to consulting with their own health care providers, students, faculty, and staff may get assistance from the following University programs. 4.1. Students Students may contact the University Student Health Center for information and programs on quitting smoking. Additional information about campus services and off-campus resources may be obtained from the University's: " Main Campus Wellness Center (Division of the Student Health Center) and the " Campus Office of Substance Abuse Prevention (COSAP). 4.2. Faculty and Staff Assistance in quitting smoking is available for faculty and staff through the University Employee Health Promotion Program and the University Employee Occupational Health Services. Additional information about campus services and off-campus resources may be obtained from the University's: " Staff Services Office, " Human Resources Benefits Office, " Counseling Assistance and Referral Service (CARS), and the " Campus Office of Substance Abuse Prevention (COSAP). 5. Compliance and Cooperation Students, faculty, and staff violating this policy are subject to disciplinary action (visitor code of conduct?). Those having difficulty complying with these restrictions are encouraged to seek assistance from the resources listed in Section 4.1. and 4.2. above. The success of reducing environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) requires thoughtfulness, consideration, and cooperation between smokers and nonsmokers. Individuals concerned about the presence of ETS in & around buildings should report their concerns to the building manager & RSHEA. The building manager will work with the Safety, Health, and Environmental Affairs Department to resolve the matter. Online form/E-mail reporting to RSHEA of repeat campus smoke incidence will be made available. 6. Smokeless Tobacco Anyone who chooses to use smokeless tobacco on campus must discard the waste in a sanitary manner. Although the use of smokeless tobacco (including chewing tobacco and snuff) does not create indoor air pollution, the University recognizes the use of these products as a health hazard for the individual user. Because of the well-documented adverse health effects, students, faculty, and staff wishing to quit using smokeless tobacco are encouraged to contact the resources listed in Section 4.1. and 4.2. above. 7. Notice to the Public A copy of this policy has been filed with the State of New Mexico Records Center and Archives by the office of University Business Policies. Any substantial modifications to this policy shall be similarly filed.