University Business Policies and Procedures Manual

2250
TOBACCO-FREE CAMPUS
Effective Date: June 1, 1997
Revised Date:  02/01/07, 08/01/07, 8/1/09
Subject to Change Without Notice

NOTE:  As of August 1, 2009, the University of New Mexico will be a Tobacco-free campus and this policy will take effect.
Click map of locations of proposed designated smoking areas

Authorized by Regents Policy 3.1 "Responsibilities of the President"
Process Owner: Program Manager, UNM Campus Office of Substance Abuse Prevention (COSAP)

1. General

The University of New Mexico is committed to wellness, prevention, and providing a healthy environment in which to learn, work , and visit; therefore, smoking and the use of tobacco products are prohibited on all University property except in a small number of designated outdoor areas authorized by the University President.  This policy applies to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco, all other tobacco products, and other legal smoking preparations, including but not limited to, hookahs, electronic cigarettes, and clove cigarettes.  This policy applies to all vehicles on University property, including privately owned vehicles, and all property owned, leased, operated, or under the control of UNM except for branch campuses.  Although branch campuses are exempted from this policy, they must comply with the Dee Johnson Clean Indoor Air Act, section 24-16-1 et seq. NMSA 1978, and are strongly encouraged to adopt a similar policy.

Tobacco use is the single, chief, avoidable cause of death and disease in our society.  Thirty percent (30%) of all cancers are caused by tobacco use.   Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) has been shown, through research and field studies, to be a harmful air pollutant containing over 4,000 chemicals, including more than 50 that are known to cause cancer. The National Toxicology Program estimates that at least 250 chemicals in secondhand smoke are known to be toxic or carcinogenic.  Exposure to secondhand smoke has been shown to cause lung cancer, coronary heart disease, and other respiratory problems in nonsmoking adults and children, and the Surgeon General has concluded there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke, even small amounts can be harmful to an individual's health.  The National Cancer Institute states that smokeless tobacco, including chewing tobacco and snuff, contains twenty-eight (28) different carcinogens proven to cause cancers of the lip, tongue, cheeks, gums, and the floor and roof of the mouth and other diseases of the mouth.

2. Designated Outdoor Smoking Areas

Smoking and the use of any tobacco products are is prohibited on all University property except in a small number designated outdoor areas authorized by the University President.  Smoking and tobacco use are limited to the confines of designated areas which are clearly marked, and individuals choosing to smoke or use tobacco in designated areas are responsible for properly disposing of all smoking and tobacco litter in the receptacles provided.   These designated areas are being provided to create a positive transition for individuals who currently use tobacco as UNM phases into a totally tobacco-free environment.  As students and employees achieve success in quitting smoking and stopping the use of tobacco the number of designated areas will be reduced within a five-year period.

3. Compliance and Cooperation

The success of maintaining a tobacco-free campus requires thoughtfulness, consideration, and cooperation between smokers and nonsmokers. Members of our campus community are empowered to respectfully inform others about this policy in an ongoing effort to enhance awareness and encourage compliance.  Enforcement of this policy will depend upon the cooperation of all faculty, staff, students, and visitors not only to comply with this policy, but also to encourage others to comply with the policy, in order to promote a healthy environment in which to work and study.

Repeated and/or serious violations by students and visitors can be referred to the Dean of Students for review and action under the Student Code of Conduct and the Visitor Code of Conduct.  Repeated and/or serious violations by faculty and staff should be referred to the cognizant dean, director, or department head. Students, faculty, and staff violating this policy are subject to disciplinary action.  Those having difficulty complying with these restrictions are encouraged to seek assistance from the resources listed in Section 4.1. and 4.2. herein.

4. Education, Support Groups, and Services for Smokers and Users of Tobacco Products

In light of the numerous adverse health effects associated with active smoking and tobacco use, the University will provide information and educational services to faculty, staff, and students about the hazards of smoking and tobacco use and assistance in quitting for students, faculty, staff, and patients who wish to do so. The University encourages support groups on campus for smokers and users of tobacco products in the process of cutting down or quitting. 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 and Counseling Center (SHAC) for information and programs on quitting. Additional information may be obtained from the Campus Office of Substance Abuse Prevention (COSAP).

4.2. Faculty and Staff

Assistance in quitting is available for faculty and staff through the University Employee Health Promotion Program. Additional information may be obtained from the University Counseling Assistance and Referral Service (CARS) and the Campus Office of Substance Abuse Prevention (COSAP).   Faculty and staff covered by health insurance may contact their health care provider for benefits available under their health plan.

 Comments may be sent to UBPPM@UNM.edu
http://www.unm.edu/~ubppm