Smoking Policy / Tobacco Use Policy

Fayetteville Policies and Procedures, 724.0 (Revised August 1, 2010)

I.   Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to prohibit smoking and tobacco use on the University of Arkansas Campus and to implement Act 734, the Clean Air on Campus Act of 2009.1

II.   Background

Each year, approximately 440,000 people die prematurely of diseases caused by smoking, accounting for one out of every five deaths in the United States (CDC 2003). Use of cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, cigars, pipes, and other tobacco products lead to disease and death. Tobacco use and secondhand smoke have been identified by the Surgeon General to be the cause of preventable diseases. In addition to causing direct health hazards, smoking and smokeless tobacco use contribute to institutional costs in other ways, including fire damage, cleaning and maintenance costs, and costs associated with employee and student absenteeism, health care, and medical insurance. Accordingly, the University of Arkansas actively seeks to create a campus environment that is completely free of tobacco use and secondhand smoke. Furthermore, the Arkansas Clean Air on Campus Act prohibits smoking on each campus of state-supported institutions of higher education.

III.   Policy
  1. Smoking and the use of tobacco products (including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco, and other tobacco products), as well as the use of electronic cigarettes, by students, faculty, staff, contractors, and visitors, are prohibited on all property owned or operated by the University of Arkansas.
  2. Smoking and the use of tobacco products (including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco, and other tobacco products), as well as the use of electronic cigarettes, are prohibited at all times:
      1. On and within all property, including buildings, grounds, and athletic facilities, owned or operated by the University of Arkansas;
      2. On and within all vehicles on University property, and on and within all University vehicles at any location.
  3. The University prohibits campus-controlled advertising, as well as the sale or free sampling of, tobacco or smoking-related products on campus.
  4. Littering campus with remains of tobacco or smoking-related products is prohibited.
  5. All those attending public events, such as conferences, meetings, public lectures, social events, cultural events, and sporting events using University facilities shall be required to abide by this policy; organizers shall communicate this policy to attendees and shall enforce the policy.
  6. Campus organizations are discouraged from accepting money or gifts from tobacco companies.
IV.   Communication of Policy

This policy will be communicated to the campus community via the University web site. In addition, references to this policy will be added to the University’s faculty handbook, staff handbook, and student handbook or catalog of studies. In addition, information regarding this policy shall be communicated to each guest of the University upon request. Each building will display a decal that states “Tobacco Free Facility.” However, tobacco-free zones apply on all property owned or operated by the University, whether or not signs are posted; no ashtrays or smoking shelters will be permitted.

V.   Tobacco Use Cessation Programs

The University of Arkansas is committed to support all University of Arkansas students and employees who wish to stop using tobacco products. Assistance to students, faculty, and staff to overcome addiction to tobacco products, such as referral to cessation services, is available through Human Resources and the Pat Walker Health Center.

VI.   Compliance
  1. All University of Arkansas students, faculty, staff, contractors and visitors to campus are expected to comply with this policy and state law. Members of the campus community are empowered to respectfully inform others about the policy to enhance awareness and encourage compliance and may report violations to the University of Arkansas Police Department (UAPD).
  2. Smoking on University property: pursuant to state law, persons smoking on property owned or operated by the University may be issued a citation by UAPD.
  3. Other violations: persons engaging in other use of tobacco products or electronic cigarettes in violation of this policy will be subject to the following:
    1. Students will be referred to the University’s student disciplinary process.
    2. Employees will be referred to their respective units for progressive discipline.
    3. Contractors will be referred to their respective employers for appropriate action.
    4. Visitors will be required to leave the campus; failure to cooperate may lead to a citation or arrest.
  4. No person who makes a complaint of a violation of this policy or who furnishes information concerning a violation of this policy shall be discriminated or retaliated against in any manner.
VII.   Statutory Penalties

As of August 1, 2010, pursuant to state law, persons convicted of smoking on campus are subject to a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $500.