12.5 SMOKING POLICY

Revision Approved by University Council May 14, 1998

1. 0 POLICY ON SMOKING

1.1 PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND: Smoking poses a significant risk to the health of both smokers and nonsmokers. Side stream smoke can be annoying and a health hazard to the nonsmoker in the workplace. It can be particularly harmful to individuals with heart and respiratory diseases or allergies related to tobacco smoke. In the interest of the comfort, health, and safety of all its faculty, staff, and students, the University is required by State law to follow the rules regarding smoking.

2.0 DEFINITIONS

2.1 "Smoke", "smokes", or "smoking" includes:

2.1.1 carrying or holding a lighted pipe, cigar, or cigarette of any kind or any other lighted smoking material, equipment, or device;

2.1.2 lighting a pipe, cigar, or cigarette of any kind or any other smoking material, equipment, or device;

2.1.3 emitting or exhaling the smoke of a pipe, cigar, or cigarette of any kind or any other smoking material, equipment or device.

2.2 "State vehicle" means a vehicle owned by a State agency.

2.3 "State agency" includes an agency in any branch of state government including institutions of higher education.

2.4 "University facility" means a state building, parking garage, or other structure that is wholly or partially owned or leased by the State and is enclosed by walls, including windows, and a roof.

2.5 "Smoke free entrance", is a designated building entrance free from "smoke".

3.0 APPLICABILITY

3.1 This policy shall apply to all University controlled/owned buildings and vehicles, except the University Forest Complex.

4.0 POLICY

4.1 This policy applies equally to all University faculty, staff, students, all third party workers and visitors.

4.2 Smoking is prohibited in University buildings with the exception of participants in approved theatrical performances.

4.3 Smoking is prohibited in University owned vehicles.

5.0 IMPLEMENTATION

5.1 "No smoking" signs, will be conspicuously displayed in the following locations:

5.1.1 The to all University buildings;

5.1.2 All University owned vehicles with the exception of unmarked law enforcement vehicles.

5.2 All entrances are smoke free unless otherwise designated by the University Life Committee. Appropriate signs will be prominently displayed at the smoke free entrances.

5.3 Ashtrays will be located in designated smoking areas.

6.0 ENFORCEMENT

6.1 This policy relies on the thoughtfulness, consideration, and cooperation of smokers and nonsmokers for its success.

6.2 All concerns, complaints, or disputes regarding this policy, and any violation of this policy should be addressed to the University Police.

7.0 VIOLATIONS OF THIS POLICY

7.1 Violations of this policy by faculty, staff, and students shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

7.2 Violators may be charged with a criminal offense.

Attachment to the Smoking Policy
Information Item

1. The following are considered designated smoking areas:

1.1 All entrances of the Arbor Building excluding the south entrance;

1.2 All entrances of the Bayou Building excluding faculty/staff and student main entrances.

1.3 All entrances of the Central Services Building, excluding the main entrances at the front of the building;

1.4 Lot J entrance to Delta Building.