The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) has a responsibility to its employees and students to provide a safe and healthful environment. Research findings show that tobacco use in general, including smoking and breathing secondhand smoke, constitutes a significant health hazard. In addition to causing direct health hazards, smoking contributes to institutional costs in other ways, including fire damage, cleaning and maintenance costs, and costs associated with employee absenteeism, health care, and medical insurance.

Scope

Smoking is prohibited in all UNCW buildings.

Smoking is prohibited up to 25 feet outside the entrance to any campus building (measured as 25 feet from the end of each formal entrance structure).  Special consideration will be given to those buildings where compliance with a 25 feet perimeter poses a danger to the individual.

Smoking is prohibited in all UNCW vehicles.

The sale of tobacco products on campus is prohibited.

The free distribution of tobacco products on campus is prohibited.

Registered student organizations are prohibited from accepting event sponsorship from tobacco brand companies and from promoting tobacco products.

Implementation and Enforcement

Enforcement of this policy will depend upon the cooperation of all faculty, staff, and students not only to comply with this policy but also to encourage others to comply with the policy in order to provide a healthy environment in which to work, study, and live.

Repeated or intentional non-compliance with these provisions will be managed in accordance with Student Affairs guidelines for all students and disciplinary guidelines for staff and faculty. When necessary, the university will institute discipline against the offending individual, which may result in a range of sanctions, including but not limited to the following: for students - warning, disciplinary probation, or suspension; and for employees - warning, suspension without pay, or dismissal.

All non-smoking areas shall be clearly marked with appropriate signage and other physical indicators, especially related to the 25 foot perimeter policy. Any smoking waste management products should be placed outside of the 25 foot perimeter.

Housing and Residential Life is responsible for enforcing and implementing sanctions in campus and student residences, per item #33 in the Code of Student Life, Residence Life publication, A Guide to On-Campus Living.

Smoking cessation services for students will be provided by UNCW’s Substance Abuse Prevention and Education Program, in partnership with Health Promotion Services and the Abrons Student Health Center.

Information regarding smoking cessation services and education for employees is available through Human Resources and/or the State Health Plan.