NAU’sTobacco Free Policy Proposal- DRAFT-3-8-16

Rationale:

  • The World Health Organization states that there is no safe level of exposure to second hand smoke.
  • Currently, there are over 1,400colleges and universities nationwide that have implemented either a smoke free or tobacco free policy.
  • The American College Health Association has issued an official statement supporting the creation of a tobacco free environment on all college campuses.
  • Many employers are now screening applicants for tobacco use and choosing to hire tobacco free employees, potentially limiting job prospects for our graduates.
  • Cigarette butts are the most littered item in the world. They are not biodegradable and detract from Flagstaff’s natural beauty.

Purpose:

A tobacco and smoke-free campus policy at Northern Arizona Universitywill:

  • Provide a healthy and safe learning and working environment free from tobacco and second-hand smoke
  • Protect the natural environment by reducing air pollution and litter associated with tobacco use

Policy: Northern Arizona University is a tobacco and smoke-free campus.

  • The use of all tobacco products, including those not approved by the FDA for cessation, is prohibited at all facilities and in vehicles owned, operated or leased by Northern Arizona University. This includes, but is not limited to, the use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, hookah, e-hookah, chew, dip, snuff, cigars, pipes, vaporizers, etc.
  • Smoking and the use of all tobacco products shall not be permittedin any enclosed space, including private residential space or private vehicles on university property.
  • Smoking and the use of all tobacco products shall be prohibited outdoors on all NAU campus properties including parking lots and athletic facilities.
  • This policy applies to all members of the campus community, including but not limited to students, faculty, staff, contractors, vendors, affiliates, volunteers and visitors to the NAU campus.

Exceptions:

  • The use of tobacco products in a laboratory and classroom instruction/experiments. All research and educational purposes that involve the use of tobacco must be approved in advance by department head/Dean/Director and must be preceded by reasonable advance notice.
  • Specific activities used in connection with the practice of cultural activities by American Indians that are in accordance with the American Indian Religious Freedom Act that allow for use of ceremonial tobacco. All ceremonial use must be approved in advance by department head/Dean/Director and must be preceded by reasonable advance notice.

Definitions:

“Smoking,” means inhaling, exhaling, burning or carrying any lighted or heated cigar, cigarette, pipe/hookah pipe, vaporizor or other plant product or derivative, including marijuana, for inhalation.

“E-cigarette” means any electronic oral device, such as one composed of a heating element, battery, and/or electronic circuit, which provides a vapor of nicotine or any other substances, and the use or inhalation which simulates smoking. This includes devices such as e-cigarette, e-cigar, e-pipe, e-hookah and other similar products.