The Tobacco Free rule for the University of Utah has gone through a formal review process and has been approved by the Academic Senate. Going into effect July 1, 2018, the rule applies to all students, faculty, staff, vendors and contractors of the university. The university is not requiring anyone to quit the use of tobacco products. The intention of the rule is to promote healthy lifestyles throughout the U community and simply means the use of tobacco products on university property is prohibited.

What does a tobacco-free campus mean?

Smoking and the use of any tobacco product is prohibited on all university property and in any outdoor area controlled by the university. This rule is applicable 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Why did the University of Utah adopt a tobacco-free campus rule?

As the State of Utah’s flagship university, and one of the largest academic and health care employers, the university is committed to creating a healthier campus and healthier Utah for our students, faculty, staff, patients and visitors.

What are the benefits of a tobacco-free campus?

Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable illness and death in the United States. A tobacco-free campus protects members of our community from unwanted and involuntary exposure to tobacco and secondhand smoke, while establishing a supportive, nonjudgmental atmosphere for those trying to quit. It also supports current sustainable green initiatives and compliments other university health and research projects, which are vital to our mission.

What is considered University property?

University property includes any property owned, leased, or controlled by the university and includes but is not limited to: all buildings, vehicles, residential and recreational areas, athletic fields, parking lots, parking structures, streets, sidewalks, hospitals and clinics. A campus map can be found at tobaccofree.utah.edu.

What is considered a tobacco product?

Tobacco products include cigarettes, cigars, pipes, water pipes, hookah, bidis, kreteks, smokeless tobacco (chewing tobacco, snus, snuff), electronic cigarettes, vape pens and any unregulated nicotine-delivery product.

Are other colleges and universities tobacco free?

The University of Utah joins more than 1,800 colleges and universities nationwide that have gone 100 percent smoke and/or tobacco free, including the majority of Pac-12 schools. Tens of thousands of businesses, hospitals and organizations have also gone tobacco free.

Do students, faculty, staff, patients and visitors have to quit using tobacco?

The university is not asking anyone to quit. This rule promotes health across campus and simply means no one can use tobacco products on university property.

What resources are available to help those who want to quit using tobacco?

The university is committed to supporting who want to quit using tobacco products. Visit the Quit Tobacco Resources page of tobaccofree.utah.edu for comprehensive cessation resources offered through student health services, employee wellness programs, the Employee Assistant Program and the state of Utah.

Who was involved in the rule-making process?

From the beginning, this has been a student lead initiative which grew to include representation across campus, including representatives from the Academic Senate, ASUU, Athletics, General Counsel, Human Resources, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety, Staff Council, Student Health and University of Utah Health.

Were the opinions of faculty, staff and students taken into account?

Feedback was collected across campus via town halls, in-person meetings, email and social media. An Academic Senate Ad Hoc Committee was also formed to gather information, study recommendations, and propose amendments to the rule.

What happens if someone is caught using tobacco on campus?

Any individual may inform a tobacco user of the rule and respectfully request that they comply. They may wish to say, “Are you aware that the university does not allow the use of tobacco products on our campus? I ask you to please respect our rule.” If they do not feel comfortable approaching someone, they may submit feedback at tobaccofree.utah.edu.

If a tobacco user continues to egregiously violate the rule or engage in disorderly conduct, then they may be referred to the Office of the Dean of Students or to University Police, similar to other campus rule violations. No one may be expelled or fired for using tobacco products on campus.

Where can I find more information?

Visit tobaccofree.utah.edu.