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Regulations and Policies

Regulations & Policies

Organization/General


I. OBJECTIVE AND PURPOSE

As a leader in higher education, the University of North Florida not only develops minds, but promotes health enhancing behaviors by providing an environment that enables improved health status. Scientific evidence on the health risks associated with smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke is well documented. By implementing the Smoke-Free Campus Regulation, the University of North Florida is seeking to enhance the health of our students, faculty, staff and visitors.

UNF is joining a national movement in creating a smoke-free environment. Following an in-depth review of the harm caused by second-hand smoke exposure and the level to which smoking use contributes to chronic disease and death, the UNF campus community made the decision to go smoke-free. Support for this decision is based on current scientific research and data gathered from UNF students, faculty and staff supporting the initiative.

II. DEFINITIONS

  1.  "Smoking" means inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted or heated cigar, cigarette, pipe or other inhalant device in which a tobacco or other material is smoked.
  2.  "Electronic cigarettes" or "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 of which simulates smoking. The term shall include any such device, whether manufactured, distributed, marketed or sold as an e-cigarette, e-cigar, e-hookah, e-pipe, e-pen or any other product name or descriptor. It also includes refill cartridges or other oils, liquids, or contents used in electronic cigarettes.
  3. "Tobacco Product" means forms of tobacco, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, shisha, pipes, water pipes (hookah) and electronic cigarettes.
  4.  "Smoking-related" means the use of tobacco brand or corporate name, trademark, logo, symbol, motto, or selling message that is identifiable with those used for any brand of tobacco products or electronic cigarettes or company which manufactures such products.
  5.  "Members of the University community" includes faculty, staff, students, volunteers, contractors, and visitors.
  6.  "University Property" includes UNF buildings, athletic and entertainment facilities (both indoors and outside), sidewalks, roadways, parking lots, and grounds. It includes University-owned properties and those that are leased to UNF or leased to third parties through UNF. University Property also includes University owned, rented or leased vehicles, as well as personal vehicles while parked on University property.
  7.  "Vaping" means the action or practice of inhaling and exhaling the vapor produced by an electronic cigarette or similar device including electronic cigarette devices that may or may not contain nicotine.

III. STATEMENT OF REGULATION

  1. The University of North Florida is designated Smoke-Free.
  2. The act of smoking and vaping is prohibited on University Property.
  3. The sale of tobacco products or electronic cigarettes is prohibited on University Property.
  4. The free distribution of tobacco products or electronic cigarettes is prohibited on University Property.
  5. Smoking-related advertising or sponsorship is prohibited on University Property.
  6. The University will continue to provide accessible smoke addiction treatment assistance for faculty, staff and students and will publicize its availability.
  7. This regulation applies to all members of the University community. The University's expectation is that all faculty, staff, students and visitors to campus will adhere to this regulation. The University understands that the success of this regulation will depend on the thoughtfulness, consideration and cooperation of smokers and nonsmokers. Faculty, staff, and students have a collective responsibility to promote the safety and health of the campus community and therefore share in the responsibility of enforcement. Individuals observed smoking are to be reminded in a professional and respectful manner of the university regulation
  8. Under limited and specific instances, there is potential for an exemption to the regulation as approved by the University President. To request an exemption, contact Senior Director of Department of Recreation and Wellness, Ashley Ballard, a.ballard@unf.edu or (904) 620-4769.

IV. REPORTING

To report a violation of this Regulation to the University, please use the following link:
https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?UnivofNorthFlorida&layout_id=24

You may also report it under the Florida Clean Indoor Act using one of the following methods:

Call: 1-800-337-3742
Email: FCIAA@flhealth.gov
Mail: 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C-23, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1743

The following information is required to process a complaint:

Name of workplace where the violation is occurring (such as the UNF Building/Department)
Workplace's mailing address, city, county and zip code
Nature of the violation (Example: smoking in a classroom)
Contact information for the University's Department of Recreation and Wellness

Authority: Board of Governors Regulation 1.001(7)(g)
Approved by BOT 01/28/21.


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