Smoke & Tobacco Free Policy
I. Policy
Smoking, vaping, and the use of any tobacco products (cigarettes, e-cigarettes, hookahs, pipes, cigars, water pipes, vape pens, personal vaporizers, electronic nicotine delivery systems, smokeless tobacco, etc.) are no longer permitted anywhere within the boundaries of University-owned or leased property and vehicles. The existing prohibition on the sale and promotion of tobacco products on the campus will continue. The University will make available smoking cessation programs to students, staff, and faculty to facilitate the transition to a tobacco-free life.
II. Background
State and City Smoking Regulations
- Since February 20th 1991, the University smoking control policy has been in compliance with state and local laws by prohibiting smoking in buildings, and within 15 feet of entrances, exits, and operable windows and vents in San Francisco, and within 20 feet of entrances, exits, and operable windows and vents elsewhere in California.
- On May 4, 2016, Governor Brown signed several tobacco bills into California Law, including raising the legal smoking age from 18 to 21 (excluding active military personnel), and classifying e-cigarettes as tobacco products effective June 9, 2016.
Paradigm Shift in Public Opinion and Rejection of Smoking
- A preponderance of data on the adverse health effects of smoking and second hand smoke.
- Smokers represent a minority of people in the community.
- Nations, states, cities, and universities across the world have begun smoking bans of varying degree.
III. Objective
- To promote a safe and healthy learning and work environment for students, staff, faculty and visitors by reducing the health risks associated with tobacco smoke.
- To protect the rights of the non-smoking community to breathe tobacco smoke-free air.
IV. Rationale
In recognition of the following public health facts about smoking and second hand smoke:
- Cigarette smoking is the largest single preventable cause of premature death and disability in the United States.
- Separation may reduce, but does not eliminate, exposure of non-smokers to second hand smoke.
- The Surgeon General has stated that second hand tobacco smoke is a cause of disease, including lung cancer, in healthy non-smokers.
In recognition of the University's:
- Core mission to educate "the whole person - mind, body and soul" in the Jesuit Catholic tradition.
- Goal to distinguish itself as a diverse, socially responsible learning community of high quality scholarship and academic rigor "sustained by a faith that does justice."
- Position as a leader by example in the San Francisco Bay Area, joining in solidarity with leading universities around the state, nation and the world to promote the health and wellness of its campus community.
- Credo to "Educate Minds and Hearts to Change the World."
V. Education and Awareness
The implementation of this policy will be augmented by an education and awareness campaign that may include but not be limited to:
- Notification to prospective students and staff/faculty hires. Informational meetings, postings and e-mail notifications.
- Publication in staff/faculty human resources manuals, student Fogcutter handbook, and appropriate web sites.
- Educational campaigns employing classmates and colleagues. Ongoing smoking cessation programs.
- Established culture of compliance through peer oversight.
VI. Responsibilities
- Clear signage regarding the smoke and tobacco free policy will be posted throughout the campus.
- Peer implementation and observance of this policy will be the duty of every student, staff, faculty, and visitor on campus.
- Supervisory personnel are responsible for implementation of this policy in their areas and will address problems through the existing administrative structure.
- Student violations will be handled through the existing judicial affairs process.
VII. Smoking Cessation Resources
- Students - Provided by the Health Promotion Services - 415.422.5797 or at hps@usfca.edu.
- Staff/Faculty - Can contact the benefits team at 415.422.2442 or at benefits@usfca.edu. For online resources please visit this site. You may also work directly with your doctors at Kaiser or Anthem for access to smoking cessation programs.
VIII. Office of the President Letters
- November 16, 2016
- June 21, 2017
- August 1, 2017
Contact Us
Health Promotion Services
Address
2130 Fulton Street University Center, 5th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94117
Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
UC 5th Front Desk Hours are Mon-Fri: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.