Smoke-Free Policy

October 1, 1993

MEMORANDUM FOR:    The Campus Community

MEMORANDUM FROM:  David K. Scott, Chancellor

SUBJECT:                   Smoke-Free Policy

The growing body of research presents evidence that smoking not only poses a significant health hazard to smokers, but also to non-smokers through second-hand exposure.

Therefore I have adopted the Smoke-Free Policy as recommended by the University Health Council and approved by the Faculty Senate.  I am calling on all members of the campus community to join me in assuring compliance with the provisions of the Policy.  To attain a smoke-free environment we will need the cooperation and involvement of the entire campus community.  The University Health Services will provide assistance to smokers, including smoking cessation programs.

For our students, the college years afford a brief but critical opportunity to encourage healthy habits that can last a lifetime.  We have an obligation to foster an environment that promotes the well being of our community.

POLICY

The University or Massachusetts Amherst shall be smoke-free in all public and individual work areas.

THE FOLLOWING AREAS SHALL BE SMOKE-FREE

a) All classrooms, stairwells, rest rooms, public areas, food service areas, food preparation areas, waiting rooms, visitor reception areas, lobbies, entrance ways and auditoriums or similar large congregating areas.

b) All work sites, including individual faculty and administrative offices.

c) All rooms in which business meetings are regularly conducted, or in which business meeting is in progress.

d) University Health Services. which is entirely smoke-free as of June 1, 1992, consistent with the appropriate accreditation standards for health-care facilities.

e) State vehicles in which any occupant is a non-smoker.

SMOKING IS ALLOWED ONLY IN

a) Designated guest rooms of the Campus Center hotel.

b) Certain University owned or leased individual rooms and apartments, including Residential Halls in accordance with policy established by Housing Services.

COMPLIANCE

The Chancellor, through the Vice Chancellors, Deans, Directors and Department Heads, is responsible for compliance with this policy.  The Division of Human Resources is available to assist Department Heads in addressing related personnel issues. The Division of Environmental Health and Safety may be contacted for consultation regarding the interpretation and implementation of the policy.  The University is committed to resolving all issues of non-compliance. Individuals do have the right, as provided by State law, to file a written  complaint with the responsible Director or Department Head.  The Director or Department Head has fifteen days to respond in writing to the complainant, including a statement about how the problem will be resolved. The Director or Department Head shall file a copy of both the complaint and the resolution with the Division of Human Resources of the University and with the Office of Public Health, 150 Tremont Street,  Boston, MA 02111 (Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Chapter 270, Section 21 & 22, as amended  1988).

Questions You May Have

Q.    Can I smoke on the balcony, porch or roof of a building?
A.     No, because these areas are considered part of the building and smoke may be drawn into the building from these areas.

Q.    Can I smoke in the seating area at outside sporting events?
A.     No, because of the close proximity to others.

Q.    Can I smoke directly outside a building exit or entrance?
A.     No, you must be at least 20 feet from any entrance or air supply intake to prevent smoke from entering the building.

Q.    Can I smoke in a state vehicle?
A.     No, for the protection of any non-smoker in the vehicle.

Q.    How will visitors be notified of the policy?
A.     Physical Plant will post signs at all building entrances.

Q.    Where can I smoke on campus?
A.     In designated guest rooms of the Campus Center Hotel

Q.    Can I smoke in University Housing?
A.  The residence halls are governed by a separate smoking policy established by Housing Services.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CALL

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & SAFETY  AT 413-545-2682