35.28 - Tobacco-Free Campus

Effective Date: July 1, 2016

Preamble: In 2012 students in a University of Idaho Movement Sciences class began examining the health and welfare of employees and students at the university in relation to tobacco use. This led to discussions with ASUI, Faculty Senate, Staff Affairs and Administration to establish a tobacco-free policy.

A. General. The University of Idaho (University) seeks to maintain and promote a healthy and safe environment conducive for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The University recognizes that (1) health hazards are associated with using tobacco products, (2) exposure to secondhand smoke can adversely affect the health of nonsmokers, (3) exposure to tobacco smoke and tobacco products can be unpleasant and distracting for nontobacco users, (4) smoking can ignite fires, (5) tobacco products can transfer toxic materials from hand to mouth, (6) tobacco waste and disposal is a costly ongoing maintenance issue.

A-1. Regulatory Requirements. Idaho Code, Title 39, Chapter 55 and Idaho Administrative Code, IDAPA 16.02.23 prohibit smoking in any publicly-owned building or educational facility. [rev. 12-09]

B. Definitions.

B-1. Tobacco: cigarettes, cigars, pipes, electronic nicotine delivery systems, hookah, all forms of smokeless tobacco, clove cigarettes, and other alternative products made primarily with tobacco.

B-2 University-owned and controlled property: All property or buildings that are owned or leased by the University of Idaho, are used by the university for a university function, or whose access and use is governed by the university. Property that is not university owned and controlled includes but is not limited to:

a. Non university-owned student housing such as cooperative living or Greek housing that are responsible for the management and enforcement of their own tobacco policies.

C. Policy. Use of any tobacco is prohibited in all university-owned and controlled property, facilities, vehicles, and grounds. This policy applies to all students, employees, contractors, volunteers, and visitors on university-owned and controlled property..

C-1. Exemptions. Requests for further exemptions to this policy, other than those listed, shall be reviewed and implemented by the Assistant Vice-President for Facilities.

a. Religious Use: In accordance with the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, the tobacco-free policy does not apply to products used for ceremonial and traditional rites.

b. Personal Vehicles: This policy does not apply to the use of tobacco within an enclosed personal vehicle.

c. Research: This policy does not apply to the use of tobacco for the purpose of scientific research in a controlled laboratory setting.

C-2. Compliance. All faculty, staff, and students have a collective responsibility to promote the health and safety of the campus community. Everyone is authorized and encouraged to communicate this policy with courtesy, respect, and diplomacy, especially in regards to visitors. Employees and students who repeatedly or flagrantly violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Faculty-Staff Handbook (FSH 3320, 3340, 3360, 3930) and the Student Code of Conduct (FSH 2300). Refusal to comply with the policy by visitors, guests and contractors may be grounds for removal from campus.

D. Information. The University is committed to assisting employees, students, visitors, and others who use tobacco. Resources and information can be found online at www.uidaho.edu/tobaccofree.

Version History

Amended October 2024. Minor edit to update owner position title.