Executive Memorandum
July, 2003
Revised November, 2003
P03-05
Campus Smoking Policy
Our society is increasingly coming to realize that smoking is not only harmful to the smoker but can also harm the health of others who encounter second-hand smoke. While governments have tried a variety of approaches to reduce smoking in public places, ultimately our willingness to abide by the general wishes of the majority of community members has resulted in greatly reduced smoking in public venues. Many people at Humboldt State University wish not to be exposed to smoke, and most smokers have adopted a respectful position towards their non-smoking community members. As some of our students have so ably pointed out, "Consideration for the other is the key."
The Board of Trustees of the California State University has recently delegated to campus presidents the authority to establish smoking policies on the CSU campuses. Following recommendations from the Academic Senate, action by the Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention Committee, and a referendum by our students, we will adopt the policy summarized below and review the effectiveness of this policy and the possibility of strengthening it about a year from now.
Humboldt State University Smoking Policy, effective January 1, 2004
Smoking will be permitted at HSU only outside of University facilities on campus so long as the smoker is at least 20 feet away from any entrance to any University facility or at least 20 feet away from any opening that might allow smoke to enter a University facility. Exceptions to this are University-sponsored productions and presentations (e.g. Theatre and Dance performances) where smoking is required of participants in the activity. Smoking is also prohibited in all State vehicles. Smoking is prohibited in the stadium seating area of Redwood Bowl and semi-enclosed areas (e.g., bus shelters). The sale of tobacco products on campus is prohibited. The University is prepared to take legal and/or disciplinary action against violators of this policy if necessary. However, we strongly encourage community members to make consideration of their colleagues a prime reason for following this policy.
Sponsorship of athletic, intramural, and other University events by tobacco companies or distributors is not allowed when those companies' advertisement of the tobacco products is required in return (e.g., tobacco logos on t-shirts, caps, banners, etc.). This policy does not preclude the underwriting of events by these companies.
The University will provide signage at each entrance to each University facility summarizing this policy and providing brief educational messages regarding the dangers of second-hand smoke. In addition, signage will be placed at the entrances to the University and its parking lots summarizing this policy.
Three of the University's facilities, the Student Health Center, the Children's Center, and the Child Development Laboratory, require additional protection. No smoking is permitted with 25 feet of these facilities.
The University will make available to employees and students, information about the effects of smoking and second-hand smoke and about smoking cessation programs, primarily through the Employee Assistance Program, the Student Health Center, and Counseling & Psychological Services.
Review of the Smoking Policy in the Fall of 2004
During September and October of 2004, the University community will reconsider this policy and consider whether a restriction of smoking to designated areas in parking lots and specified areas in housing locations should be adopted.
Distribution: All Faculty, Staff, and Students via e-mail