Humboldt State University

Campus Smoking Policy: Executive Memorandum P 04-05

Supersedes: P 03-05, P 00-02, P 97-03, P 95-04, P 92-03, P 88-05, P 83-05

RATIONALE

Humboldt State University is committed to providing a healthy environment for employees, students and visitors.

Widely published scientific data have demonstrated that smoking is harmful to the health of smokers. In addition, the Surgeon General reports that exposure to secondhand smoke can be a serious health hazard for nonsmokers.

The United States Surgeon General concluded in his 1996 report on involuntary smoking:

  • Involuntary smoking is a cause of disease, including lung cancer, in healthy nonsmokers; and
  • The simple separation of smokers and nonsmokers within the same airspace may reduce, but does not eliminate, the exposure of nonsmokers to environmental tobacco smoke.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found:

  • Secondhand smoke is a Group A carcinogen, a substance known to cause cancer in humans; and
  • The EPA does not recognize a safe level of exposure to Group A carcinogens.

Apart from these health issues, secondhand smoke can be physically distressing to nonsmokers. Consequently, Humboldt State University, out of concern for the health, safety, and well-being of the members of the campus community, establishes the following policy.

POLICY

Humboldt State University will follow all federal, state, or local laws regarding smoking; this smoking policy is in addition to any such policies which may be in effect.

Smoking is prohibited in all HSU buildings and state-owned vehicles, and effective  January 18, 2005, on campus property except in specific, designated outside locations (Refer to map). The sale of smoking material is prohibited on any Humboldt State University properties.

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 University facility entrances reminding the campus community of this policy revision and the establishment of designated smoking areas. In addition, signage will be placed at the entrances to the University and its parking lots alerting visitors to the establishment of designated smoking areas.

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.

This policy relies on the consideration and cooperation of smokers and non-smokers for its success. It is the responsibility of all members of the campus community to observe this Smoking Policy.

Distribution: Faculty, Staff and Students