Tobacco-Free Campus

Tobacco-Free Campus Policy

Purpose

1.1 The purpose of this policy is to implement and sustain a Tobacco-Free Campus.

Scope

2.1 This policy is applicable to all UNMC students, and employees to include Office/Service, Managerial/Professional, Faculty, and Other Academic positions. It also may apply to campus visitors like applicants for educational programs, applicants for employment, volunteers, and vendors.

Basis of the Policy

3.1 The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) believes that a tobacco-free campus is an important step toward building healthy communities. The tobacco-free policy demonstrates the commitment of UNMC to improve the health and wellness of patients, employees (faculty and staff), students and visitors by providing an environment free of tobacco use. The benefits of this policy are:

a. a reduction in health care expenditures;

b. a reduction in exposure to secondhand smoke;

c. and increased cessation among UNMC employees and students.

In accordance with the implementation of the tobacco-free policy, a smoking cessation program will be available for employees and students.

A strategic goal of UNMC is to be established as "a national leader in disease prevention and health promotion." Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the nation. About half of all smokers die from smoking-related diseases. Active smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, and the use of smokeless tobacco are deleterious to health. Furthermore, the economic costs of tobacco use in terms of health care expenditure and productivity loss are immense. The purpose of this policy is to implement and sustain a Tobacco-Free Campus Policy at UNMC.

This policy reflects the commitment of UNMC to:

a. Create and provide a safe and healthy environment for its students, employees, patients, visitors, volunteers, contractors, vendors, and other guests.

b. Improve the health of UNMC students, faculty, staff, as well as Nebraskans, and continue to be a leader in health promotion and disease prevention.

c. Assist those who wish to quit using tobacco products.

Authorities and Administration

4.1 The UNMC Division Director, Benefits & Work-Life Programs is responsible for the administration, implementation and maintenance of the policy in consultation with the Assistant Vice Chancellor, Executive Director of Human Resources.

Policy

5.1 The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) campus is tobacco-free, as of August 24, 2009. This policy prohibits tobacco use on all indoor and outdoor properties owned and maintained by UNMC, including leased properties as well as parking lots.
5.2 1. Smoking is prohibited:

a. In all indoor and outdoor properties maintained by UNMC, including leased and owned properties as well as parking lots.

b. In all vehicles whether owned, leased or rented by UNMC.

c. In all vehicles when parked on UNMC property.

5.2.2. This policy includes but is not limited to cigarettes, cigars, and pipes.
5.2.3. This policy encompasses all individuals whether they are working, visiting, receiving medical care or whether they are contractors or vendors on UNMC property.
5.2.4. The only exception to the policy will be University-approved research studies involving tobacco use.

Equal Employment Opportunity

6.1 The University of Nebraska Medical Center declares and affirms a policy of equal educational and employment opportunities, affirmative action in employment, and nondiscrimination in providing its services to the public. Therefore, the University of Nebraska Medical Center shall not discriminate against anyone based on race, age, color, disability, religion, sex, national or ethnic origin, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, political affiliation, Vietnam-era veteran status, or special disabled Veteran status. Sexual harassment in any form, including hostile environment and quid pro quo, is prohibited.

Additional Information

Contact Human Resources - Employee Benefits and Work Life Programs at 559-8962

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