Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment
UC Santa Cruz Becomes a Smoke and Tobacco Free Campus
Effective January 1, 2014, the University of California, Santa Cruz joins more than 1,159 colleges and universities nationwide by implementing a campuswide smoke and tobacco free environment policy. This proposed policy is being adopted by all University of California campuses, labs and centers to improve the health and safety of all UC students, staff, faculty, patients and visitors. This proposed policy prohibits the use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, snuff, snus, water pipes, pipes, hookahs, chew, and any other non-combustible tobacco product. Learn more about the Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment Policy.
Why is the UC going smoke and tobacco free?
While the use of tobacco is a personal choice, the health hazards related to smoking and exposure to second- and third-hand smoke are well-documented. These hazards can affect not only the smoker, but also the nonsmoker who is exposed to the smoke. As a leader in health care and environmental practices, the university recognizes its responsibility to exercise leadership through the creation of a smoke free environment for all students, employees and visitors at all University of California campuses, medical centers and facilities.
Key Elements of the smoke free policy, from President Yudof's January 9, 2012 letter to the Chancellors -
- Smoke free means that smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e.g., "e-cigarettes") will be strictly prohibited in indoor and outdoor spaces, including parking lots, private residential space, and the Medical Center campuses.
- The policy will apply to all UC facilities, whether owned or leased.
- Sale and advertising of tobacco products must be prohibited in University-owned and -occupied buildings.
- Enforcement should be primarily educational, with an emphasis on cessation resources.
Exceptions to the UCSC Smoke and Tobacco-Free policy are approved on a case-by-case basis and then only in very limited and specific circumstances. The benefits of such use must be weighed against the potential impact and the risk to campus health, safety, environmental, and fire before an exception may be granted. If an exception is being requested, complete the UCSC SMOKE & TOBACCO-FREE POLICY EXCEPTION REQUEST form, print, obtain division approval and send the completed form to tobaccofree@ucsc.edu.
Click here for the UCSC SMOKE & TOBACCO-FREE POLICY EXCEPTION REQUEST form.
Read more about the policy at UC Santa Cruz Smoke & Tobacco Free Environment Policy.
