UC Smoke & Tobacco Free Policy

Smoke & Tobacco-Free Task Force Meets with Napolitano

As of January 1, 2014, UC joined more than 1,500 colleges and universities nationwide by implementing a systemwide smoke & tobacco-free policy.

This policy has been adopted by all UC campuses, labs and medical centers to improve the health and safety of all students, staff, faculty, patients and visitors. The policy prohibits the use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, snuff, snus, water pipes, pipes, hookahs, chew, unregulated electronic nicotine delivery system, and any other non-combustible tobacco product.

Why is 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 and tobacco-free environment for all students, employees and visitors at all UC campuses, medical centers and facilities. UC joined over 1,500+ other colleges and universities that have already gone Smoke & Tobacco-Free. Visit tobaccofreecampus.org to learn more about this nationwide effort.

Key elements of the smoke and tobacco free policy

From President Yudof’s January 9, 2012 letter (pdf) 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.
UCOP's Smoke and Tobacco Free policy (pdf)

Policy compliance

Compliance with this policy is grounded in informing and educating members of the university community and visitors about the policy and encouraging those who use tobacco products to seek treatment for tobacco dependence.

Violations of this policy may be subject to corrective action under the Student Code of Conduct, Human Resources and Academic Personnel Policies and Procedures, other applicable university regulations or policies, vendor contracts and citations and fines per California Government Code 7597.1.

Promotional materials (see right) and cessation resources are available to assist in the ongoing effort to enhance awareness and foster compliance.

Safety and Loss Prevention