Smoke-free UFV
Smoke-free UFV
When did UFV become smoke-free?
October 1, 2018
Why is UFV smoke-free?
UFV is committed to improving the health and well-being of our community. Smoking and second-hand smoke are leading causes of death and preventable diseases, so eliminating these negative health factors is a priority.
What is prohibited?
Smoking, inhaling, exhaling, burning, vaping, or carrying lit smoke products including tobacco, cannabis, or any other substance, including, but not limited to: cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and e-cigarettes is strictly prohibited on UFV premises, except where an exemption to this policy has been applied for and granted.
How do I approach someone who is smoking?
Respectfully approach the individual in a non-confrontational manner and let the person know UFV has just become a smoke-free campus. Remember, you’re looking to inform them rather than provoke a reaction. Ask them if they know UFV is smoke free. Then ask them politely to support the policy by smoking off campus.
What do I do if the person does not put out their cigarette or smoking material?
It’s not up to you to enforce the policy. Avoid confrontation. If someone does not comply you can walk away. If the person repeatedly does not comply over time, here’s who you can talk to about education and enforcement:
| Violation by: | Education and enforcement by: |
|---|---|
| Faculty or Staff | Human Resources |
| Student | Student Services (Greg Mather or Kyle Baillie) |
| Contractors or vendors | Facilities (Mark Goudsblom or Dave Shayler) |
| Visitors | Security |
How is this a change from UFV's current smoking policy?
Until October 1, 2018, smoking/vaping is allowed on UFV campuses and properties but is prohibited near doors and windows. The new policy will prohibit smoking/vaping anywhere on all UFV campuses and properties as of October 1, 2018.
o Until October 1, 2018, smoking/vaping is allowed on UFV campuses and properties, but is prohibited near doors and windows. The new policy will prohibit smoking/vaping anywhere on all UFV campuses and properties as of October 1, 2018.
Is this change a result of the legalization of cannabis? Does the policy apply to marijuana?
The legalization date of October 17, 2018, provided another reason to examine smoking on campuses and a precise timeline to implement a smoke-free policy. Providing clean air and a healthy environment for learners and employees who study, play, work, and live on campus is the goal of smoke-free UFV.
Smoking marijuana is prohibited. The UFV Smoke-free policy defines smoking as inhaling, exhaling, burning, vaping, or carrying lit smoke products including tobacco, cannabis, or any other substance, including, but not limited to: cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and e-cigarettes.
Will there be designated smoking areas on campus?
No. UFV will be an entirely smoke-free environment. Continuing to permit smoking or vaping on campuses would be inconsistent with UFV's commitment to promoting a healthy environment for faculty, students, and staff.
Will I be able to smoke or vape on campus in my parked vehicle?
No. Parking lots are UFV property. Smoking in a confined space like a vehicle poses an additional health risk. Smoking/vaping is prohibited at all times and locations in all vehicles parked on UFV property.
Does this policy apply to all campuses?
Yes, this applies to all UFV campuses, centres, and properties.
Will use of tobacco for traditional Indigenous ceremonies be allowed on UFV property?
UFV recognizes and respects the unique relationship Indigenous people have with traditional and sacred medicines and the right to use smoke in traditional spiritual or cultural ceremonies. Exemptions to this policy for these purposes will be granted on request by members of the Indigenous community.
What about my safety if I choose to smoke/vape and go off campus, especially at night?
Should you choose to go off campus to smoke, please exercise the same degree of caution as you would any other time you leave campus.
My breaks are only 15 minutes. This is not long enough to smoke or vape off campus. What can I do?
UFV understands that the new policy may be a challenge for some employees. Breaks are considered rest-periods and were not designed to be smoke breaks. However, employees can discuss their concerns with their immediate supervisors. Cessation and craving control resources are available through the UFV employee benefit plan.
What are the benefits of a smoke-free environment?
Health — smoking kills 50% of long-term users according to Health Canada and second-hand smoke contains 170 toxic substances
Campus environment — everyone deserves to breathe clean air where they work, study, play and live
Climate change — tobacco smoke contains carbon dioxide and methane gasses, and tobacco production results in 20-50 million trees being cut down globally
The global environment — besides being a visual pollutant, cigarette butts are not biodegradable and contain 43 cancer-causing agents that can leach into the environment
What will UFV be doing for students and employees who would like to stop smoking?
Students can contact the Coast Capital Peer Resource and Leadership Centre for information and resources for quitting smoking, counselling, coaching, and cessation aids.
Faculty and Staff can access resources through their employee benefits. Please see a full list of services available on the Stop Smoking Resources section of this site.
Free government programs are also available at https://www.quitnow.ca/.
Do I have to quit smoking or vaping?
The policy is focused on encouraging and maintaining a healthy environment, free of exposure to smoke. While students, employees, and visitors are not required to quit smoking, they are required to abide by the policy while on UFV premises.
Who will be enforcing the smoke-free policy?
Every member of the UFV community is encouraged to remind other members of the UFV community of this policy and to report violations of this policy to his or her administrator or to UFV Campus Security, as appropriate. Supervisors will discuss the violation with their employees, volunteers, and contractors. Students found in violation of the policy will be subject to considerations under the UFV Safe Student Learning Community.