| POLICY NAME | POLICY NO. | APPROVING BODY | RESPONSIBLE DEPARTMENT |
|---|---|---|---|
| WNMU Smoking Policy | BA426 | President/Cabinet | Business Affairs – Facilities & Operations/Campus Police |
| EFFECTIVE DATE | VERSION NO. | REVISION/REVIEW DATE | DOWNLOAD PDF |
| 15-DEC-2014 | 01 | 12-SEP-2024 | BA426_WNMU Smoking Policy |
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this policy is to promote a healthy and safe environment and to establish clear and consistent guidelines regarding the use of smoking, tobacco, and nicotine products. This policy applies to all contractors/subcontractors, employees, students, visitors, and university affiliates on any WNMU premises, during university activities, and any public streets or sidewalks within a reasonable distance of a WNMU building.
POLICY:
Western New Mexico University is committed to wellness, prevention, and providing a healthful environment in which to learn, work, and visit. In compliance with the Dee Johnson Clean Indoor Act of 2007, smoking and the use of tobacco (including e-cigarettes) is prohibited on the university campus and property, except for designated outdoor smoking areas.
In addition, smoking and tobacco use are prohibited in/within the following areas:
- Inside university/State-owned buildings;
- In university owned vehicles;
- In privately owned vehicles on university property;
- In food and beverage preparation and service areas;
- Within close proximity of or direct access to building entries, outdoor ventilation air intakes and operable windows;
- Situations where people must pass through tobacco smoke to enter or exit a building.
- NOTE: Smokers are not entitled to additional break time.
Smoke free areas
Smoke free areas must extend a ‘reasonable distance’ from any entrances, windows, or ventilation systems to any enclosed areas where smoking is prohibited.
Reasonable Distance
According to the Act, a reasonable distance is sufficient to ensure that individuals entering or leaving the building or facility are not exposed to tobacco smoke and that smoke does not enter the building or facility through entrances, windows, ventilation systems, or any other means. Maintaining a distance of 25 feet is considered an acceptable reasonable distance.
Designated smoking areas
Currently, the university does not have designated smoking areas. Therefore, smokers must respect the rights of others and follow the ‘reasonable distances’ practices outlined above.
Violations of the Smoking Policy
Campus Police is authorized to enforce the Dee Johnson Clean Indoor Air Act by issuing citations for smoking and tobacco use outside of the parameters of designated areas/reasonable distances. Fines for non-compliance are graduated and start at $100.00.
- Employees and university affiliates who violate this policy will also be referred to the Office of Employment and Labor Relations for any applicable disciplinary actions.
- Contractors/subcontractor who violate this policy will also be referred to the Purchasing Department for any applicable contract violations.