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Handbook of Operating Procedures
Handbook of Operating Procedures
Chapter 10 - Research
Publication Date: September 5, 2012
Responsible Executive: VP for Business Affairs


9.36 Nonsmoking/Tobacco Free Policy

I. POLICY STATEMENT

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) recognizes its social responsibility to promote the health, well-being, and safety of University students, faculty, staff, and visitors. For this reason smoking is not permitted in any University-owned or leased buildings, University-owned or leased vehicles, indoor facility, or indoor site at UTSA, except in areas permitted under this policy.

In addition, in compliance with the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) regulation, the use of any and all tobacco products also is prohibited in the building, sidewalks, parking lots, walkways and attached parking structures immediately adjacent to the structure where a CPRIT project is taking place.

II. RATIONALE

This policy establishes UTSA rules related to smoking on campus.  

Additionally, this policy  ensures compliance with CPRIT regulation (Texas Administrative Code Title 25 Health Services, Part 11, Chapter 703, Grants for Cancer Prevention and Research, Section 703.20), effective August 31, 2012. UTSA considers cancer research to be important and this research supports the University's mission and goal of becoming a premier research institution. Acceptance of funding from CPRIT directs that tobacco free zones be established in the locality of CPRIT projects. 

III. SCOPE

This policy applies to UTSA employees, students, UTSA affiliates, contractors, and visitors and is applicable twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week.

IV. WEBSITE ADDRESS FOR THIS POLICY

http://www.utsa.edu/hop/chapter9/9-36.html

V. RELATED STATUTES, POLICIES, REQUIREMENTS OR STANDARDS

  1. Texas Penal Code Chapter 48 Section 48.01 – Smoking Tobacco
  2. Texas Administrative Code Title 25 Health Services, Part 11, Chapter 703, Grants for Cancer Prevention and Research, Section 703.20

VI. CONTACTS

If you have any questions about HOP policy 9.36, Nonsmoking/Tobacco Free Policy, contact the following office:

Human Resources
210-458-4648

VII. DEFINITIONS

Tobacco Products – all forms of tobacco products including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, water pipes (hookah), bidis, kreteks, electronic cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, snuff and chewing tobacco. (Note: Medications with controlled amounts of nicotine that are used to aid in quitting smoking are not considered tobacco products. A list of these medications can be found at the smokefree.gov website.)

CPRIT-project buildings – building(s) on UTSA’s campus where a project funded by CPRIT is conducted. A list of buildings that contain CPRIT projects can be found at:  http://utsa.edu/hr/TobaccoFree/index.html

VIII. RESPONSIBILITIES

    1. UTSA Employees/Students/Affiliates/Contractors/Visitors
      1. Comply with this policy, and
      2. Encourage compliance by respectfully informing individuals that violate this policy.

    IX. PROCEDURES

    Smoking is not permitted in any University-owned or leased buildings, University-owned or leased vehicles, indoor facility, or indoor site at UTSA, except in areas permitted under this policy. In addition, the use of any and all tobacco products is prohibited in the building, sidewalks, parking lots, walkways and attached parking structures immediately adjacent to the structure where the CPRIT project is taking place. Signage will be posted at the building entrances and outside areas of CPRIT-project buildings. A complete list of CPRIT project buildings can be found at (website TBD).

    Smoking and tobacco products are permitted outside any non CPRIT project building as long as it is 20 feet or more from the entryway, doorway or common path of travel, with one exception. At the Recreation and Wellness Center, the permissible smoking distance is 100 feet from any outside entrance or doorway.

    Resources
    UTSA is committed to supporting employees who wish to stop using tobacco products. Resources are available through the Employee Assistance Program at http://utsa.edu/hr/EmployeeRelations/eapinfo.html.
    Members of UT Select Health insurance plan can find information about tobacco cessation counseling and pharmacy benefits at http://www.livingwell.utsystem.edu/tobacco.htm

    Violations of Policy
    Adherence to this policy is the responsibility of all members of the UTSA community. Members of the campus community are empowered to respectfully inform others about the policy in an ongoing effort to enhance awareness of and encourage compliance with this policy. Violations will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis in accordance with UTSA’s established disciplinary policies.

    X. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR INITIAL IMPLEMENTATION

    None

    XI. FORMS AND TOOLS/ONLINE PROCESSES

    Tobacco Cessation Assistance: Employee Assistance Program
    http://www.utsa.edu/hr/EmployeeRelations/eapinfo.htm

    Members of UT Select Health insurance plan can also find information at http://www.livingwell.utsystem.edu/tobacco.htm

    XII. APPENDIX

    None