Smoke-Free Policy

Policy Statement

1. An-Najah National University is committed to providing a safe, healthy, and smoke-free campus environment for all staff, students, contractors, visitors, retail vendors, and tenants.
2. The University is dedicated to minimizing the adverse effects of smoking, passive smoking, and tobacco use on the health and well-being of the entire campus community.

Scope

This policy applies to all individuals on university property, including staff, students, contractors, visitors, retail vendors, tenants, and volunteers. It extends to all indoor and outdoor areas of the university's campuses, including university-owned or leased buildings, facilities, grounds, parking areas, vehicles, and other properties under the university's control.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure a smoke-free environment across all university campuses, protecting the health and safety of the campus community by eliminating exposure to smoking and tobacco products. This policy also aims to promote a culture of health and wellness, in line with international standards and best practices.

Definitions

• Smoking: For the purposes of this policy, "smoking" includes the use of all forms of cigarettes, cigars, pipes, hookahs, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), vape pens, and similar products.
• Tobacco Products: Includes all products containing tobacco, as well as nicotine-based products intended for smoking or vaping.

Principles

1. Health and Safety: The university recognizes the well-documented adverse effects of smoking, passive smoking, and tobacco product use on health. This policy supports the university’s commitment to fostering a healthy environment.
2. Smoke-Free Campus: Smoking and the use of all tobacco products are prohibited in all areas of the university’s campuses. This includes, but is not limited to, faculty buildings, laboratories, indoor and outdoor common areas, cafeterias, workplaces, parking lots, sports fields, related facilities, stairways, corridors, and university-owned vehicles.
3. Prohibition of Tobacco Promotion: The university strictly prohibits the promotion, sponsorship, and advertising of smoking and tobacco products on its premises. This includes prohibiting any activities funded by the tobacco industry.
4. Support for Cessation: The university is committed to supporting staff, students, and visitors who wish to quit smoking. This includes providing access to resources, counseling, and smoking cessation programs.
5. Environmental Responsibility: The university aims to reduce environmental harm caused by tobacco waste, including cigarette butts and packaging. Proper disposal methods will be promoted, and the university will actively participate in reducing tobacco-related litter.

Responsibilities

1. President's Assistant for Logistics and Infrastructure Affairs:
   • Formulate and update the smoking policy in line with international best practices.
   • Ensure the policy’s implementation across all campuses.
   • Define tasks and responsibilities for campus supervisors and establish clear procedures and penalties for non-compliance.
2. Director of Campus Services:
   • Post and maintain appropriate signage at all building entrances, indicating smoking restrictions.
   • Apply sanctions to individuals who violate the smoking restrictions, including residents in university housing.
3. Security Officers:
   • Take reasonable steps to prevent smoking in non-permitted areas.
   • Request individuals who refuse to comply with the policy to leave the premises, if necessary.
4. Deans, Heads of Departments, and Managers:
   • Ensure that all staff, students, and visitors under their control are informed of the smoking policy and its restrictions.
   • Take reasonable steps to ensure compliance with the policy among their teams.
5. Employees:
   • Comply with all smoking restrictions.
   • Take reasonable steps to prevent others from smoking in non-permitted areas, including politely requesting compliance.
6. Students and Visitors:
   • Comply with all smoking restrictions and respect the smoke-free environment.

Compliance and Enforcement

1. Communication: This policy must be communicated to all university stakeholders, including staff, students, contractors, and visitors, through appropriate dissemination channels, including orientations, websites, and campus signage.
2. Enforcement: Non-compliance with this policy will result in disciplinary actions as per the university's penal system. Repeated violations may lead to penalties, including fines, suspension, or expulsion for students, and termination of contracts for vendors and contractors.
3. Feedback and Review: The university will regularly review and update this policy to ensure it remains effective and aligned with international health and safety standards. Feedback from the campus community will be encouraged and considered during policy reviews.

Support and Resources

• The university will provide access to smoking cessation resources, including counseling and support groups.
• Information about quitting smoking will be made available through the university’s health services.

Effective Date: October 12, 2016

Review Date: Jun 24, 2024