Smoke-Free Campus
Approved December 6, 2010
I. BACKGROUND
The Surgeon General of the United States has concluded that there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found second-hand tobacco smoke to be a risk to public health, and has classified secondhand smoke as a group A carcinogen, the most dangerous class of carcinogen. Further, the California Air Resources Board has categorized secondhand smoke as a toxic air contaminant. Tobacco smoke is hazardous to smokers and non-smokers alike. Especially in Marin where the incidents of cancer, and particularly breast cancer, are high, it is important for Dominican University of California in its educational mission to promote a safe and healthy campus environment through the adoption of this tobacco-free, no-smoking policy. In doing so, Dominican University will serve as a role model for institutions in Marin County. Bay Area Community Resources and Kaiser Permanente have worked with Dominican on the development of this policy.
II. POLICY
Dominican University of California has a smoke-free policy for its campus effective January 1, 2011. The use of cigarettes, cigars, cloves, pipes, medical marijuana, and hookah is prohibited on all property and in all indoor and outdoor spaces owned, leased, licensed, or otherwise controlled by Dominican University. Smoking is prohibited in all vehicles owned by Dominican University and at any event or activity on campus property.
The sale of tobacco products for smoking or of tobacco paraphernalia is prohibited on all property owned, leased, licensed, or otherwise controlled by Dominican University.
No tobacco-related advertising or marketing shall be permitted on Dominican University property, at University events, or in publications produced by the University, with the exception of advertising in a newspaper or magazine that is not produced by Dominican University and which is lawfully sold, bought, or distributed on campus property.
III. COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT
The success of this policy relies on the consideration and cooperation of ALL Dominican University students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Staff, faculty, and students have the authority to remind any person seen smoking on campus that Dominican University has a smoke-free policy in effect on its San Rafael campus. Supervisors and building monitors will work to implement this policy in their offices/buildings. Any complaints or conflicts resulting from this policy should be reported to the Vice President of Student Life or Director of Human Resources.
IV. CESSATION
Members of Kaiser Permanente with supplemental drug coverage receive tobacco cessation medications at their regular prescription copayment and free classes. Non-members will need to pay for classes—(San Rafael (415) 444-2433 Petaluma (707) 765-3960). Low-cost cessation groups are provided at Bay Area Community Resources (415 755-2399). Free help for quitting is available through the California Smokers’ Helpline at 1-800-NO-BUTTS. Helpful information is also available at the Student Health Center.
V. RESPONSIBILITIES IN ESTABLISHING THE SMOKE-FREE POLICY
The Office of Student Life will establish and publicize guidelines for responding to students who violate the smoke-free policy. Guidelines will be similar to those for violations of the alcohol policy: there are various levels of violation and fines are commensurate with the offense. Each violation will be handled on a case-by-case basis. The policy will be added immediately to the online Student Handbook and will be published in future student handbooks/planners.
The Office of Human Resources will publicize the smoke-free policy and respond to current and incoming employees. That office will include information about the policy on the Human Resources webpage, which is consulted by persons interested in Dominican University employment. Human Resources will respond to violations of the policy in a fair, consistent, and appropriate manner; each case will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
The Admissions Office will notify prospective students of the policy.
VI. SMOKING ZONE
Smoking will be permitted outdoors in a designated space behind Fanjeaux Hall, adjacent to the parking lot. Smokers using the designated smoking space behind Fanjeaux Hall must stay at least 30 feet away from any building in that area.
