Smoking and Use of Tobacco Products on University Property

Executive Summary

Most campus buildings are “smoke-free.” In other buildings, smoking may be permitted in areas specified by a building representative appointed by the Chancellor. Smoking can never be permitted in classrooms, conference/seminar rooms, building corridors, restrooms, or any public areas of the Library.

I. Introduction

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte has a vital interest in maintaining a healthy and safe environment for its students, faculty, staff and visitors while respecting individual choice about smoking and use of tobacco products. Consistent with these concerns and with North Carolina law, the following Policy establishes restrictions on smoking and use of tobacco products on University Property and provides procedures for accommodating the preferences of both smokers and non-smokers.

II. Definitions

For the purposes of this University Policy:

1. “Smoking” is defined as the use or possession of a lighted cigarette, lighted cigar, lighted pipe, or any other lighted tobacco product, or the use of an electronic inhaler that employs a mechanical heating element, battery, or electronic circuit to heat a liquid nicotine solution contained in a vapor cartridge, such as an electronic cigarette, electronic cigar, electronic cigarillo, or electronic pipe.
2. “Tobacco product” means a cigarette, a cigar, chewing tobacco, vapor product, or any other product that contains tobacco and is intended for inhalation, oral use, or nasal use. The term does not include nicotine patches, nicotine gum, nicotine lozenges, or other tobacco cessation products.
3. A “Building” is defined as any permanent or temporary structure utilized for the support, shelter or enclosure of people, animals, or property. “Buildings” include, but are not limited to: residence halls; classroom and office buildings; workshops; shuttle, light rail, and bus stops; all recreational and athletic facilities, including athletic fields, gymnasiums, and stadiums; parking decks; stairwells; inside and outside dining areas; vending areas; breezeways; and connectors.
4. A “University Building” is defined as any Building owned, leased as lessor, or the area leased as lessee and occupied by UNC Charlotte.
5. “University Property” means University Buildings and grounds owned, leased, operated, controlled, or supervised by UNC Charlotte.
6. A “University Vehicle” is defined as a vehicle owned or leased by UNC Charlotte.
7. A “Designated Smoking Area” is defined as an exterior area on the UNC Charlotte campus designated by the Chancellor or the Chancellor’s designee as a place for smoking. Designated Smoking Areas will be marked by proper signage, and are subject to the provisions in Section III of this Policy.

III. Policy

The following restrictions apply to smoking and use of tobacco products on University Property:

1. Smoking and use of tobacco products is prohibited within all University Buildings.
2. Smoking is prohibited within 100 linear feet of any University Building unless otherwise allowed under subsection III.D.
3. Smoking and use of tobacco products in University Vehicles is prohibited.
4. Smoking is permitted on University Property in Designated Smoking Areas.

Additional restrictions on smoking or use of tobacco products required for safety reasons may be imposed by the University on a case-by-case basis. Areas with such restrictions will be identified by signage.

IV. Compliance

Cooperation and consideration between smokers and non-smokers, and between users and non-users of tobacco products is necessary to ensure the successful implementation of this Policy. Effective implementation of this Policy depends upon the courtesy, respect, and cooperation of all members of the University community. Violation of this Policy may subject a member of the campus community to disciplinary action appropriate to their status as faculty, staff, or student. (See University Policy 801, Violation of University Policy)

Related Resources

• Campus Map of Designated Smoking Areas
• NC General Statutes § 130A-493
• NC General Statutes Chapter 143, Article 64
• NC General Statutes §14-313
• University Policy 801, Violation of University Policy

Authority

Chancellor

Policy Revisions