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Smoke-free campus

Smoke-Free Campus Policy

Date reviewed: 12/01/2023
Approved by: University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to promote a healthy, safe, and clean environment for all students, staff, faculty, and visitors by establishing a smoke-free campus at the University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa. This policy aims to protect individuals from the health risks associated with second-hand smoke and aligns with the university’s commitment to sustainability and wellness.

2. Scope and Applicability

This policy applies to all students, staff, faculty, visitors, contractors, and any individuals on campus grounds. The prohibition covers all forms of smoking, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, hookahs, e-cigarettes, and any other tobacco or nicotine products.

3. Definitions

  • Smoking: The act of inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted or heated tobacco or other plant product, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and hookahs. This also includes the use of electronic smoking devices such as e-cigarettes and vaporizers.
  • Smoke-Free Campus: A campus environment where smoking is prohibited in all indoor and outdoor spaces, including buildings, parking lots, sidewalks, green spaces, and university-owned vehicles.

4. Policy Statement

The University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa is committed to maintaining a smoke-free campus by ministry directives. Smoking is prohibited on all university premises to set a positive example for students, promote health, and discourage smoking behaviour among staff and students. Violators of this policy will be subject to legal action, as directed by ministry regulations.

A. Prohibited Areas

Smoking is strictly prohibited in:

  • All indoor and outdoor areas of the university campus, including classrooms, laboratories, offices, restrooms, dining facilities, and dormitories.
  • University-owned vehicles, parking areas, sidewalks, green spaces, and any university-affiliated off-campus locations.

B. Signage and Awareness

The university will install smoke-free signage across campus to ensure compliance and raise awareness. Educational materials on the health risks associated with smoking and second-hand smoke exposure will also be distributed.

C. Support for Smoking Cessation

The university is committed to supporting students, faculty, and staff who wish to quit smoking by:

  • Providing access to smoking cessation programs, counselling, and resources.
  • Organizing workshops and seminars on the benefits of a smoke-free lifestyle.
  • Offering support through the Health Services and Counselling Centre for those seeking assistance with smoking cessation.

For more information, please refer to the full No Smoking Policy Document available at No Smoking Policy (PDF).

5. Procedures

1. Enforcement and Compliance

  • The Assistant President of the University for Administrative Affairs, Professor Dr. Nofal Mohammed Hussein Al-Araji, has mandated strict compliance with the smoke-free policy, prohibiting smoking on university grounds. Violations observed by university personnel will be reported, and appropriate legal actions, as stipulated by ministry regulations, will be enforced against violators.
  • The Campus Security Office will be responsible for monitoring compliance and managing reported violations.

2. Reporting Violations

  • Individuals who observe smoking on campus are encouraged to report violations to the Campus Security Office.
  • Reports will be handled confidentially, and those found in violation will be informed of the smoke-free policy.

6. Roles and Responsibilities

  • Assistant President for Administrative Affairs: Oversees the enforcement of the smoke-free policy across all university premises.
  • Campus Security Office: Monitors compliance with the smoke-free policy and addresses reported violations.
  • Health Services and Counselling Centre: Provides resources and support for smoking cessation programs and counselling.
  • Faculty, Staff, and Students: Expected to uphold the smoke-free campus policy and encourage compliance within the campus community.

7. Compliance and Enforcement

Compliance with this policy is mandatory for all members of the university community. Violators will face legal actions as per ministry directives, and repeated infractions may lead to further disciplinary measures, depending on the severity and frequency of the violations.

8. Related Documents and References

  • University Health and Wellness Policy
  • National Smoke-Free Legislation
  • Student Code of Conduct
  • Human Resources Policy on Employee Health

9. Review and Revision

This policy will be reviewed every two years to evaluate its effectiveness in maintaining a smoke-free environment and to incorporate any new health guidelines or regulatory changes.

10. Contact Information

For inquiries and further assistance, please contact:

Campus Security Office
Email: security@uowa.edu.iq
Phone: +964-123-456-7890