Tobacco-Free Policy

Policy Number: 3349-03-140
Effective Date: 11/01/2012
Updated: 12/07/2023
Reviewed: —
Responsible Department: All Departments
Applies To: All University Employees, Students, Visitors

A. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to implement a campus wide tobacco‐free policy consistent with the provisions set forth in O.R.C. 3794 and the Ohio Board of Regents Resolution Promoting Tobacco Free Ohio Campuses, issued on July 23, 2012.

B. Scope

This policy applies to all individuals who are present on the NEOMED campus, including but not limited to employees, students and visitors who may be located inside or outside of any buildings, residences, or parking lots located on the NEOMED campus.

C. Definitions

1. “Smoking” refers to inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted or heated product intended for inhalation in any manner or in any form. “Smoking” also includes the use of an apparatus, including but not limited to, an electronic smoking device, mod box, or electronic nicotine delivery system that creates an aerosol or vapor, in any manner or in any form, or the use of any other smoking device for the purpose of circumventing the prohibition of smoking in this policy.  “Smoking” does not include the burning of incense in a religious ceremony.
2. “Tobacco Use” for the purposes of this policy means the use of nicotine, tobacco-derived or containing products, and plant-based products including products intended to mimic tobacco products, oral tobacco, or other similar products.

D. Policy

1. Restrictions. To protect the health and safety of our faculty, staff, students and visitors, all property on the NEOMED campus is designed as a non-smoking, tobacco-free area.  Smoking or Tobacco Use is prohibited anywhere on the NEOMED campus.  The policy is applicable to the inside and outside of all buildings, any parking areas, all vehicles on campus and any personal residences. Consistent with this policy, University groups or members of the public that schedule indoor or outdoor spaces for approved functions on the NEOMED campus are prohibited from allowing smoking or permitting Tobacco Use during their function.
2. Enforcement. People who repeatedly refuse to abide by the tobacco-free environment established by this policy will be referred to the following reporting authorities for further action:
   1. Students will be reported to the Chief Student Affairs Officer for handling in accordance with the Student Handbook.
   2. Faculty and staff will be reported to Human Resources for handling in accordance with the University Faculty Code of Professional Conduct or the Employee Handbook, as appropriate.
   3. Visitors, contractors and guests who are in violation of this policy should be immediately reminded of it and directed to comply.  Continued violation of this policy may result in further action as deemed necessary by the appropriate personnel.

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