Rule 3359-20-05.10 | Tobacco free campus.
(A) Policy statement.
(1) The university of Akron recognizes the serious health consequences of tobacco use both to users and non-users as well as creating issues with liter and cleanliness. The university is committed to maintaining a safe, healthy, clean and respectful learning and working environment for members of the university community.
(2) Tobacco use, including the sale, advertising, sampling and distribution of tobacco products is prohibited in all university facilities, on all university grounds, whether leased or owned and in vehicles parked on university grounds, and at all university sponsored events, regardless of the venue.
(3) All tobacco industry and related company sponsorship or promotion of any event or activity affiliated with the university or located on university grounds is prohibited.
(B) Definitions.
(1) "Tobacco" is defined to include any product that contains tobacco or contains nicotine [or lobelia], that is intended for human consumption, or is likely to be consumed, whether smoked, heated, chewed, absorbed, dissolved, or ingested by any means including electronic devices, but does no include any cessation product approved by the United States food and drug administration for use as a medical treatment, including, but are not limited to nicotine replacement therapy and other products.
(2) "University facilities" are defined as any building, facility or vehicle owned, leased, used or occupied by the university.
(3) "Members of the university community" are defined as anyone on campus including, but not limited to faculty, staff, students, visitors, vendors, consultants, contractors, or volunteers.
(C) Exceptions and limitations.
(1) Tobacco use may be permitted for controlled research with prior approval of the provost, and in the case of smoking, the review and recommendation of the department of environmental and occupational health and safety.
(2) Tobacco use may be permitted as part of educational, clinical, smoking-cessation programs, or other special events with the prior approval of the provost and in the case of smoking, the review and recommendations of the department of environmental and occupational health and safety.
(3) In an effort to remain good neighbors with our community, students and employees of the university are requested to refrain from tobacco use on sidewalks and other areas adjacent to university property.
(D) Signage.
Appropriate signs indicating that tobacco use is not permitted on campus will be posted throughout the campus, at the discretion of the university, at various locations such as entrances of academic buildings, administrative spaces and athletic venues.
(E) Tobacco education and cessation.
Tobacco education and cessation shall be closely coordinated with other components of the university's employee assistance program and with student health services and may include programming, activities and cessation programs and support.
Supplemental Information