Purpose

Nipissing University is committed to a healthful environment for all members of the community at all locations.

Policy

  1. All internal locations on university or shared property will be smoke free. This includes the Residences as well as the Wall.
  2. Smoking will be strictly limited to outdoor designated locations at each campus effective August 1, 2003.
  3. Designated outdoor locations will not be located at entrances, exits, mechanically operated windows or intake vents.

  4. Designated outdoor locations must be at least 30 feet (nine meters) from all doorways.

This policy acknowledges the Tobacco Control Act, section 13, under which it makes exemption for the use of tobacco by Aboriginal people for traditional cultural purposes. Nipissing University recognizes Tobacco, Sage, Sweetgrass and Cedar as traditional medicines for ceremonial purposes to promote unity, friendship and support. Aboriginal programming develops respect and knowledge of the sacred medicines which are essential to building an enhanced understanding of Ingigenous peoples of Canada.

Definition

"Smoke" or "smoking" includes the carrying of a lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe or any other lighted smoking equipment.

Implementation

The Security Services supports the College/University in adopting the No-Smoking Policy that ensures a smoke free environment with an onus to enforce on the students, staff and guests by implementing a College/University-wide education campaign and providing enforcement procedures.

Designated Areas

  • Gazebo near the pond
  • Wall patio(s)
  • Beyond the back entrance at the south-west entrance of Zytaruk Hall

Enforcement

Violators must produce employee or student identification upon request of a College/University official. Visitors will be asked to comply with No-Smoking Policy or leave the campus.

While it will be the role of Security Services to enforce this policy it is expected that every member of the College & University community will be vigilant in requesting smokers to comply with the policy or request the offender to leave the premises. Staff, faculty, students or administrators should not place themselves in a position of jeopardy or conflict when dealing with a violator.

When violators will not adhere to the Smoking Policy, incidents are to be reported to Security Services (498-7244 or ext. 5505) who will be responsible for issuing violation tickets at their discretion.

In the case of a persistent violator the enforcement process will be according to the respective Collective Agreements, Terms and Conditions of Employment or the Policy on Unacceptable Conduct for students.

As part of the Transition plan, this enforcement will start as an educational campaign and will begin with imposition of penalties after 3-4 weeks of educational efforts.

Penalties

Any student, staff or guest who is found smoking in any area other than a designated smoking area will be issued a smoking infraction violation notice.

  • Violators will be issued a $50.00 ticket for the offence of smoking within the smoke free area
  • If the violator pays the ticket to the Security cashier within five days the fine will be reduced to $35.00
  • Fines not paid within ten days will be subject to an additional $20.00 administration fee
  • Fines not paid within thirty days will be dealt with as follows:
  • For students the fine ($70.00) will be added to fees and payable by the end of the term. If the fine is not paid by the end of the term, marks and academic records will be withheld.
  • Support, Academic or Administrative Staff who are found smoking in a non-smoking area will be subject to disciplinary action under the terms of the Collective Agreements or Terms and Conditions of Employment

Appeals

The College/University’s right to enforce its smoking policy cannot be appealed. If there are extenuating circumstances pertaining to a smoking violation the enforcement process will be according to the respective Collective Agreements, Terms and Conditions of Employment, or Policy on Unacceptable Conduct for students.

Board of Governors Resolution #2004-02-07