A campus-wide smoking ban is now in effect.

Smoking is prohibited on all University property, including on University-owned streets and in University-owned and private vehicles parked on campus property. The advertising, sale, sampling and littering of tobacco products are prohibited on campus, according to the Campus Recreation’s Smoke-Free Campus website.

The previous smoking policy stated that students were not allowed smoke inside or within 25 feet of University buildings.

Smoking is also not allowed at any University events, such as games, concerts and public events, according to the website. There are no designated smoking areas on campus, and E-cigarettes are also not allowed on campus.

History

In November 2011, the idea of a smoke-free campus was presented to students in an annual student referendum. Seventy percent of students who voted on the referendum were in favor of a campus-wide smoking ban.

Chancellor Phyllis Wise formed the Smoke-Free Ad Hoc Committee, made up of students, administration, faculty, academic professionals and civil service staff, in January 2012. After conducting a campus survey, reviewing current policy and other campuses’ policies, the committee submitted a report to Wise that outlined the following options: establish a tobacco-free campus policy, establish a smoke-free campus policy or keep the current smoking policy.

Enforcement

“Smoke-Free Campus” signs are posted around campus, according to Facilities and Services. The signs were posted so students and campus visitors are aware of the new policy. The University has also provided an online smoke-free campus map that identifies the boundaries of campus.

The University is using about 20-50 student ambassadors, who are trained to approach smokers, to inform people of the policy, give them a smoke-free policy and direct them to the smoke-free campus map. The campus community is also able to report violations of the policy to student ambassadors. Any violators of the smoking ban will not be cited by the University Police Department because the ban is a University matter and not Illinois law.

According to the University, repeat offenders of the policy are subject to disciplinary measures. Students will be referred to the Office of Student Conflict Resolution while employees will be referred to their supervisor or campus human resources.

Resources

The University is providing resources for anyone having trouble with quitting smoking, according to the website. There are locations set up around campus where people can purchase nicotine replacement products. The smoke-free campus map shows each of these locations, which includes residence halls and the Illini Union.

The Smoke-Free Campus website also has a feedback section for anyone with questions or concerns.