Department of Human Resources
Miami University: A Smoke-Free Environment
Click on the question to display the answer.
Q. What exactly does the Smoke-Free Environment policy say?
The policy can be found in the Miami University Policy and Information Manual (MUPIM), section 16.15. It is printed below for your convenience.
Smoke-Free Environment
In order to promote the health of our students, faculty, staff and visitors, all Miami University campuses are designated Smoke-Free Environments. Smoking is defined as the burning of tobacco or any other material in any type of smoking equipment, including, but not restricted to cigarettes, cigars, or pipes.
Smoking is prohibited in all Miami University-owned facilities and on the grounds of any university-owned property. This includes all buildings owned or controlled by Miami University, shelters, indoor and outdoor athletic facilities, indoor and outdoor theatres, bridges, walkways, sidewalks, residence halls, parking lots and garages. Smoking is prohibited on sidewalks that adjoin University property. Smoking is also prohibited in any vehicle or equipment owned, leased or operated by Miami University.
Miami University actively promotes and provides smoking cessation assistance and nicotine replacement therapy to students, faculty and staff, as well as their benefit-eligible spouses/domestic partners. Many services are provided at no cost or at a reduced cost. Interested employees should contact Employee Health and Well Being at:
http://www.admin.muohio.edu/phpapps/ehwb/website/
Interested students should contact Student Health Services.
Exceptions
Personal Automobile. Smoking is permitted in personal automobiles parked on University premises.
Hotel/Lodging. The President is authorized to establish a designated smoking area in the exterior area surrounding any location that provides overnight guest accommodations in a lodge or hotel fashion. This authorization includes the Marcum Conference Center, the Miami Inn, Climer Guest House, Simpson Shade Guest House, Patterson Place, and any other location housing overnight guests. The designated smoking area must be at least twenty-five (25) feet from any University building.
Violations
Faculty, staff and students violating this policy are subject to University disciplinary action. Violators may also be subject to prosecution for violation of Ohio’s Smoking Ban (Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3794). Visitors who violate this policy may be denied access to Miami University campuses and may ultimately be subject to arrest for criminal trespass.
Q. To whom will the policy apply?
The policy applies to all faculty, staff, students and visitors.
Q. Does the policy apply to just the Oxford campus?
No, the policy applies to all Miami campuses including Luxembourg, the Voice of America Learning Center (VOALC), centers and any property owned or used by Miami. The following links provide maps of the three campuses.
Oxford
http://www.miami.muohio.edu/about_miami/virtual_tour/
campusmap/pdfs/MU_CampusMap_0708.pdf
Hamilton
http://www.ham.muohio.edu/maps/campus_map_image.htm
Middletown
Q. What about Miami Inn and Marcum Conference Center?
There will be designated smoking areas for visitors to the Inn and Marcum Conference Center. These areas are for overnight guests only and not for faculty, staff or students to use.
Q. What exactly does the policy prohibit?
The policy reads, “In order to promote the health of our students, faculty, staff and visitors, all Miami University campuses are designated Smoke-Free Environments. Smoking is defined as burning of tobacco or any other material in any type of smoking equipment, including, but not restricted to cigarettes, cigars or pipes."
Q. Is smoking in one’s car okay since that is personal property?
Yes, as long as the car is a self-contained environment and does not expose others to second-hand smoke. Employees, students and visitors may smoke in their vehicles.
Q. When will the new policy be implemented?
The new policy takes effect on August 1, 2008.
Q. How will the new policy be enforced?
Most areas of the Miami campuses are already smoke-free and this policy is regularly enforced. Our standard procedures to monitor compliance and violations will be in effect within all facilities and across the campuses. We expect all our employees, students and visitors to comply with the new policy.
To enforce this policy:
-
Our interaction with smokers will be firm, but courteous and respectful.
-
Visitors will be informed of the policy. Visitors smoking outside of the designated areas for Marcum Conference Center and Miami Inn guests will be reminded of the policy and asked to comply with it.
-
Employees seen smoking on the grounds will be asked to stop smoking.
-
Signs will be posted in strategic locations throughout the campuses.
-
People applying for positions at Miami will be informed in advance of the smoke-free policy.
Q. How will you handle employees and students who violate the policy?
Employees and students who violate the policy will first be reminded that Miami is a smoke-free institution. Subsequent violations will result in disciplinary action similar to those taken if an employee or student violates any other Miami policy.
Q. What should supervisors do if they see an employee smoking in violation of this policy?
Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that employees follow all Miami University policies. For the first offense the supervisor should explain that Miami – in order to promote a healthy environment for its faculty, staff, students and visitors - no longer permits smoking on its grounds. Failure to stop smoking after this request may be cause for disciplinary action. If an individual employee is found in violation of the policy the supervisor is to follow the normal procedure to address employees who do not adhere to University policy.
Q. Will police officers issue citations or arrest people who refuse to stop?
No. The MU Police Department will report the incident to the employee’s supervisor or the Office of Ethics and Student Conflict Resolution. If a visitor, parent, alumnus or member of the public refuses to follow the policy, the officer may instruct that person to leave Miami property.
Q. Will Miami offer any programs to help employees quit smoking?
For employees and their spouses/domestic partners, Miami is providing a comprehensive package of tobacco cessation classes and nicotine patches with telephone coaching through “Ohio Quits.” Medications that assist people with smoking cessation are covered under Miami’s health plan with the normal co-pay. There are multiple ways to access services. The first step is to call Miami’s Employee Health and Well-Being Office at 529-3492.
Another way is to contact the Ohio Quit Line at 800-QUIT-NOW.
The fee for the tobacco cessation classes is $30. This fee is waived for employees and their spouses/domestic partners if they attend 6 of the 8 sessions. To register for classes call 529-3492.
Similar services are provided to students through the Student Health Center.
Q. What will happen to employees and students who do not stop smoking?
Employees and students are not required to stop smoking and the new policy is not meant to force anyone to quit. However, once the policy goes into effect, employees will not be permitted to smoke anywhere on the campuses. Employees and students will need to find a way to manage their need for nicotine without smoking on university property/campuses except in their personal cars. Support will be offered to employees interested in managing their nicotine cravings during the workday.
Q. Will outside groups who rent Miami University facilities be able to smoke?
No, outside groups will be informed that Miami is a non-smoking environment prior to contracting to use the facilities.