UMBC’s New Non-Smoking Policy

October 13, 2006
To: The UMBC Community
From: Freeman Hrabowski
Subject: New Non-Smoking Policy
I am delighted to announce that UMBC’s new Non-Smoking Policy—created by a committee of students, faculty, and staff—is being phased in effective Monday, October 16th. The new policy prohibits smoking within 20 feet of all building openings, including doorways, entryways, windows, and air or ventilation intake systems. Smoking is prohibited also on UMBC’s main sidewalk (from the entrance of the Kuhn Library to Administration Drive) and on the terrace area outside The Commons.
The policy reflects considerable campuswide discussion and promotes health benefits for the entire campus community and visitors. By moving smoke away from building entrances and major public spaces, the new policy will reduce risks associated with secondhand smoke.
The policy will be phased in over the next 90 days, beginning with a 30-day awareness and educational campaign. The campaign will include (1) a campuswide forum to discuss the policy and its implementation, hosted by the SGA (November 15th, 12:00 noon, 2nd floor student organization area in the Commons); (2) placement of signs identifying prohibited and designated smoking areas; and (3) community announcements via e-mail and posted on UMBC’s homepage and myUMBC. The policy also will be incorporated into UMBC’s new employee and student orientation programs.
After 30 days, smoking urns and ashtrays will be relocated to designated smoking areas. Also, Human Resources will host an orientation for supervisors on how to encourage employees to observe the policy, and the Office of Judicial Programs will determine the number of referrals it has received for policy violations or complaints.
The policy and its implementation will be reviewed after 90 days, with input solicited from the campus community. The policy is available at www.umbc.edu/hr/PDFs/smokingpolicy.pdf.
Please note that the University Health Services office offers a “Freedom from Smoking” program for those who would like support in quitting smoking. For more information, please call 410-455-2542.
Finally, the success of our new Non-Smoking Policy depends on the cooperation—and thoughtfulness—of smokers and non-smokers alike. It is the responsibility of every member of the campus community to observe the policy. Thank you.