鶹ýis a 100% smoke and tobacco-free campus

The University is dedicated to promoting a healthy environment for all students, employees, and visitors. The use of any tobacco or smoked products, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited anywhere on campus, including personal vehicles parked on 鶹ýproperty.

鶹ýis committed to providing assistance to all students, faculty, and staff who want to quit using tobacco. Cessation information and programs are listed on this page and 鶹ýwill co-sponsor programs with campus groups.

Violations

Faculty and professional staff who violate the policy are subject to a $75 fine and progressive disciplinary procedures in accordance with the UNE’s Human Resource policies. Supervisors will be notified of violations and will assist in the discipline process. Supervisors are expected to remind individuals of the policy and seek cooperation with compliance.

Students who violate the policy are subject to a $75 fine and disciplinary action through the Office of Student Conduct.

Visitors who violate the policy will be informed that University is a tobacco and smoke-free campus. Visitors who continue to violate the policy following a warning will be escorted off-campus.

Compliance and Enforcement

The success of this policy depends on the thoughtfulness, consideration, and cooperation of the entire 鶹ýCommunity. It is the responsibility of all members of the University Community to comply with this policy.

Faculty, professional staff, and students who see individuals smoking, using tobacco or e-cigarettes on university grounds are asked to inform these individuals politely that university policy prohibits such behavior anywhere on university property. This can be done verbally through conversation, or by handing the individual one of the policy reminder cards.

Reminder cards are available at the following locations:

  • Biddeford Campus: Student Health Center, Housing and Residential/Commuter Life staff, the Office of Human Resources, and the Campus Center Information Desk
  • Portland Campus: Student Health Center, Student Affairs Office, Office of Human Resources, and Finley Recreation Center

Individuals who do not feel comfortable approaching someone violating the policy can submit the area and type of violation to enforcement staff using the smoke and tobacco-free reporting form. Individuals should not contact the University Safety and Security Department to report a violation of the policy.

Cessation Resources

  • 鶹ýStudent Health Center
    • Biddeford Campus: (207) 602-2358
    • Portland Campus (207) 221-4242
    • Program is free but pre-registration is requested. To register call (207) 283-7908.
  • : 1 (800) 207-1230

Additional Resources

FAQ

Why have a “smoke-free/tobacco-free” campus environment?

Secondhand smoke, also known as environmental tobacco smoke, is a Class A carcinogen. Its detrimental effects on health are well established and include triggering asthma attacks, causing lung cancer, and causing cardiovascular and other lung diseases. Attempts to eradicate exposure to secondhand smoke through limiting smoking to enclosed spaces or outside entrance areas and sidewalks is ineffective because smoke can easily travel through open doors, through heating and air circulation vents, people must walk on sidewalks through the smoke of others, and smoke easily travels outside any established boundaries or designated areas. Additionally, chewing tobacco and snuff are associated with oral cancers. (CDC Source for Health Effects of Tobacco)

Why should the 鶹ý Community be concerned about smoking?

鶹ýhas a responsibility to its students and employees to provide a healthful environment. Research findings show that tobacco use in general, including smoking and breathing secondhand smoke, constitute a significant health hazard. In addition to causing direct health hazards, smoking contributes to college costs in other ways, including potential fire damage, cleaning and maintenance costs, and costs associated with absenteeism, health care, and medical insurance. For several years, 鶹ýhas provided a Wellness Program for its employees and students. Providing a smoke-free/tobacco-free campus is another example of UNE’s commitment to student, visitor, and employee wellness. (Source for )

What role does 鶹ýin addressing this public health concern?

The administration has a responsibility to provide a healthy environment for every one of its students and employees. By eliminating smoking on campus, all students, faculty, and staff will be protected from secondhand smoke, a known 200 carcinogen. A smoking ban does not take away individuals’ rights to smoke, rather it eliminates smokers’ risks of harming others. 鶹ýis invested, not only in academic achievement but also in developing life skills that will promote individual and civic wellness. Colleges and universities prepare students to cope with the reality of living situations. One emerging reality is that fewer and fewer spaces permit smoking and tobacco use. In growing numbers, worksites, restaurants, public buildings, shopping malls, healthcare, and transportation facilities are 100% smoke-free. There are some employers that will not hire smokers. (Note: Source for )

Why is 鶹ýtaking away my right to smoke or use tobacco?

鶹ýis not taking away your right to smoke or use tobacco. 鶹ýis not requiring you to quit smoking or using tobacco. You may continue with your choice to smoke or use tobacco but not on 鶹ýproperty. With this policy, 鶹ýhas the opportunity to effectively educate and promote our campus community’s commitment to a healthier lifestyle.

What does “FDA approved nicotine replacement therapy product” mean?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a variety of smoking cessation products. These include prescription medicines as well as over-the-counter (OTC) products such as skin patches, lozenges, and gum. Smoking cessation products are regulated through FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, which ensures that the products are effective and that their benefits outweigh any known associated risks.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three (3) forms of OTC tobacco cessation nicotine replacement therapy:

  • patch
  • gum
  • lozenges

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two (2) forms of OTC tobacco cessation nicotine replacement therapy:

  • Chantix (varenicline tartrate)
  • Zyban (buproprion) 

Both are available in tablet form on a prescription-only basis. 

For more information approved nicotine replacement products, .

Will there be cessation programs available for students, faculty and professional staff?

Yes. A study completed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Management of Nicotine Addiction notes that 70% of current smokers want to quit smoking. With that in mind, 鶹ýis committed to providing assistance to all students, faculty, and professional staff who want to quit using tobacco. Cessation information and programs will be listed on the 鶹ýwebsite and 鶹ýwill co-sponsor programs with campus groups. The Student Health Center has professionals trained as smoking cessation specialists available for students. Through the Office of Human Resources, information and programs are available for those in need of assistance.

What will happen if a person or group is discovered smoking?

The process of achieving a smoke-free/tobacco-free environment takes time and patience. 鶹ýbelieves that self-enforcing will become part of the norm and behavior will be similar to seat belt laws. Students, faculty, professional staff, contractors, and visitors will come to recognize the value of this policy and will choose to comply with the policy. 鶹ýencourages all individuals, both smokers and non-smokers alike, to work together cooperatively in the implementation of the Board of Trustees policy.

The success of UNE’s smoke-free/tobacco-free environment policy relies on the consideration and cooperation of smokers and non-smokers, so please pitch in and help keep our University sites remain beautiful, clean, and healthy for everyone.