Section: 270-7
Effective: 4/21/2009
Supersedes: 1/1/2004
Issuing Office: Chancellors's Office

PPM 270-7 [PDF Format]

1. BACKGROUND

   As a matter of policy, the University of California, San Diego endeavors to maintain a safe and healthful environment. The Surgeon General of the United States has determined that cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of illness and premature death in the nation. Moreover, research indicates that non-smokers who are regularly exposed to passive (second-hand) tobacco smoke are also at increased risk of illness. Passive smoke appears to be especially deleterious to the health of certain populations, including the elderly, children and individuals with allergies, asthma, respiratory disease, or cardiovascular disease. For these reasons, the Surgeon General has urged employers to implement broadly-based health promotion programs with special emphasis on smoking cessation. The response to the Surgeon General's advice and the medical evidence has been an overwhelming trend toward protection of the health and safety of non-smokers.

2. REFERENCES

   Gardner to Chancellors, et al, 8/1/88, University Policy on Smoking, amended 1/1/1994 and 1/1/2004

   Dynes to Chancellors, et al, 12/3/2003, University Policy on Smoking, amended 1/1/1994 and 1/1/2004

   California Government Code Sections 7596-7598, Smoking in State Buildings

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3. POLICY

   As an institution committed to providing a safe and healthful environment and in compliance with California's State law the University of California, San Diego prohibits smoking in all UCSD facilities.

   This Smoke Free Policy applies to all UCSD facilities, owned or leased, regardless of location. No smoking is permitted in any indoor area or within 25 feet of a doorway, entryway, operable window or ventilation intake duct to any facility, including but not limited to:

   administrative offices auditoriums classrooms clinics conference rooms elevators food service areas

   hallways laboratories libraries lobbies lounges machine shops private offices

   reception areas restrooms stairwells theaters university vehicles waiting rooms

   The regulations pertaining to smoking aboard ships operated by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography will continue to be established on each cruise in consultation with the chief scientist.

   The only exceptions to this policy are for covered parking lots, private residential space, and the UCSD Medical Center campuses. The Medical Center has a smoke-free policy prohibiting smoking outdoors on the Medical Center campuses except in clearly designated smoking areas. Smoking is prohibited inside all Medical Center buildings, including inpatient, outpatient and laboratory areas, with the exception of clinical research studies involving smoking. The full text of the UCSD Medical Center policy can be viewed at http://www-ucsdhealthcare.ucsd.edu/MCPWeb/docs/813.2/doc.htm. Additionally, where outdoor seating is provided adjacent to indoor food service facilities, non-smoking sections must be designated and posted.

   Advertising of tobacco products is prohibited in University of California-owned and occupied buildings except for advertising in newspapers, magazines or other written materials sold, bought or distributed within the building.

4. ENFORCEMENT

   The success of this policy depends upon the thoughtfulness, consideration, and cooperation of everyone. All share in the responsibility for adhering to and enforcing this policy. Any problems should be brought to the attention of the appropriate supervisor and/or department head. If a problem cannot be resolved in this manner, recourse may be had by contacting the appropriate Dean, Director, or Human Resources Representative. There shall be no reprisal against anyone seeking assistance in enforcing this policy.

NOTE: Click here for the 9/4/2009 Health Sciences Smoke Free Pilot Policy.