Smoking Policy

In recognition of the health, safety and comfort benefits of smoke-free air and the responsibility to provide and maintain an optimally healthy and safe working and living environment for faculty, students, staff and visitors, the University of Missouri is establishing the goal of being smoke free by January 1, 2014, in all its owned or leased buildings and University owned or leased vehicles. Effective January 20, 2009, smoking is also prohibited on University of Missouri owned or leased property within twenty (20) feet of building entrances, exits, open windows, and fresh air intake systems. The University reserves the right to specify additional designated smoking and non-smoking areas on its campus grounds.

Exceptions to these prohibitions include:

1. Areas specifically designated for smoking.
2. Academic research approved by the Campus Institutional Review Board, provided that the research is conducted in an appropriately ventilated area.
3. University of Missouri Health Care will continue with its current smoke-free policy.

Implementation

The implementation date of this policy is January 20, 2009.

The campus intends to move from the twenty-foot rule to one of designated outdoor smoking areas by July 1, 2011.

Smoking Cessation

The campus will work in conjunction with the Atkins Wellness Program to provide smoking cessation programs for all faculty and staff employees and with the Wellness Resource Center to provide smoking cessation programs for students.

Respect & Responsibility

The success of this policy relies on the thoughtfulness, consideration and cooperation of smokers and nonsmokers for its success. All members of the University community share the responsibility of adhering to and enforcing the policy and have the responsibility for bringing it to the attention of visitors. Any complaints should be brought to the attention of the appropriate University authorities. If conflicts or problems should arise, environmental, safety and health considerations will prevail.