In accordance with the provisions of UPPS 04.05.02, Smoking Policy, the following information is being provided to all faculty and staff.

Smoking Policy

Southwest Texas State University
Revised: 12/07/00
Official UPPS No. 04.05.02
Issue No. 4
Effective Date: 06/05/00
Review: April 1 E4Y

01. POLICY STATEMENTS

01.01 We at SWT are committed to supporting the educational mission of the institution through efficient information storage and retrieval, appropriate auditing procedures, professional personnel services, and a safe environment. The following procedure contributes to the fulfillment of this policy.

01.02 The primary purpose of this UPPS is to establish policy guidelines regulating smoking at Southwest Texas State University.

01.03 A secondary purpose of this UPPS is to convey that the policy is designed to ensure a healthy, safe, and aesthetically pleasing work, educational, and living environment. It is expected that smokers will voluntarily comply with the spirit and intent of this policy. The University also expects a good faith, common sense, and courteous approach by employees and students in resolving smoking conflicts within the requirements of this policy.

02. PROCEDURES FOR IDENTIFYING NONSMOKING AND SMOKING AREAS

02.01 All buildings and vehicles owned, leased, or under the supervision of the University have been designated as smoke-free except as follows:

a. Smoking is permitted outside buildings in open areas.

b. For outdoor stadia such as Bobcat Stadium, smoking is permitted in designated smoking areas only. Smoking is expressly prohibited in seating areas.

c. Smoking is permitted by artists or actors who participate in authorized performances which require smoking as part of artistic productions.

d. Smoking may be permitted by participants in academic research projects involving smoke or the effects of smoking, if approved by the Institutional Review Board on Human Subjects and the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

03. PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING OBJECTIONS TO SMOKING

03.01 Employees or students who observe smoking policy violations should make the person(s) aware of the smoking restrictions of this policy. Refusal to adhere to this policy or continued violation of the policy should be reported to the appropriate management official(s) who will immediately ensure the requirements of the smoking policy are enforced.

NOTE: The appropriate management official(s) in any case can be vice presidents, deans, department chairs and directors. In addition, other appropriate management officials include the faculty member teaching the class for classrooms; residence hall/apartment directors for residence halls, apartments, and dining facilities; and SWT security forces on duty at outdoor stadia and other events.

03.02 Reasonable measures will be taken by appropriate management officials to protect the anonymity of the person reporting the smoking violation. In addition, there will be no retaliation or negative consequence for the person reporting the smoking violation.

03.03 Individuals and management officials who fail to follow or enforce the SWT smoking policy are subject to disciplinary action.

03.04 To assist in identifying "No Smoking" areas, "No Smoking" or "Thank You For Not Smoking" signs should be posted in such areas. Standard "No Smoking" signs can be obtained from the Facilities Department.

04. PROCEDURES FOR DISSEMINATION OF SMOKING POLICY

04.01 The Director of Personnel will publicize the University's smoking policy annually by:

a. Placing an article in the Personnel Bulletin,

b. Distributing a message via electronic mail to all subscribers, and

c. Placing a message in the University Star at the beginning of each fall and spring semester.

04.02 When participants and visitors for Continuing Education and other events are brought to campus, it is the responsibility of the sponsoring SWT department for both the notification and enforcement of this policy.

05. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS UPPS

05.01 Major responsibilities for routine assignments associated with this UPPS include:

06. CERTIFICATION STATEMENT

This UPPS has been approved by the following individuals in their official capacities, and represents SWT policy and procedure from the date of this document until superseded.

Dr. Emilio Carranco, Director of Student Health Center; senior reviewer of this UPPS*

Mr. John McBride, Director of Personnel; reviewer of this UPPS*

Dr. Joanne Smith, Director of Residence Life; reviewer of this UPPS

Chair, Faculty Senate; reviewer of this UPPS

Chair, Staff Council; reviewer of this UPPS

Mr. William A. Nance, Vice President for Finance and Support Services

Dr. Jerome H. Supple, President