Introduction

As an institution dedicated to the preservation of health and the prevention of disease, it is important for the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) to provide the means for protecting the health of its faculty, staff, students, patients, and visitors from the hazards associated with tobacco and smoking-related products used within the confines of University buildings and facilities.  This policy complements other restrictions in place for tobacco and smoking-related products enacted by applicable law, regulation, or ordinance. 

Scope

This policy applies to all individuals, including but not limited to students, faculty, staff, patients, visitors, vendors, and contractors, physically located on campus or other properties controlled by the University.  UAB Medicine components maintain separate nonsmoking policies applicable to buildings, facilities, and spaces under their control.

Definitions

For purposes of this policy, tobacco and smoking-related products are defined as any type of tobacco product or product intended to mimic tobacco products or the smoking or vaping of any other substance.  This includes but is not limited to cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, smokeless tobacco, electronic cigarettes, pipes, bidis, and hookahs.  This does not include nicotine gum or patches. 

 Policy Statement

Use of tobacco or smoking-related products is prohibited within all buildings, facilities, vehicles, and spaces (including covered walkways, covered parking, parking lots, commons, parks, and campus greens) that are owned, rented, leased, or otherwise controlled by the University and otherwise in accordance with city ordinance. 
  

Exceptions

Exceptions to this policy may be made under the following conditions:

• For research involving smoking with approval of the Vice President for Research; and
• For theatrical productions requiring use of tobacco and/or smoking related products with approval of the Provost. 

Non-compliance 

Confirmed violations of this policy will result in appropriate consequences commensurate with the offense, up to and including dismissal from academic programs or termination of employment, appointment, or other relationships with UAB.

Implementation

The Vice President for Financial Affairs and Administration is responsible for overall procedures to implement this policy.

Related Resources
UAB Medicine Smoking Policy
City of Birmingham Ordinance No. 12-52
City of Birmingham Ordinance No. 19-159