Purpose
This policy sets out requirements regarding smoking and vaping on the StFX University (“university”) campus to:
(a) promote and preserve the health, safety and well-being of the entire university community (students, faculty, staff, contractors, visitors and volunteers);
(b) comply with provincial legislation governing the sale and use of tobacco and cannabis products and prohibiting the distribution of these products to youths under 19;
(c) comply with the municipal by-law, and Nova Scotia Acts and Regulations that govern smoking at work and in public places; and
(d) respect the rights of non-smokers to a smoke-free environment.
Scope
This Policy covers smoking and vaping on the StFX campus. This policy applies to all members of the university community, including students, faculty, staff, contractors, visitors and volunteers.
Definitions
| Word/Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Smoking | Inhaling, exhaling, burning, or holding lighted tobacco or cannabis or using an electronic cigarette or other apparatus used to smoke or heat tobacco, nicotine, or cannabis products. |
| Vaping | The use of any electronic device which creates an aerosol or vapour, in any manner or in any form. |
| Cannabis | For the purpose of this policy, refers specifically to dried flower and/or any other form of cannabis product which may be smoked or vaped. |
| Smudging | An Indigenous practice of the burning of certain herbs, including tobacco, to create a cleansing smoke, which is used to purify people as well as ceremonial and ritual spaces, tools, and objects. |
Policy
(a) Smoking and vaping are prohibited in all university buildings, covered locations, and all outdoor patios, sports fields and facilities. It is also prohibited within 20 metres of the childcare facility and outdoor playground.
(b) Smoking and vaping are prohibited within four metres of any building or patio.
(c) Smoking and vaping are prohibited in all university-owned vehicles.
(d) Smoking and vaping are prohibited in student residences.
(e) The University Joint OHS Committee may recommend that other outside areas be designated as non-smoking if they see a need for this.
(f) Individuals engaging in smoking or vaping on the StFX campus:
- should ensure their smoke is not a nuisance to others,
- should not smoke on walkways, and
- must safely dispose of all smoking material and disposable components of a smoking device in designated receptacles.
(g) This policy does not supersede any federal, provincial or municipal regulations.
(h) The university will ensure that enough signs are conspicuously posted at the university to clearly identify that smoking is prohibited, as prescribed in the applicable government regulations.
Exceptions
The university may grant an exception to the prohibition on smoking or cultivation in a building on the campus in certain limited circumstances, e.g. for research that has received all required clearances, or for traditional Indigenous cultural or spiritual smudging ceremonies.
Procedure
| Action | Responsibility | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Smoking or vaping violations on campus | |
| 1.1 | Employees (staff, faculty and contractors) violating this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Concerns or complaints about an employee or faculty member should be directed to People and Culture. | Staff and Faculty |
| 1.2 | Students who fail to adhere to this policy are subject to sanction under the Student Code of Conduct. Concerns or complaints about a student should be directed to the Director of Student Life. Smoking or vaping of any substance is a fire hazard and is never permitted in residence. Room inspections are conducted at the Christmas holiday break in December and upon move out. Evidence of smoking in the room will result in a $500 fine and possible residence suspension for the residents of the room. | Students |
| 1.3 | All members of the campus community should immediately report violations of this policy to StFX Safety & Security. The sooner the report is made, the likelier the smoking or vaping can be addressed. | Reporting Violations |
| 2 | Smoking cessation | |
StFX recognizes smoking and vaping can be harmful to health and is committed to providing access to smoking reduction and cessation programs and education. The following resources are available to help students and employees who wish to stop smoking:
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