What are the Definitions?

Before you learn the rules, you'll need to know the definitions.

Definition of Smoking

'Smoking' means inhaling and/or possessing a lit pipe, cigar, cigarette, or any other smoking equipment filled with tobacco.

Definition of Smokeless Tobacco Products

'Smokeless tobacco products' are tobacco products such as snuff, chewing tobacco, smokeless pouches, or other forms of loose-leaf tobacco.

Definition of University Property

'University property' refers to all indoor and outdoor areas and facilities that the university owns, leases, or controls. University property includes residence halls, academic and auxiliary buildings, athletic complexes and facilities, sidewalks, green spaces, parking lots and roadways, parking facilities, bus depots, and university-owned vehicles. University property may include other property.

For more information, visit http://policy.unt.edu/policydesc/Unt-tobacco-free-workplace-policy

Smoke-Free Campus Policy Information

What is the Policy?

Effective January 1, 2013, the University of North Texas (UNT) forbids smoking on university property. UNT also limits the use of smokeless tobacco products and electronic cigarettes on the UNT campus.

What are the Rules?

Smoking Restrictions

UNT forbids smoking on all university property, except for the following cases:

Individuals smoking in their personal vehicles. Individuals may smoke in their personal vehicles if they close the windows and properly dispose of waste product.

A research project involving tobacco products. The principal investigator must obtain prior approval and a waiver from the Vice President for Research and Economic Development. Risk Management Services (RMS) must also grant prior approval.

As part of an educational or clinical objective. The facilitator(s) must obtain prior approval from the dean or the director responsible for the facility. If the dean and the director are absent, the Vice President for Research and Economic Development must grant prior approval. RMS must also grant prior approval.

A university-authorized theatrical performance that requires smoking as part of the artistic production. The director and/or performers must obtain prior approval from the head of the department or program in charge of the production.

Finally, this policy is inapplicable to commercial tenants of a university-owned mixed-use property.

Smokeless Tobacco

UNT limits the use of smokeless tobacco on university property. UNT permits the use of smokeless tobacco and electronic cigarettes only in outdoor spaces that are at least twenty-five feet from a facility entrance. The user must also properly dispose of all waste products.

Sale and Distribution of Tobacco Products

UNT forbids the sale and distribution of tobacco products on university property.

What are my Responsibilities?

General Responsibilities

All UNT students, faculty, staff, and visitors are responsible for enforcing this policy. UNT students, faculty, staff, and visitors should respectfully seek compliance from anyone violating the policy. Event organizers at public events should provide advance notices to attendees of the obligation to comply with this policy.

Handling Violations

Anyone who witnesses a violation of this policy should first respectfully seek compliance with the violator(s). If requests for compliance are unsuccessful, the witness should contact Human Resources or the Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs, who contact the appropriate administrative official. Officials may refer repeat offenses for consideration in accordance with established administrative/disciplinary policies.