November 20, 2009

To the University Community:

Earlier this year, we convened a 15-member committee of students and staff to review UT Arlington's current policy regarding tobacco use on campus and to explore the possibility of advancing a tobacco-free initiative for the University.

Jean Hood, vice president for human resources, chaired the Tobacco-Free Campus Initiative Committee. For almost eight months, the committee conducted a thorough assessment of issues and attitudes related to the use of tobacco products on campus. This included:

• Peer Review. The committee began with a thorough review of other institutions of higher education and found that 172 universities and colleges nationwide have implemented tobacco-free campus initiatives. Several of those institutions announced decisions to become tobacco-free in just the past few months. Additionally, in mid-October, the American College Health Association issued guidelines urging all colleges and universities to adopt policies barring tobacco use indoors and outdoors on their campuses.

• Campus Climate Survey. The committee conducted a survey last spring that solicited input from approximately 29,000 UT Arlington students, faculty, and staff. Of the 3,198 individuals responding, 61 percent indicated they would strongly agree or moderately agree with a decision by the University to have a tobacco-free campus.

• Campus Leadership Presentations. University administration met with student leaders to seek input and comments on the initiative. Presentations were made to Student Congress and the President's Roundtable.

• Campus Forums. Open forums were held on campus in April to seek additional input and comments on the initiative.

In September, the committee issued its findings to the campus community and forwarded its final recommendations to me. After the final report was issued, the committee welcomed additional input and responses from students, faculty, and staff. We received 205 responses.

Having weighed all of the information and input on the matter, I am satisfied that the committee has thoroughly researched and considered this issue. Therefore, I accept and concur with the committee's recommendations to make UT Arlington a tobacco-free campus.

The use of tobacco is a serious issue that affects the health and well-being of our entire campus community. During the past two decades, we have experienced a sea change in attitudes, culture, policies, and laws related to tobacco use, both in the United States and around the world. Many of us remember a time when smoking was commonplace in offices, malls, airplanes, public buildings, sports arenas, and even hospitals. But times have changed, and it is time for UT Arlington to take the next step forward in protecting the health of our campus community.

We are not telling anyone they can no longer use tobacco. That was never the intent, and it is not the case. Use of tobacco products is a personal choice. With the new policy, we're simply saying that the use of tobacco on campus will not be permissible and that we will become a tobacco-free campus by August 1, 2011.

Meanwhile, during the next 21 months leading up to August 1, 2011, we will address issues of enforcement. During this time, we also will be more vigilant in enforcing our current policy, which prohibits smoking within 50 feet of any campus building.

The one exception—and this is the only element of the recommendations that I would like to clarify—is that we will allow individuals to use tobacco products in their personal vehicles, provided they do so with the windows closed and properly dispose of waste material. No use of tobacco products will be permitted in University-owned vehicles, regardless of whether they are on campus or off campus.

Additionally, I am pleased to report that the University is offering support for anyone who wishes to stop using tobacco. In October, we implemented a wide range of tobacco cessation education classes that are available free of charge to students, faculty, and staff. For more information, contact our Health Services office at 817‑272‑2771 or visit www.uta.edu/ucomm/mediarelations/events/cessation-programs.php.

Finally, I wish to thank Jean Hood and the members of the committee for their many hours of diligent service on this project. Their work is much appreciated and will be valued for years to come.

Sincerely,

James D. Spaniolo
President

Office of the President · 300 Davis Hall · Box 19125 · Arlington, Texas 76019-0125

jds@uta.edu · 817-272-2101 (voice) · 817-272-5656 (fax)