Frequently Asked Questions
Why is UT Arlington tobacco-free?
UT Arlington takes
very seriously the health and safety of its employees and students. Research
continues to show that the use of cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and tobacco
use in general—including breathing in secondhand smoke—constitutes a
significant health hazard. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency has
classified tobacco smoke as a Group A carcinogen since 1990. Additionally, a
U.S. Surgeon General’s report in 2006 concluded that the health effects of
secondhand smoke exposure are more pervasive than previously thought. The
report found that “even the most sophisticated ventilation systems cannot
completely eliminate secondhand smoke exposure and that only smoke-free
environments afford full protection.”
In addition to causing health-related illnesses, the use of tobacco products contributes to institutional costs in other ways, including fire damage, cleaning and maintenance costs, and costs associated with employee and student absenteeism, health care, and medical insurance.
How long has The University of Texas at Arlington had a smoking policy?
In 1991, UT Arlington implemented the current Smoke Free Procedure for Campus
Facilities policy. This policy, which was pioneering at the time, banned the
use of tobacco inside buildings, prohibited its use outside within 50 feet of
any building, and established outdoor smoking areas.
Are there any other tobacco-free universities?
Yes. Colleges and municipalities across the
country are beginning to implement stricter smoking and tobacco-free policies to reduce the harmful effects of smokeless tobacco, smoking, and secondhand smoke in public places. In Texas,
for example, the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Alamo
Community College District, and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
have already gone tobacco-free on their campuses.
Are all tobacco products banned at UT Arlington?
Yes, the use of all tobacco products (including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco, and
others) is prohibited at all times.
Can I smoke anywhere outside?
No, the tobacco-free policy applies to all outside property or grounds of UT Arlington
and its affiliated campuses. This includes partially enclosed areas such as walkways, breezeways, and bus shelters.
Can I smoke in my car if it’s parked on campus?
While tobacco is prohibited inside all UT Arlington vehicles
(including buses and vans), students, faculty, and staff may smoke inside their
own vehicles as long as the windows and doors remain closed.
What happens if I violate the tobacco-free policy?
Violations
could result in referral to the appropriate University officials for
disciplinary action in accordance with established student, staff, and/or
faculty codes of conduct and procedures.
Does the policy apply to the Fort Worth Center and other satellite locations?
Yes, the policy includes all the UT Arlington main campus and all other buildings or facilities leased off the main campus.
Is the University requiring that people quit smoking?
No, though we encourage current tobacco users to do so.
Does the University offer any resources to help people quit smoking?
Yes, UT Arlington offers a number of free tobacco cessation programs for
the University community. For more information, visit the Ready to Quit? page.
Does the policy apply to visitors to campus?
Yes. Organizers and attendees at public events, such as
conferences, meetings, public lectures, social events, cultural events, and
sporting events using UT Arlington facilities are required to abide by the
tobacco-free policy and procedure. Organizers of such events are responsible
for communicating the policy to attendees and for enforcing this policy.