November 29, 2006

To: The UMBC Community

Fr: John Cook, Chief of Police

Re: Implementing the Non-Smoking Policy

I would like to update you on the implementation of UMBC’s Non-Smoking Policy.

The first phase, a 30-day awareness campaign, is now over. This phase included announcements to the campus via myUMBC and email, as well as a Non-Smoking Policy Forum, which was held on November 15.

The second phase, which also lasts 30 days, began last week with the creation of designated smoking areas throughout the campus. The locations are marked on the attached map. Each area will be identified by a designated smoking area sign. Smoking urns are now in place at the designated smoking areas. Signs will be installed to direct people to the smoking areas and no-smoking signs will be posted in non-smoking areas. People who are smoking in non-smoking areas will be asked by campus police to move to a designated smoking area.

Smoking will be permitted within five square feet of the smoking urn. Where possible, a bench or other form of seating has been provided. All smokers are encouraged to dispose of their used cigarettes in the urns and avoid dropping cigarettes on the ground or throwing them into landscaping mulch.

The third and final phase of implementation will begin approximately December 20. At this time, we will tighten enforcement of the Non-smoking Policy. Students who repeatedly refuse to comply will receive a notice from Student Judicial Services. If faculty and staff continue to refuse to comply, their supervisors will be notified.

I believe that members of our campus community will be respectful of our community’s new health standard and of the fact that habits are sometimes hard to break. As we implement the policy, I ask that we all look out for each other. If you do see someone who is smoking in a non-smoking area, please be courteous in reminding or informing them about the designated smoking areas.

For those smokers who would like support while quitting, University Health Services (UHS) is offering free nicotine replacement products (gum, the patch and lozenges). A UHS health behavior change specialist is also available for support. For more information, please call ext. 5-2542.

By working together, we can create a smoke-free environment while respecting the needs of those who choose to use tobacco products at UMBC. The Non-smoking Policy can be found on the Human Resources Web site at http://www.umbc.edu/hr/PDFs/smokingpolicy.pdf.