Smoke Free Campus
About Us
Smoke Free Campus
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St. Jerome’s University is committed to providing a safe and healthy place in which to study, work, visit, and live.
St. Jerome’s University is committed to leading the promotion of health, well-being, and safety of students, academic staff, administrative staff, and visitors to our campus by modeling a healthier and cleaner smoke-free campus environment.
St. Jerome’s University is a smoke-free campus, effective October 1, 2018.
St. Jerome’s University does not permit smoking, or the use of tobacco products in any University owned or leased building or vehicle, on University property, or in any vehicle while on University property. This is not intended to prohibit the use of tobacco products for traditional or spiritual ceremonies.
We recognize that smoking is an addiction and we encourage students and employees to access the smoking cessation programs through the University of Waterloo Health Services, the Employee and Family Assistance Program, or through public services through the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care.
All academic staff, administrative staff, and campus partners are required to adhere to the Smoke-Free Campus Policy and are encouraged to inform or remind others who use our buildings and grounds of the Smoke-Free Policy.
Other resources are available at www.smokershelpline.ca or https://leavethepackbehind.org/Home/.
If you have questions or would like to provide feedback, please contact Kierra Cali.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Smoke-Free Campus Policy mean?
The Smoke-Free Campus Policy eliminates the use of tobacco products and smoking such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, mini-cigars, pipes, water pipes, hookah, shisha, and cannabis on any University property. It also includes the use of electronic smoking devices that create an aerosol or vapor, in any manner or in any form, or the use of any oral smoking device.
To whom does the Smoke-Free Campus apply?
The Smoke-Free Campus Policy applies to all members of the university community (Community Members) including, but not limited to, students, academic staff, administrative staff, postdoctoral fellows, adjunct professors, visiting professors, teaching and research assistants, volunteers, visitors, observers, contractors, and institutional administrators and officials representing St. Jerome’s University.
What is the University’s property boundary?
The University’s property is considered those areas outlined on the University’s campus map that can be found here.
The campus map outlining the University’s smoke-free property can be found on the University’s website and on all exterior wayfinding signage. Additionally, signage will be placed at the entry points of the University’s property, alongside cans that allow individuals to dispose of their smoking waste.
How does this smoke free policy relate to cannabis consumption and the Cannabis Act, 2017?
The Federal legislation, Cannabis Act, 2017 that is effective as of October 17, 2018, prohibits the use of cannabis in any public place or workplace. The Residence Handbook will be updated to address the impacts the Cannabis Act, 2017 will have on the use of recreational cannabis in a private residence.
Does the policy include Indigenous traditional and sacred medicines?
St. Jerome’s University recognizes the unique relationship that many Indigenous cultures have with traditional and sacred medicines such as tobacco, sweet grass, sage, and cedar, among others. Burning such products as part of traditional and spiritual practices will be exempt from this policy. Requests to hold traditional and spiritual ceremonies where burning traditional and sacred materials will take place, are to be made in writing to the Director, Campus Ministry. Approval will be granted to St. Jerome’s University community members in writing no later than 5 days after the request is received.
Can employees smoke in their personal vehicle while on St. Jerome’s University property?
Smoking is prohibited on the St. Jerome’s University Campus, and therefore smoking is not permitted inside or outside of vehicles while parked on campus.
What about public events on campus?
All events occurring on the St. Jerome’s University Campus are subject to the Smoke-Free Campus Policy. This includes, but is not limited to, meetings, conferences, exhibitions, presentations, concerts, weddings, athletic events, etc. The Smoke-Free Campus Policy applies to anyone entering the University property for any reason.
How will new students and employees be advised that SJU’s campus is smoke free?
There will be signage, communication, and information available on our website. New employees and students will be informed of their obligations during their orientation.
All employees who have questions about accommodation are asked to speak with Human Resources.
Are students, academic staff, administrative staff, volunteers, and visitors expected to quit smoking or using tobacco?
No, the University does not mandate people to quit smoking or stop using tobacco products. The purpose of the Smoke-Free Campus Policy is to create a healthier campus for all. However, we are dedicated to supporting those who want to manage their smoking and those who choose to quit smoking. Smoking cessation resources for employees are available on the Employee and Family Assistance Program website. Students can access smoking cessation support through the University of Waterloo Health Services.
I know someone on campus that wants to quit smoking. Where can they get help?
We know quitting smoking is a process that doesn’t happen the same way for everyone. Research shows that smoking cessation is most successful with a combination of support, coaching and medications. Staff, faculty and students can all access supports through Health Services, by speaking with their personal health-care provider or accessing community programs such as the free Smoker’s Helpline (1-877-513-5333) or by visiting online resources at www.smokershelpline.ca or https://leavethepackbehind.org/Home/
What will happen if someone smokes while on the SJU Campus?
All academic staff, administrative staff, and campus partners are required to adhere to the Smoke-Free Campus Policy. They are encouraged to inform or remind others who use our buildings and grounds of the Smoke-Free Policy.
The policy is not intended to outline punitive measures. The policy is founded on a campus wide commitment to maintain a healthy and safe campus environment where we engage in harm minimization, education, and shared responsibility. The decision was made to remain silent on disciplinary action. We would rather create change through awareness, education, respect, peer-to-peer encouragement, and support.
Therefore, our main focus will be on voluntary compliance through education, signage, and awareness.
We believe that’s the kind of campus and approach that will work best for everyone – both smokers and
non-smokers. We are not looking to alienate those who smoke but encourage all community members to acknowledge how they contribute to ensuring our campus is smoke-free.
What do I do if I see someone smoking on campus?
It is our hope that everyone will recognize and respect the goals of the Smoke-Free Campus Policy. The best initial approach is to provide a direct and courteous reminder to those smoking on campus that St. Jerome’s University campus is smoke-free, and to request they refrain from smoking on campus.
Should you have any questions or concerns about the enactment of this policy, please contact the office of accountability, the Vice President, Administration, or the Office of the President.
Whom do I contact if I have questions or feedback about the Smoke-Free Campus Policy?
Questions may be directed to Kierra Cali at kcali@uwaterloo.ca.
Were designated outdoor smoking areas considered?
Ontario’s hospitals and many other public outdoor spaces like parks are already 100% smoke-free.
Yes, we considered designated outdoor smoking areas, but the goal of the smoke free campus policy is to provide a healthier environment for all students, academic staff, administrative staff, and visitors and to promote and encourage health and wellbeing.
A study from Stanford University finds that designated smoking areas with multiple people smoking have toxic air levels equal to smoking indoors. Even brief exposure to smoke outside can exacerbate symptoms among those who suffer from heart disease, asthma, allergies, and bronchitis. Further, designated smoking areas create a social space for those who smoke or use tobacco products, and can be a trigger for those trying to reduce or quit smoking. Designated smoking areas also lead to confusion around where smoking is permitted.