Smoking Policy

Introduction

Results of a student-led initiative indicated that a significant majority of employees and students at the University of Missouri-Kansas City value smoke- and tobacco-free campuses. Therefore, the following policy has been adopted and applies to all university properties, employees, students and visitors. This policy replaces all previous smoking policies issued for the UMKC campuses and takes effect August 1, 2014. With this policy, the university reaffirms its commitment to provide a safe and healthy physical environment for its students, staff, faculty, patients and the general public associated with UMKC.

Smoking and Tobacco Policy

Tobacco use and smoking are prohibited throughout UMKC properties.

“Smoking,” as defined herein, means the act of drawing smoke or a vaporized substance into one’s mouth that has been ignited, combusted, or vaporized.

“Smoking Products” include, but are not limited to, tobacco, cloves, all cigarette products (cigarettes, bidis, kreteks, e-cigarettes, etc.) and all smoke-producing devices (cigars, pipes, hookahs, etc.).

“University of Missouri-Kansas City properties” include, but are not limited to:

All outdoor common and educational areas; inside all university owned or leased buildings

Campus sidewalks

Campus parking lots

Recreational areas

Outdoor stadiums

University-owned and leased vehicles (regardless of location)

This smoking ban does not apply to public rights-of-way (sidewalks/streets) within the campus boundaries, as these are governed by City of Kansas City ordinance.

General exceptions include:

Certain academic research activities may be allowed as approved by the Director of Environmental Health and Safety, provided that the research is conducted in an appropriately ventilated area.

Tobacco use will be allowed in enclosed personal vehicles, with the windows completely closed, in university parking areas on the Volker and Hospital Hill campuses.

Respect and responsibility

Compliance with this UMKC Policy is the responsibility of each employee, student and visitor. Its success depends on an attitude of consideration and cooperation by smokers and nonsmokers alike.

All members of the university community share the responsibility for bringing it to the attention of visitors. Enforcement of the policy is the responsibility of each unit supervisor for his/her facility or unit, with reasonable enforcement efforts being made. Any complaints concerning the application of this policy should be brought to the attention of the appropriate university authorities.