 
UT adopts tobacco-free policy
April 13, 2012
AUSTIN, Texas -- The University of Texas at Austin is now a tobacco-free campus, following a UT Board of Regents vote on Monday, April 9, 2012. The new policy is effective immediately and prohibits the use of any tobacco products on campus grounds, including parking areas, parking structures, lawns and sidewalks. All forms of tobacco, including but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, snuff and chewing tobacco, are banned from campus. UT buildings have been smoke-free since 1991, and in 2002, the non-smoking policy was extended to ban smoking at indoor and open-air athletic facilities, including Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, UFCU Disch-Falk Field, Red & Charline McCombs Field and the Frank Erwin Center. "We are happy to continue our cooperation on campus to create a healthy environment for those who work here and study here," Men's Athletics Director DeLoss Dodds said. "As always, we'll do everything we can to educate our fans at events on campus about this new policy." This policy applies to all employees, students, University affiliates, contractors and visitors and is applicable 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Temporary tobacco use locations have been established, but these locations will only be available through Feb. 28, 2013. "We look forward to messaging this new policy, which enhances healthy lifestyles for our campus community and those who visit our campus for activities," Women's Athletics Director Chris Plonsky said. "Athletics can be a leader in this regard." The tobacco-free policy is part of the university's commitment to creating a healthy and sustainable environment for all members of the campus community, and is designed to be positive and health directed. Enforcement of the policy will be achieved primarily through education, awareness and a spirit of cooperation. In February 2012, the Cancer Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) announced future funding of research would be contingent on certification of an entity's adopted tobacco-free policies. UT is a recipient of CPRIT funds for important cancer research activities and the preservation of those funds is integral to UT's research mission as a premier research institution. Designated Temporary Tobacco Use Areas |
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