VI - 8.50 - Policy on Smoke-Free Campus

I. Purpose

Bowie State University (BSU) is committed to promoting a healthy and safe environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors. This policy is intended to reduce health risks associated with smoking and secondhand smoke for the campus community.

II. Policy Statement

Smoking is prohibited on all property owned, leased, or operated by BSU.  This includes all buildings, including residence halls; all grounds, including exterior open spaces, parking lots, sidewalks, streets, driveways, stadium, athletic and recreational facilities; and all BSU-owned or leased vehicles and golf carts. This policy applies to all individuals on BSU's campus, including faculty, staff, students, parents, vendors, contractors, and visitors.

III. Definitions

Smoking is defined as the lighting, burning, or vaporizing of tobacco, nicotine, marijuana or any other material in any type of smoking equipment, including but not limited to cigarettes, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), vape pens, cigars, hookahs or pipes.

IV. Implementation

  1. Notice of this policy shall be posted on campus buildings and grounds.
  2. Faculty, staff, and students who violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary action including fines and sanctions in accordance with the Employee Handbook and Code of Student Conduct respectively. Visitors, contractors and vendors who violate this policy may be denied access to the campus.
  3. Complaints concerning student violations of this policy should be referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards. Complaints concerning faculty or staff violations of this policy should be referred to the Office of Human Resources. Complaints concerning visitor violations of this policy should be referred to Campus Police. Complaints concerning vendor and contractor violations of this policy should be directed to the Office of Administration and Finance.
  4. Information relating to smoking cessation and assistance programs is available at the Henry Wise Wellness Center or Office of Human Resources.

V. Responsible Official

Vice President for Administration and Finance

Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs

VI. Related Policies

VI – 8.10 POLICY ON SMOKING AT USM INSTITUTIONS (usmd.edu)

 

Effective Date: August 01, 2024