Smoking Policy

Preamble: The University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK) supports the findings of the United States Surgeon General that the use of tobacco in any form, active and passive, is a significant health risk to the smoker and to those exposed to second-hand smoke. The intent of this policy is to accomplish the following:

  • Reduce exposure to second-hand smoke for smoke-free individuals
  • Develop an environment supportive of tobacco-free lifestyles
  • Reduce the risk of accidental fire
  • Reduce environmental impacts of cigarette litter
  • Prepare the student body to work in smoke-free environments upon graduation

Education: The implementation of this tobacco use policy is a component of a larger initiative to improve the health and wellness of the UMFK community. The implementation of this plan will include an emphasis on education and awareness programming, which will include the following components:

  • Policy awareness via written and electronic notices to students and staff
  • Smoking cessation classes offered by Student Health Clinic Staff
  • Activities that highlight the importance of health and wellness in general
  • Educational posters and flyers, strategically placed throughout the campus
  • Activities that provide information about smoking cessation via university departments, health care providers and non-profit organizations or groups

Sales and Marketing: The following are policies regarding the sale and marketing of tobacco products at the UMFK campus:

  1. The sale and free distribution of tobacco products on the UMFK campus or on any property owned by the University is prohibited.
  2. Campus organizations are prohibited from accepting money or gifts from companies that primarily engage in the sale and promotion of tobacco products.
  3. Tobacco advertisements are prohibited in all University publications.
  4. All contracts with off-campus vendors will provide that the University’s name or logo will not be used in connection with tobacco promotions.
  5. Tobacco companies and/or vendors will not be allowed on campus to display, advertise, and/or sell their products or services at any time.

Policy: For the purposes of this policy, the University of Maine at Fort Kent campus will be divided into three designated areas: Crocker Hall residential area, the Lodge residential area, and the parking area adjacent to the Old Model School. The Crocker Hall residential area will mainly serve to meet the needs of the residential students living in Crocker Hall, while the Lodge residential area will mainly serve to meet the needs of the residential students living in the Lodge. The Smoking Gazebo will mainly serve to meet the needs of UMFK employees and its commuter students. All employees, students, and visitors to the campus will be expected to use one of these three designated smoking areas.

Tobacco-free Areas of Campus:

  1. All buildings on campus are designated as completely smoke-free.
  2. All designated smoking areas are at least 100 feet away from most major building entrance.
  3. All designated smoking areas are placed at least 100 feet away from most walking thoroughfares.
  4. All designated smoking areas will be identified via signage and a smoking receptacle.
  5. All parking areas, athletic fields, and university vehicles will be smoke-free.

Designated Smoking Areas of Campus:

  1. The southwestern corner of the walkway leading from Crocker Hall to the Facilities Management building. Areas served include:
    • Crocker Hall
    • Nowland Hall
    • Facilities Management Building
    • Any parking areas adjacent to these buildings
  2. The northwestern corner of the Lodge adjacent to the designated residential parking area for the Lodge. Areas served include:
    • The Lodge
    • Sports Center
    • Alumni Memorial Field
    • Haenssler Honors Center
    • Acadia House
    • Saint David House
    • Old Model School
    • Any parking areas adjacent to these buildings
  3. The Smoking Gazebo. Area served include:
    • Old Model School
    • Madawaska House
    • Cyr Hall
    • Nadeau Hall
    • Fox Auditorium
    • Crocker Beach
    • Powell Hall
    • Acadian Archives
    • Blake Library
    • Any parking areas adjacent to these buildings

    Enforcement and Implementation: This policy relies on the consideration and cooperation of smokers and non-smokers. All members of the UMFK community, including visitors, are asked to observe and respect this policy. This policy requires that all members of the campus community regard as serious the risks associated with smoking and second-hand smoke, to be active in reminding those who infract this policy by politely encouraging compliance.

    • The President, Vice Presidents, and Department Supervisors shall assure that this policy is communicated to everyone within their areas of responsibility.
    • The Residential Life Staff will enforce the policy for residential students by implementing specific judicial sanctions for policy violations, including use outside the designated smoking areas.
    • The Office of Student Affairs will enforce the policy for commuter students by implementing specific judicial sanctions for policy violations, including smoking outside the designated smoking areas. Anyone witnessing policy violations by any student must submit written documentation of their observations to the Director of Student Affairs. The Office of Student Affairs is not responsible for responding to immediate requests to confront someone who is smoking. The Office of Student Affairs will enforce this policy by implementing procedures in the University of Maine System Student Conduct Code.
    • The Office of Human Resources will enforce the policy for employees by implementing specific sanctions for policy violations. Anyone witnessing policy violations by any employee must submit written documentation of their observations to the Executive Director of Human Resources. The Office of Human Resources is not responsible for responding to immediate requests to confront someone who is smoking. The Office of Human Resources will enforce this policy by implementing procedures outlined in various University of Maine System Collective Bargaining Agreements.
    • Notice of the policy will be included in conference brochures, promotional materials, and catering contracts to inform unaffiliated groups that choose to use UMFK facilities.

    Submitted for Approval on March 5, 2007
    Approved for July 1, 2007

    Please contact the Assistant Director of Residential Life and Wellness, via phone at (207) 834-8751 with any questions regarding the tobacco use policy at UMFK.