Smoke-Free Campus Committee CHARTER

Background

In the Winter of 2019, a campus-wide survey was conducted to determine the preferred smoking policy direction of the Western community. Survey results showed that over 75% of those sampled are not satisfied with the current policy and prefer a more restrictive approach to smoking and vaping on campus. At a subsequent President’s Cabinet meeting, a decision was made to move forward with a policy change to become a smoke-free campus.

This recommendation is based on compelling scientific research and evidence on the human effects of smoking and second-hand smoke. Taking this action will support two objectives in Western’s Strategic Plan to 1) support student, staff and faculty wellbeing, including physical health and wellness, mental health and disability resources based on universal design, and 2) improve the climate and work conditions for student employees, staff and faculty at all campus locations.

Therefore this committee will develop an implementation plan for the preferred policy direction that allows smoking and vaping only in designated areas away from the main walkways.

Scope

The Smoke-Free Campus Committee’s (SFCC) purpose is to develop an implementation plan that will
include the following elements:
     • Washington Administrative Code and University Policy changes
     • Identification of designated smoking locations
     • Cessation resources
     • Communications plan
     • Education plan
     • Enforcement strategy
     • Other mitigation and transition measures

Convening Authority and Reporting

The committee is appointed by and reports to the Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs but may provide recommendations, concerns or decisions directly to individuals, department heads, deans or other vice presidents.

Meetings

Meetings shall be called by the chair. The SFCC will meet multiple times each quarter but not more than monthly. Meetings will be set with a minimum of one week’s notice.

Membership

  • Director of Environmental Health and Safety, Chair
  • Director of Prevention and Wellness, Vice Chair
  • Human Resources Department Representative
  • Chief of Police
  • Student Health Center Representative
  • Facilities Development and Capital Budget Representative
  • Facilities Management Representative
  • University Communications and Marketing Representative
  • University Residences Representative
  • Community Relations Representative
  • 1 Student appointed by the Associated Students
  • 1 Student appointed by the Residence Hall Association
  • 2 Persons to represent Classified Staff
  • 2 Persons to represent Faculty
  • 1 Person to represent Professional Staff 

Terms of Membership

Because most committee members participate by virtue of their positions at Western, terms of membership are for the duration of the committee work. Student members are as appointed by the Associated Students Board.

Timeline

The following tasks and timelines are as follows:

1. Development of an implementation plan includes:

   a. WAC and University policy modifications
   b. Determine locations of designated smoking areasincluding funding request, if needed
   c. Development of education and communication plan and resource needs
   d. Develop strategy for enforcement
   e. Develop approach and determine cessation resource needs such as nicotine replacement
       therapies and peer counseling

   Target completion: June 30, 2020

2. Implementation of education and communication plan


   Target completion: June 30, 2021


3. Start policy implementation
Initiation of additional signage/litter and removal of urns, smoker poles


   Target completion: September 1, 2021


4. Evaluate implementation of the plan during AY 2021, after one full year of implementation, to
determine if the policy is successful and evaluate if additional efforts are needed.


   Target completion: September 1, 2022

 

Approved 9/5/2019 by Vice President Richard Van Den Hul

Business and Financial Affairs