Download a printable PDF version of this document
Section 1. Purpose
The purpose of this procedure is to protect the health and safety of University students, employees, and visitors; to promote a healthy and safe work, educational, and living environment; and to comply with applicable state laws regarding smoking. This procedure is enacted by the University’s Knoxville campus pursuant to the express authority granted by the Board of Trustees in its Policy on Smoking.
Section 2. Definitions
“Smoking” means inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted cigar, cigarette (including an electronic cigarette or similar device), pipe, or other lighted tobacco product, in any manner or in any form.
“The University of Tennessee, Knoxville” or “University,” for purposes of this procedure, means the campuses, centers, units and institutes of The University of Tennessee located in Knoxville, Tennessee. Neither “The University of Tennessee, Knoxville” nor “University” means The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc., or The University of Tennessee Research Foundation.
“University Property” means:
- All land, grounds, buildings, structures, and any other physical property owned or operated by the University; and
- All motor vehicles owned, leased, or operated by the University.
Section 3. Applicability
3.1 This procedure applies to all University students, employees, contractors, and visitors.
Section 4. Prohibition of Smoking at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
4.1 The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is a smoke-free campus. Smoking is prohibited in and on all University Property. This prohibition includes smoking in private vehicles when parked or operated on University Property.
4.2 This procedure is intended to comply with, and shall be interpreted consistently with, all applicable state law, including Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-7-135; the Non-Smoker Protection Act, Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1801 et seq.; and Tennessee Code Annotated § 50-1-304.
4.3 This procedure also prohibits littering on University Property with tobacco products or the remains of any tobacco products.
Section 5. Cessation Resources For Students and Employees
5.1 Assistance with smoking cessation for students and employees is available through Be Well, the Center for Health Education and Wellness, and the Student Health Center and Pharmacy. More information about cessation resources can be found at bewell.utk.edu.
Section 6. Compliance and Enforcement
6.1 Employees may report any good-faith concern about a violation of this procedure to the reporting employee’s immediate supervisor or the appropriate campus compliance officer. Students may report any good-faith concern about a violation of this procedure to Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards.
6.2 Violation of this procedure may subject an employee to disciplinary action in accordance with applicable University human resources policies. Violation of this procedure may subject a student to disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
Section 7. Exceptions
7.1 This procedure does not apply to smoking for controlled research, or educational, theatrical, or religious ceremonial purposes, provided prior written approval has been obtained from the dean, director, or department head responsible for the facility in which the smoking will occur.