Related University Policies and Guidelines
Smoking/Tobacco/vape-Free Policy
The University of Houston-Victoria is committed to providing a healthy and safe work and learning environment for the university community. This policy and the associated procedures are consistent with this interest.
This policy expands the scope of the prior Smoking Policy by prohibiting the use of all smoking and tobacco and vape products in all buildings, vehicles, university grounds, including parking areas, sidewalks, walkways and other outdoor areas except in areas designated for smoking/tobacco/vape use and certain other uses by specified exception.
Information provided by the United States Surgeon General shows that tobacco is the leading cause of preventable illness and death in the United States. No tobacco products is safe and some could be more dangerous than others. Tobacco smoke contains a mix of more than 7,000 chemicals and about 70 are known to cause cancer. Breathing secondhand smoke exposes this chemical mix to others.
The university is not requiring anyone to quit smoking or stop using tobacco products but does expect this campus policy to be adhered to by all members of the university community including students, faculty, staff, alumni, volunteers, university affiliates, contractors, visitors, and other persons on campus. This policy is effective twenty-four (24) hours, seven (7) days a week.
Designated smoking/tobacco use locations will continue to be available.
As part of this policy, the university, through Student Services & Judicial Affairs Office, and the Division of Student Affairs, will continue to broaden awareness of the dangers of smoking and tobacco use through ongoing awareness, educational campaigns, and by providing smoking/tobacco cessation assistance support to the campus smoking/tobacco use population.
Repeated or serious violations of this policy by students, faculty and staff can result in disciplinary action which will be handled through existing administrative procedures.
The campus Smoking Policy is available online.