The University of Memphis

Smoking

POLICIES

In compliance with TCA, Title 4, Section 4-4-121, all buildings owned or operated by the University of Memphis have been designated as non-smoking (with limited exceptions listed below).  The non-smoking designation applies to, but is not limited to dining facilities, recreational facilities, administrative offices, private offices, classrooms, student housing, and family housing.  The ONLY exceptions are individual guest rooms in the Fogelman Executive Center and the UofM Holiday Inn that are designated as "smoking rooms." The enforcement of this policy shall be handled by the person(s) responsible for activities carried out within the particular room, facility, or program area. 

Smoking is permitted outside of university facilities provided smokers are located a minimum of 20 feet from doorways, windows, and ventilation systems. This distance is required to help ensure that smoke does not enter the facilities and/or create a health and safety hazard for occupants of the facility.

To formally designate all campus facilities as non-smoking.

The person(s) responsible for activities within a particular room, facility, or program area will ensure that smoking procedures are followed. The university's Safety Officer also is authorized to monitor and enforce non-smoking rules in every building on campus.

According to the University policy on Time and Attendance Records, employees are entitled to two paid 15-minute breaks each day, work flow permitting. These breaks may be used for any reasonable purpose, including smoking outside. Repetitive breaks of less than 15 minutes throughout the day are not permitted for smoking or any other reason.

Smokers are reminded that a desire to smoke is not a sufficient reason to leave their workplace in excess of the standard work-break policy.

An employee will first receive a warning if found smoking in facilities covered by this policy. If he or she continues to violate the Smoking Policy, after being duly warned, he or she will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. Supervisors should seek guidance from the Employee Relations Office on how to handle these situations.

A student will first receive a warning if found smoking in facilities covered by this policy. If he or she continues to violate the Smoking Policy, after being duly warned, the matter will be reported to the Office of Judicial and Ethical Programs.

Smokers are reminded to respect the environment and landscape by discarding smoking refuse in receptacles provided for that purpose.