BreatheFree FAQ

UMD BreatheFree FAQ

1. What is the UMD BreatheFree policy?

   The policy states that "Smoking is prohibited on all UMD property. The smoking ban includes indoor facilities and the campus grounds, as well as all University vehicles."

2. What is a violation that you might report? And to whom do you report it? Is it different if it is a student or employee at UMD?

   A violation of the policy occurs when someone is smoking on the grounds of UMD. This includes indoor facilities and all vehicles. The policy applies to all students, employees and visitors to the university.

   You can report a violation of the policy through our confidential reporting system at nosmoke@d.umn.edu. Please report the date, time and location of the violation so that trained personnel have the opportunity to educate individuals about the policy in that specific location on campus. Do not report any names.

3. Does the new policy prohibit me from smoking in my car in the UMD parking lot?

   Yes. Smoking in personal vehicles on UMD property is not allowed.

4. Can I be fined for smoking at or near the bus shelters on campus in accordance with the City of Duluth ordinance?

   Yes. Effective March 7th, 2010, Duluth's new ordinance prohibits smoking inside or within 15 feet of a bus shelter. This applies to all city shelters and transit hubs, including the bus stop at UMD. Violators could receive up to a $1,000 fine.

5. Can I be fined for smoking near UMD Health Services in accordance with the City of Duluth ordinance?

   Yes. No person shall smoke in any public place within 100 feet of the nearest property line of a medical facility. This ordinance includes UMD Health Services.

6. Can I smoke on the sidewalks along the perimeter of campus?

   No. The sidewalks along the perimeter of campus are still UMD property.

7. What is my responsibility related to the BreatheFree policy as a UMD community member?

   Your responsibility as a community member is to comply with this policy in a courteous, respectful and cooperative manner. It is not your responsibility to enforce this policy. But, if you choose to, you can politely inform an individual who is smoking about the policy and remind him or her that smoking is prohibited on all UMD property.

   You may also report a violation through our confidential reporting system at nosmoke@d.umn.edu. Please report the date, time and location of the violation so that trained personnel have the opportunity to educate individuals about the policy in that specific location on campus. Do not report any names.

8. What do I do if someone who is smoking continues to smoke?

   You should walk away from that individual. You may choose to report a violation of the policy through our confidential reporting system at nosmoke@d.umn.edu. Please report the date, time and location of the violation so that trained personnel have the opportunity to educate individuals about the policy. Do not report any names.

9. What are the goals of the policy?

   The policy has been implemented to:

   1. Provide an environment where the university's students, employees and visitors are not exposed to second-hand smoke;
   2. Educate individuals who smoke and to provide them the means to change their behavior by offering classes, a way to obtain nicotine replacement therapy and coaching; and
   3. Complement UMD's commitment to an environmentally responsible campus.
      

10. What are the consequences for those who are smoking on University property?

    The intent of this policy is to be preventive rather than punitive. For employees, violations of this policy will be addressed through educational and corrective measures. Educational measures include referral to smoking cessation programs, tobacco treatment and supportive coaching. Students will be offered the same educational measures. Documented repeat violations by employees or students may be referred to the appropriate disciplinary process.

11. What should supervisors be advised to tell their employees if they see them smoking?

    Supervisors should remind their faculty and staff that a smoke-free campus policy that applies to all employees has been in effect since May 17, 2008, and show them where to find information about the policy at http://www.d.umn.edu/breathefree

    Employees with questions or who would like information about smoking cessation classes, coaching and nicotine replacement therapy can be referred to the UMD Employee Health and Wellness Program, UMD Human Resources, or the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

12. What can I do to help support the BreatheFree effort?

    Please help us spread the word around campus and respectfully pass out policy information cards. These cards can be obtained through UMD Health Services. To become an active "supporter" for a smoke-free campus who is trained to provide referral services and education to individuals who smoke, please email nosmoke@d.umn.edu.

13. What should I do if I feel threatened or intimidated by someone who smokes after I have politely provided them with information about the policy?

    Call University Police at 726-7000 any time you feel threatened or physically intimidated by someone. For violations of the policy, however, e-mail nosmoke@d.umn.edu to confidentially report a violation so that trained personnel have the opportunity to educate individuals about the policy. Do not report any names.

Support breathefree UMD

Student, staff and faculty volunteers are needed to help spread the word about UMD's smoke-free policy. A workshop will be provided to train volunteers on how to approach violators and what resources are available for smokers to quit. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please fill out the brief on-line application form.

Supporters will receive breathefree badges and other resources to help spread the word. Email nosmoke@d.umn.edu if you want to be involved and for information about the workshops.

You can also help by keeping us informed of campus locations that are frequented by violators. Email nosmoke@d.umn.edu with times and locations. This is a confidential email address.

And help by posting the breathefree poster in high-traffic areas.