1. Preamble
Kalinga University is committed to fostering a healthy, safe, and conducive learning and working environment for all students, faculty, staff, visitors, and stakeholders. Tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke pose significant health risks and adversely affect the well-being of individuals and the campus community. In alignment with national laws, public health guidelines, and the University's commitment to sustainable development and wellness, this Policy on Maintaining a Tobacco-Free and Smoke-Free Campus Environment is established to promote healthy lifestyles, prevent tobacco use, and ensure a clean and pollution-free campus.
2. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to create and maintain a tobacco-free and smoke-free campus environment that protects the health and well-being of all members of the University community, discourages tobacco use, and promotes awareness regarding the harmful effects of tobacco consumption and passive smoking.
3. Objectives
- To ensure a healthy, safe, and smoke-free environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
- To prohibit the use, possession, sale, advertisement, and promotion of tobacco products within the University premises.
- To prevent exposure to second-hand smoke and its harmful health effects.
- To create awareness about the physical, psychological, social, and environmental impacts of tobacco use.
- To encourage tobacco cessation and support individuals seeking to quit tobacco consumption.
- To comply with applicable laws and regulations related to tobacco control and public health.
- To promote a culture of wellness, responsibility, and healthy living within the campus community.
4. Scope
This policy applies to:
- All students, faculty members, officers, employees, contractual staff, and workers of the University.
- Visitors, guests, vendors, service providers, and any other individuals entering the University premises.
- All academic buildings, administrative offices, hostels, staff residences, cafeterias, playgrounds, parking areas, vehicles owned or operated by the University, and any other facilities under the University's jurisdiction.
- All University-sponsored events, programs, activities, and functions conducted within or outside the campus.
5. Policy Statements
- The University shall maintain a 100% Tobacco-Free and Smoke-Free Campus Environment.
- Smoking, vaping, chewing tobacco, consumption of gutkha, pan masala containing tobacco, e-cigarettes, hookah, and all other forms of tobacco use are strictly prohibited within the University premises.
- The sale, distribution, advertising, promotion, sponsorship, or display of tobacco products shall not be permitted within the campus.
- Tobacco-related promotional materials, advertisements, and sponsorship activities are prohibited in all University events and publications.
- No designated smoking areas shall be established within the campus.
- Awareness and educational initiatives shall be conducted regularly to discourage tobacco use and promote healthy lifestyles.
- The University shall support cessation efforts by providing information, counseling referrals, and wellness programs whenever feasible.
6. Responsibilities
6.1 University Administration
- Ensure effective implementation and enforcement of this policy.
- Allocate necessary resources for awareness, monitoring, and compliance activities.
- Display appropriate signboards and notices across the campus.
6.2 Students
- Adhere to the provisions of this policy.
- Refrain from using or possessing tobacco products on campus.
- Cooperate in promoting a healthy and tobacco-free environment.
6.3 Faculty and Staff
- Serve as role models by complying with the policy.
- Support awareness initiatives and encourage healthy behaviors among students.
- Report violations to the designated authorities.
6.4 Security Personnel and Administrative Authorities
- Monitor compliance within the campus.
- Report and address violations promptly.
- Assist in the implementation of awareness and enforcement measures.
6.5 Dean, Student Welfare and Extension Activities including NSS and NCC
- Conduct regular educational, awareness, and sensitization programs on the harmful effects of tobacco use, smoking, vaping, and other nicotine products.
- Organize outreach activities such as awareness rallies, campaigns, street plays, health talks, poster competitions, seminars, workshops, and observance of national and international health-related days to promote a tobacco-free lifestyle.
- Facilitate counseling, guidance, and referral services for students and staff seeking support for tobacco cessation and behavioral change.
- Collaborate with healthcare professionals, government agencies, NGOs, and public health organizations to strengthen tobacco prevention and cessation initiatives.
7. Implementation Measures
- Prominent “Tobacco-Free and Smoke-Free Campus” signboards shall be displayed at strategic locations across the campus.
- Awareness campaigns, seminars, workshops, rallies, and health education programs shall be organized periodically.
- Information regarding the harmful effects of tobacco consumption shall be disseminated through print, digital, and social media platforms.
- Orientation programs for newly admitted students and newly appointed staff shall include awareness regarding this policy.
- The University shall collaborate with health agencies and experts to conduct tobacco prevention and cessation initiatives.
- Mechanisms shall be established for reporting policy violations confidentially and responsibly.
- Compliance with applicable tobacco control laws and regulations shall be ensured at all times.
8. Disciplinary and Corrective Measures
- Any individual found violating this policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action as per University rules and regulations.
- Violations may result in verbal warnings, written warnings, counseling sessions, fines (where applicable), or other disciplinary measures deemed appropriate by the competent authority.
- Repeated or serious violations may attract stricter disciplinary action in accordance with institutional regulations.
- Vendors or contractors violating the policy may face termination of contracts or denial of access to University premises.
- Educational and corrective approaches, including counseling and awareness sessions, shall be encouraged alongside disciplinary measures.
9. Monitoring and Evaluation
- The University shall periodically monitor compliance with this policy through inspections, observations, and feedback mechanisms.
- Reports of policy violations shall be documented and reviewed by the designated authority.
- Awareness programs and policy implementation activities shall be evaluated regularly to assess effectiveness.
- Feedback from students, faculty, staff, and stakeholders shall be considered for continuous improvement.
- Annual reviews of compliance status and awareness initiatives shall be undertaken by the relevant committee or authority.
10. Policy Review
This policy shall be reviewed every three years or earlier if required due to changes in legislation, public health guidelines, institutional requirements, or emerging best practices. Amendments and revisions shall be approved by the competent authority of the University to ensure continued relevance and effectiveness in promoting a healthy, tobacco-free, and smoke-free campus environment.
