UNC Smoke Free
Smoking has been banned inside University buildings and facilities for years. Beginning January 1, 2008, the no-smoking boundary will be expanded to 100 feet from all University facilities, both on and off campus. Smoking in state-owned vehicles also will be prohibited. This policy will affect employees, students, visitors, and patients of the University Community. UNC supports this expanded dimension of the no-smoking policy because of its tremendous health benefits for the entire University community.
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- Announcements
- Policies
- Informational Power Point Note: to download this powerpoint for use in your presentations, right-click (or click and hold for single-button mice) the link and choose, "Save Target As" or similar text.
- Where is the no-smoking zone on campus located?
- I would like to quit smoking. What do I do?
- Does UNC Healthcare offer any outpatient clinics regarding nicotine dependence?
- I would like to attend the American Cancer Society's Freshstart Program. Who do I call?
- What other smoking cessation resources are available?
- Will I gain weight if I quit smoking?
- State Health Plan: Services and articles regarding Smoking Cessation
- How will the policy be enforced?
- Why is the University issuing citations?
Announcements
- Kenan Woods announcement: May 3, 2011
- Chancellor Thorp's annoucement: August 19, 2008
- Chancellor Moeser's announcement: October 22, 2007
Policies
Where is the no-smoking zone on campus located?
Use this link to view or print a map of the affected area. The map will open in a new browser window.I would like to quit smoking. What do I do?
Call the North Carolina Quitline 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) and register for free counseling. The NC Quitline will provide you with some coaching sessions, help you develop a plan to quit, provide you with reading materials, and be available for counseling.WebQuit Study: Want to quit smoking? Study seeks adult smokers nationwide for a free, online smoking-cessation study. Learn more here.
Does UNC Healthcare offer any outpatient clinics regarding nicotine dependence?
UNC's Family Medicine Center will offer a tobacco cessation clinic on Thursday mornings. For appointments, please call 966-0211. For more information about the Nicotine Dependence Program contact the Program Manager at 843-1521 or ndp@med.unc.edu.I would like to attend the American Cancer Society's Freshstart Program. Who do I call?
The American Cancer Society's Freshstart Program is a four-week course on campus available through Human Resources. For more information, contact Aimee Krans at aimee_krans@unc.edu.What other smoking cessation resources are available?
Internet Resources For Smoking Cessation:- SHP NC HealthSmart's: Internet-based Stop Smoking program
- UNC and EHS: Offers information and links to resources for quitting all forms of tobacco.
- American Cancer Society: Free guide to quitting smoking.
- Freedom From Smoking Online: The American Lung Association's Freedom from Smoking course is available for free online.
- National Cancer Institute: Free online guide, printable resources and counseling available through Instant Messaging.
- makesmokinghistory.org: Smoking cessation website presented by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
- quitnet.com: Online resources that includes a free planning guide. Premium membership allows access to additional support services.
- Quit Now NC!: Statewide tobacco use cessation partnership that promotes awareness, develops resources, and conducts trainings to help North Carolinians successfully quit tobacco.
- WebQuit Study: Want to quit smoking? Study seeks adult smokers nationwide for a free, online smoking-cessation study.
Telephone Resources For Smoking Cessation:
- 1-800-817-7044: NC HealthSmart Health Coaches Support Line
- 1-800-QUIT-NOW: North Carolina tobacco use quit line. Offered in Spanish and English. Materials can be sent to your home.
- 1-800-LUNG-USA: A telephone smoking program guided by the American Lung Association.
- 1-800-ACS-2345: American Cancer Society's 24-hr/day line.
- 1-866-66START: Quitline for pregnant smokers.
- 1-800-4CANCER: National Cancer Institute
Will I gain weight if I quit smoking?
Modest weight gain is normal after quitting smoking. Studies have shown that the average weight gain among those who have quit is only 5 pounds. This weight gain poses a minimal health risk. The health benefits of smoking cessation substantially exceed any risks from weight gain. Also, the risk of a large weight gain is very low. Six months after quitting, most people have lost at least some of the weight they gained. However, a smoking cessation program and counseling should consider weight gain concerns that an individual may have. It is important to eat a healthy diet and stay active.State Health Plan Services and Articles regarding Smoking Cessation
- NC HealthSmart Health Coaches Support Line: 1-800-817-7044
- NC HealthSmart's Internet-based Stop Smoking program
- SHP Spring 2007 SmartNews!
- SHP Members Copy Waiver
- SHP Tobacco Use Cessation Benefits and Resources
How will the policy be enforced?
The University's No Smoking Policy, available online, includes various means of enforcement. Beginning September 2, 2008, the Department of Public Safety will issue citations to people who violate the No Smoking Policy. Anyone who smokes within any smoke-free area on campus is at risk to receive a citation. Each citation will result in a $25 fine and $143 in court costs.Kenan Woods:
This prohibition, based on section 310.8 of the State Fire Code, is separate from the University's statutory authority to ban smoking in outdoor areas controlled by the University within 100 feet of University facilities.
People who violate the smoking ban in and around Kenan Woods will be asked by the University's public safety officers to stop smoking. Anyone who refuses to comply or has been warned previously will be issued a warning letter followed by a civil summons from the Office of State Fire Marshal. As with other violations of the No Smoking Policy, each citation received as a result of smoking in and around Kenan Woods will result in a $25 fine and $143 in court costs.
Why is the University issuing citations?
The University's No Smoking Policy, which has been in effect since January 1, 2008, has been well publicized.The Grounds Department initially put hundreds of temporary signs around campus. During the summer, the temporary signs were replaced with permanent signs at main entrances to campus. In addition, the Daily Tar Heel, the University Gazette and the Web sites for Environment, Health and Safety and Campus Health Services included extensive information about the no-smoking boundary.
The expectation was that individual departments would work with the appropriate administrative office to address any problems. Even though state law allowed the University to issue citations, the focus until now has been on education about the policy and available resources to help people quit smoking.
Increasingly, however, University officials are receiving reports of smokers who refuse to move the required 100 feet away from University facilities and who litter the ground with their cigarette butts. Citing people who blatantly violate the policy is a necessary step.