Frequently Asked Questions About UNB’s Smoking Policy

What is the updated policy?
Click here for the updated policy

When does it go into effect?
May 1, 2004

To whom does the policy apply?
UNB's smoking policy applies to all faculty, staff, students and visitors on both the Fredericton and Saint John campuses.

How was the policy established?
UNB's smoking policy has been evolving — reflecting the evolving norms of society — since it was first established in 1987.

1987

– First university-wide policy limits smoking to designated. No smoking is allow in classrooms, conference rooms or reception areas.

1994

– UNBF adopts revised policy to prohibit smoking outside the main entrances of buildings and within buildings, with the exception of the Aitken University Centre, residence rooms, and food service areas.

– UNBSJ adopts revised policy to prohibit smoking in buildings, with exceptions that include residence rooms, the SU Cafeteria and the Central Heating Plant.

2002

– The UNBF Joint Health and Safety Committee proposes a 10-metre no-smoking perimeter around buildings, which was consistent, at that time, with the policies of other universities in the Atlantic region.

– Smoking in the Wu Centre and in the Aitken University Centre is eliminated by Residential Life and Conference Services at UNBF.

– The UNBF faculty of nursing adopts a 10m no-smoking perimeter around MacLaggan Hall.

– Residential Life and Conference Services at UNBF prohibits smoking in residence rooms at the request of students.

2003

– Other units on the Fredericton campus adopt the 10m no-smoking perimeter on an ad hoc basis, including the Harriet Irving Library, Marshall d'Avray Hall and the residence community.

– The UNBF Student Union successfully lobbies for a smoke-free SUB, including the bar and pub.

– The City of Fredericton adopts a by-law prohibiting smoking in all public places.

– University stakeholder groups, the university solicitor and the Joint Health and Safety Committees on both campuses review draft for an updated smoking policy establishing a 10m no-smoking perimeter around buildings, following the direction of other universities as well as units at UNB.

– The President authorizes the implementation of an updated policy to become effective May 1, 2004.

– Several Atlantic universities adopt policies for smoke-free grounds with no perimeter.

– A Task Force on Smoking is established to engage the university community in a consultative process toward a further evolution of the smoking policy.

How will I know where the 10 metre perimeter is from my building entrance?
Butt Stop™ stations will erected by May 1, 2004, in locations on both campuses that respect the 10-metre perimeter.

How will the policy be enforced?
The success of the policy will depend upon the consideration and co-operation of smokers and non-smokers. While deans, department chairs and directors are responsible for the enforcement of this policy within their units, all faculty, staff, students and visitors share in the responsibility for adhering to the policy.

Why has the university established a 10-metre no-smoking perimeter instead of going completely smoke free?
This update of the UNB smoking policy is a result of an evolution of the original policy as outlined above.

Serious consideration is being given to further evolution of the UNB smoking policy. Prior to taking further steps, the senior administration wishes to consult with the university community. To this end, it has established a Task Force on Smoking to undertake extensive consultation on both campuses beginning early in 2004, with a final report and recommendations expected before September 2004.