Smoke-free campus - FAQ

• Why has Ontario Tech University gone smoke-free?
  The decision to go smoke-free reflects our commitment to ensuring a healthy work and learning environment for all members of our campus community including students, faculty, staff, visitors and contractors.
• What does smoke-free mean?

  Smoking cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, mini-cigars, pipes, water pipes, hookah, shisha, and cannabis, as well as vaping is prohibited anywhere on university property. This includes all student residences on campus. This also includes all university vehicles and parking lots.

  North Oshawa Campus Buildings include:
  ACE
  Business and Information Technology Building
  Campus Corners
  Campus Ice Centre
  Campus Library
  Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre
  Clean Energy Laboratory
  Nuclear Engineering and Energy Systems Research Centre
  OPG Engineering Building
  Science Building
  Software and Informatics Research Centre
  U6 Building
  Windfields Farm property

  Downtown Oshawa Campus location buildings include:
  Bordessa Hall
  61 Charles Street Building
  Faculty of Education Building
  Regent Theatre
  UOIT-Baagwating Indigenous Centre
  2 Simcoe Street North
  St. Gregory’s Building

• To whom does this policy apply?
  The policy applies to all members of our campus community including students, faculty, staff, visitors and contractors.
• Does the policy include Indigenous traditional and sacred medicines?

  The traditional burning of substances that form a part of Indigenous culture and heritage such as tobacco, sweetgrass, sage, and cedar, among others are exempt from our smoke-free policy.

• Where can I go to smoke?
  People wishing to smoke must do so off campus. Once off university property, they are required to observe municipal by-laws and the Smoke-Free Ontario Act.
• Can I smoke in my car if it's on university property?
  No. Smoking is not permitted inside or outside of personal or university-owned vehicles while on university property.
• What about varsity games, outdoor concerts, or other public events on campus?
  The smoke-free policy applies to all events occurring on university property. This includes, but not limited to, athletic events, concerts, exhibitions, meetings, conferences, etc.
• How will students, staff and faculty be advised that university campus locations are smoke-free?

  Signage has been informing the campus community about the policy. This includes posters and digital signage. Information can also be found at ontariotechu.ca/smokefree.

• What do I do if I see someone smoking on campus?
  If you feel comfortable, you can remind smokers of the change in policy and encourage them to move off campus. If there is persistent problem, or you’re uncomfortable approaching the situation, contact the Office of Campus Safety at ext. 2400.
• What are the repercussions for failing to adhere to the smoke-free policy?
  Non-compliance with the smoke-free policy will follow progressive protocols that include education, warnings, fines and disciplinary actions in accordance with existing student and employee codes of conduct, as applicable.
• How will this policy be enforced?
  This will be the responsibility of our Office of Campus Safety.
• Are students, staff, faculty and visitors expected to quit smoking or using tobacco?
  No, we don't require people to quit smoking/vaping or stop using tobacco or cannabis products. However, those who wish to continue to do so must adhere to the smoke-free policy. We're dedicated to supporting those who want to manage their tobacco and cannabis use or quit. Management and cessation resources are available at ontariotechu.ca/quitsmoking.
• I want to quit smoking. What should I do?
  We offer a number of resources to support our employees and students in quitting smoking. A list of resources can be found at ontariotechu.ca/quitsmoking.
• Why was this policy put into place so quickly?
  The risks and negative impacts of second-hand smoke are well known. With Canada’s legalization of recreational cannabis use on Wednesday, October 17, and the Government of Ontario’s introduction of Bill 36, the Cannabis Statute Law Amendment Act, 2018 (which allows cannabis smoking wherever tobacco is permitted), we made the decision to implement the interim policy. This will be in effect while we work to finalize the permanent policy in January 2019.
• What if I have questions about this policy?
  If you have questions about this policy, email smoke-free@uoit.ca. Questions will be responded to in the order that they are received.
• What if I need to smoke cannabis for medical reasons?
  Students who require the use of cannabis for medical reasons should contact Student Accessibility Services. Employees or contractors who require the use of cannabis for medical reasons should contact Human Resources. We'll work with you to develop an individualized accommodation plan to address your needs. 
• Can I smoke in my residence?
  No, smoking cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, mini-cigars, pipes, water pipes, hookah, shisha, and cannabis, as well as vaping are prohibited in all on-campus residences.
• What about the safety of campus community members who must go off-campus to smoke, especially at night?

  The safety of our community members is a top priority. As such, everyone is encouraged to take the necessary steps to protect themselves.

  Nicotine medications such as the patch, gum, lozenges or nasal spray can be used to manage nicotine needs without leaving campus.

  We have a comprehensive community safety plan that includes a variety of measures to keep the campus safe. Anyone leaving campus to attend an event, go to a party or walk through the neighbourhood is reminded to follow basic safety measures. More information on campus safety can be found here.