People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria

Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research

University of El Oued

University Rectorate

A Smoke-Free Campus Policy

Policy Statement:

Description

This policy promotes the health and safety of the University of El Oued community by establishing a 100% smoke-free and tobacco-free campus environment.

Purpose/Rationale

Creating a smoke-free and tobacco-free environment protects students, faculty, staff, and visitors from the harmful effects of tobacco use and second-hand smoke. This policy aims to:

• Encourage healthy lifestyles among the university community.

• Promote quitting tobacco use.

• Prevent initiation of tobacco use by youth.

• Change social norms around tobacco use.

Applicability/Scope

This policy applies to all persons on all properties owned, leased, or operated by the University of El Oued. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Indoor and outdoor facilities, including classrooms, laboratories, libraries, administrative offices, cafeterias, student centers, sports facilities, and restrooms.

• Parking lots, walkways, and public spaces.

• Personal vehicles parked on university property.

Definitions

• Smoke/Smoking: Inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any cigarette, cigar, electronic or non-electronic smoking device, pipe, hookah, or other tobacco-related product.

• Tobacco: Any product containing tobacco or nicotine intended for introduction into the human body, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, electronic or non-electronic cigarettes, chewing tobacco, snuff, or any other smokeless tobacco product.

• Tobacco-Free: No smoking or use of any tobacco or tobacco-like product in any form is permitted.

Smoke/Tobacco-Free Policy

1. Smoking and tobacco use are strictly prohibited on all university property at all times. This includes the disposal of lit cigarettes, chewing tobacco waste, or any other tobacco product litter.

2. Ashtrays and smoking shelters are not provided on campus grounds.

3. The sale, promotion, or distribution of smoking or tobacco products and merchandise is prohibited on all university property.

4. University employees are prohibited from smoking or using tobacco products while wearing university-identified clothing.

Communication

1. Signage clearly stating the university’s smoke-free policy are prominently displayed throughout campus, including entrances, exits, and common areas.

2. Information about the policy is readily available on the university website, awareness campaigns and outreach programmes as well as during orientation programs.

3. Regular awareness campaigns will conducted to educate the university community about the policy, the health risks of tobacco use, and resources for quitting smoking.

Compliance

1. All members of the university community are responsible for upholding this policy.

2. Individuals who observe violations of this policy are encouraged to politely inform the person of the policy. If necessary, they may report the violation to a supervisor, security officer, or through an anonymous reporting system.

3. Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action for students, employees, and visitors, following established university procedures.

Tobacco Cessation Assistance

The University of El Oued recognizes the challenges of quitting tobacco use and is committed to providing support.

• Students: Information on on-campus counselling services are readily available.

• Employees: The university offers comprehensive health plans that cover tobacco cessation benefits, including counseling.

• Visitors: Information on local or national tobacco cessation resources will be provided upon request.

Review

This policy will be reviewed periodically, with input from the university community, to ensure its effectiveness and adapt to changing regulations.

 Resources

World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC): https://www.who.int/europe/teams/tobacco/who-framework-convention-on-tobacco-control-(who-fctc)

Algerian Tobacco Control Laws and Regulations: https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/legislation/algeria

source:https://www.univ-eloued.dz/en/our-policies-and-guidelines/