Clean Air

[The following policy was approved by the chancellor of Southern Illinois University Carbondale on October 2, 1987, with amendments on May 15, 1996, April 16, 2002, and May 14, 2004.]

Policy and Principles
In order to promote the health of the university community, to preserve and protect university property, and to provide a clean and safe environment in which to study, work, and learn, Southern Illinois University Carbondale hereby adopts this policy prohibiting smoking in indoor areas and in all university vehicles.

  1. Rules
    1. Smoking is prohibited in all indoor areas of property owned or controlled by the university. No smoking will be permitted in indoor areas, except where use of tobacco products is required in connection with approved research activities, when authorized by the Provost and Vice Chancellor.
    2. Smoking in outdoor areas may be restricted or prohibited based on impact of smoke entering the building through infiltration on indoor air quality. The Center for Environmental Health and Safety recommends outdoor smoking to be allowed at a minimum distance of 25 feet from buildings; and will make the determination on a case by case basis of whether outdoor smoking should be further restricted or prohibited based on an indoor air quality survey.
  2. Administrative Responsibility and Implementation
    1. The chancellor, vice chancellors, deans, chairs, administrative officials, and supervisors are generally responsible for the implementation and enforcement of this Clean Air policy. It is expected, in light of the health issues involved, that most people will comply with this policy out of self-interest and concern for others. However, complaints or concerns regarding this policy or disputes regarding its implementation should be referred to the immediate administrator/supervisor for resolution.
    2. All department or unit heads will be responsible for assuring that this policy is communicated to everyone within their jurisdiction and to all new members of the university community.
    3. All employees and students of and visitors to Southern Illinois University Carbondale are required to honor the provisions of this policy.
    4. Smoking cessation counseling shall be offered to all students and employees by the SIUC Wellness Center. Faculty and staff will be assessed a nominal charge.
  3. Resolution of Complaints and Enforcement of Policy
    The standard to be used in resolving complaints or disputes concerning the Clean Air policy shall be that the right to breathe clean air is superior to the privilege to smoke. The success of the Clean Air policy for SIUC will depend upon the thoughtfulness, consideration, and cooperation of smokers and nonsmokers. It is the responsibility of all members of the campus community to observe this smoking policy. All employees and students are encouraged to remind others of the restrictions of the Clean Air policy when appropriate.
    1. Unit Resolution
      In the event of a violation, employees, students, and other persons using campus facilities may attempt to achieve a resolution themselves or may bring the situation to the attention of the appropriate unit coordinator for resolution. The unit coordinator may utilize appropriate administrative actions to assure compliance with the policy.
    2. Campus Resolution
      Resolution of a dispute or complaint, if not achieved at the unit level, may also be sought as follows:
      1. Complaints Against Employees
        Labor and Employee Relations will be responsible for resolving any dispute or complaint concerning this policy when the person against whom the complaint is lodged is a member of the faculty or staff of SIUC. That office may take appropriate administrative and disciplinary action to assure compliance with the Clean Air policy.
      2. Complaints Against Students
        The vice chancellor for Student Affairs or designee will be responsible for resolving any dispute or complaint concerning this policy when the person against whom the complaint is lodged is a student. Specific complaints or disputes may be referred to appropriate administrative officials, such as the director of University Housing, director of the Student Center, coordinator of Student Judicial Affairs, or Dean of Students. Such officials, upon request of the vice chancellor or designee have the authority to take appropriate administrative and disciplinary action to assure compliance with the Clean Air policy.
      3. Complaints Against Visitors
        The office of the Executive Director of Finance will be responsible for resolving any dispute or complaint concerning this policy when the person against whom the complaint is lodged is neither an employee nor a student. That office will take appropriate action to assure compliance with the Clean Air policy.