Martin, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee at Martin main campus and all educational outreach centers will become smoke-free July 1. The announcement came May 23 in a campus-wide email from Petra McPhearson, vice chancellor for finance and administration.
The policy states that “the University of Tennessee at Martin promotes a healthy (and) safe work, educational and living environment. Furthermore, our campus community acknowledges that long-term health hazards may accrue to people who are subjected to second-hand smoke. A smoke-free UT Martin campus encourages a green and clean environment, prepares our faculty, staff, and students for other smoke-free environments in their future, and can be a source of UT and UT Martin pride in supporting a major wellness initiative.”
This new policy applies to all faculty, staff and students, as well as campus visitors and contractors, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The policy includes e-cigarettes and applies to all areas owned or operated by the university. This comprises university buildings, including adjacent sidewalks and building entrances; outdoor property and grounds, including parking lots and recreational areas; indoor and outdoor athletic facilities and venues; and all motor vehicles owned or rented by the university. Smoking is also prohibited inside personal vehicles parked on university property.
There will be no designated smoking areas on university property. Those found to be in violation of this policy will be reported to UT Martin supervisors, the Office of Student Affairs or the Department of Public Safety, as appropriate.
To read the policy in full or access smoking-cessation resources, visit utm.edu/departments/ehs.
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