• No smoking Policy
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No smoking Policy

Policy ID: UOWA-SP-2025-v2.0
Effective Date: January 2021
Revision Date: March 2025
Review Cycle: Annual
Governing Body: University Council / Sustainable Development Committee

1. Rationale and Strategic Objectives

The University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa (UOWA) affirms its commitment to creating a healthy, safe, and environmentally sustainable campus that upholds the well-being of its students, staff, and community. In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities), this policy seeks to eliminate exposure to tobacco-related pollutants, reduce waste from smoking materials, and promote responsible environmental behavior.

Strategic Objectives:

• Maintain a 100% smoke-free and tobacco-free campus environment.
• Reduce environmental pollution caused by cigarette waste.
• Foster a culture of health and environmental responsibility through education and awareness.
• Integrate anti-smoking awareness into sustainability campaigns and student orientation programs.

2. Policy Scope and Applicability

This policy applies to all university buildings, classrooms, laboratories, offices, green spaces, dormitories, cafeterias, and university-owned vehicles.
It also applies to all members of the university community, including students, faculty, staff, contractors, and visitors.

3. Policy Framework and Implementation

3.1 Smoke-Free Campus Directive

• Smoking, vaping, or the use of any tobacco or electronic nicotine delivery systems is strictly prohibited in all indoor and outdoor areas of the campus.
• Smoking is not permitted at building entrances, within vehicles, or near ventilation systems.
• The university enforces a complete ban rather than designated smoking zones to support health and sustainability objectives.

3.2 Health and Environmental Considerations

• The policy is grounded in scientific evidence linking smoking to health risks and environmental pollution, particularly the generation of non-biodegradable cigarette waste.
• The university recognizes tobacco smoke as an environmental pollutant and aligns its action with Iraq’s national public health and environmental protection regulations.

3.3 Awareness and Education

• The university conducts annual “Healthy Campus and Clean Air” campaigns to raise awareness about the health and environmental impacts of smoking.
• New students and employees receive information on this policy during orientation.
• Signage is installed across all buildings and open spaces reinforcing the “Smoke-Free Campus” identity.

3.4 Support for Smoking Cessation

• Counseling and referral services are provided in collaboration with the university’s medical and psychological centers.
• Workshops and support groups are periodically organized to assist students and staff in quitting smoking.

3.5 Financial Penalty for Smoking Violations
To reinforce compliance with the Smoke-Free Campus Directive, the University imposes a monetary fine on any individual found smoking within university premises, regardless of their affiliation with the institution.
•  A fine of 25,000 Iraqi Dinars (IQD) shall be imposed on any person , whether a staff member (academic, administrative, or support staff) or a student , found smoking anywhere within the university campus.
•  The fine applies uniformly to all violators without exception, in addition to any other disciplinary measures stipulated in university regulations.
•  Fines are to be collected and processed by the Campus Security Department in coordination with the University's Financial Affairs Office.
•  Repeated violations may result in escalated disciplinary action alongside the financial penalty, in accordance with the university's progressive enforcement procedures (see Section 4).
•  Proceeds from collected fines shall be allocated to support the university's smoking cessation programs and environmental sustainability initiatives.

4. Monitoring, Compliance, and Enforcement

• The Sustainable Development Committee and Campus Security Department jointly oversee compliance.
• Violations are subject to progressive disciplinary measures in accordance with university regulations.
• Anonymous reporting channels are available for community members to report policy violations.
• Continuous feedback mechanisms allow periodic review of enforcement effectiveness.

5. Culture, Research, and Accountability

5.1 Cultural Leadership

• The University promotes smoke-free lifestyles as a core part of its sustainability culture, linking health, environment, and social responsibility.
• UOWA encourages faculty and student research on tobacco alternatives, air quality, and environmental health.

5.2 Reporting and Transparency

• Compliance and awareness outcomes are reviewed annually and published in the university’s Sustainability Report.
• Metrics include compliance rate, number of awareness events, and progress in smoking cessation initiatives.

Policy Revision and Review History

Version	Revision     Date	Summary of Changes	Reviewed By
v1.0	January 2021	Initial smoke-free campus policy establishment	University Council
v1.1	October 2022	Integration of cessation support and awareness programs	Sustainable Development Committee
v2.0	March 2025	Strengthened enforcement measures, environmental linkage, and alignment with SDG 3 & SDG 11	Sustainable Development Committee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Through this policy, the University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa reaffirms its leadership in promoting a sustainable, healthy, and environmentally responsible academic community — one that safeguards both human well-being and ecological integrity for future generations.