Smoke-Free Campus Policy

Purpose 

The purpose of this policy is to ensure and maintain a healthy, smoke-free environment at SUAD, reduce the health risks associated with smoking and second-hand smoke, and encourage a culture of wellness and responsibility amongst the university community. 
 

Scope 

This policy is applicable to all stakeholders of the SUAD community, including students, staff, vendors, contractors, visitors, and associated support services within all university-associated properties, including indoor and outdoor spaces, parking lots, and vehicles.   


Legislation and Compliance   

This policy has been developed to comply with Cabinet Resolution No.24 of 2013 & Federal Law No. (15) of 2009 on Tobacco Control, which prohibits smoking in:  

• Educational institutions 
  
  
• Public places 
  
  
• Vehicles carrying children under the age of 12 

Additionally, the UAE has implemented strict regulations on the sale and advertising of tobacco products, including:  

• A ban on the sale of tobacco to individuals under the age of 18 
  
  
• Prohibition of tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship 

 

SUAD recognises that: 

• Smoking is a health, safety, and environmental hazard for students, employees, visitors, and facilities. 
  
  
• Obligation to promote positive role models in SUAD and to promote a healthy learning and working environment, free from unwanted smoke and tobacco use for the students, employees, and visitors. 
  
  
• Cooperation of all stakeholders, line managers, and employees is required, as they play a vital role in mitigating the risk and helping to prevent the Health, Safety and Environmental effects of smoking. 
  
  
• SUAD reserves the right to conduct checks and implement additional control measures to ensure that risks are mitigated, thereby preserving the integrity and safety of the university. 

 

Definitions 

• Electronic smoking device: Smoking device whether manufactured, distributed, marketed, or sold as an electronic cigarette, electronic cigar, electronic cigarillo, electronic pipe, electronic hookah, vape pen or any other product name or descriptor. 
  
  
• Smoking: Inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted or heated cigar, cigarette, or pipe, or any other lighted or heated tobacco or plant product intended for inhalation, including hookahs and marijuana, whether natural aerosol or vapor, in any manner or in any form. 

 

Responsibilities 

• Management shall provide strategic guidance, monitor and review the policy, and ensure that adequate resources are available. 
  
  
• HSE / GSD shall post ‘No Smoking/Smoking Area’ signs in a manner and location that adequately notify students, staff and visitors. 
  
  
• Students Affairs shall communicate, educate, and enforce consequences for students engaging in prohibited behaviour. This will be provided in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Students who violate this policy shall be issued a penalty as per the violation clause.   
  
  
• Student Success and Wellbeing shall encourage smoking cessation. In addition, the Counsellor can also be made available to help students in this regard.  
  
  
• HSE/HR shall enforce consequences for employees who violate the policy.   
  
  
• Security personnel will enforce the smoking policy diligently and consistently. Security shall request to refrain and assist in restricting smoking while on SUAD property or request to leave the premises.  

 

Enforcement  

• Awareness Campaigns: The university will conduct regular awareness campaigns to educate the community about the dangers of smoking and the benefits of a smoke-free environment 
  
  
• Signage: Clear "No Smoking" signs will be displayed across the campus 
  
  
• Penalties: Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action, including warnings, fines, or suspension, in accordance with university regulations and UAE law 

1- First Offense:   

• Action: A formal written warning, explaining the university's policy 
  
  
• Consequence: Educational information about the dangers of vaping is provided, along with a copy of the university's smoking/vaping policies 
  
  
• Record: The incident is logged in the respective employee or student file as a first offence 

 

2- Second Offense:   

• Action: A monetary fine of 200 AED is imposed 
  
  
• Consequence: The student or employee must attend a mandatory health awareness workshop focused on the risks of vaping and smoking 
  
  
• Record: The incident is logged, and the student is informed that further violations will result in more serious consequences 

 

3- Third Offense:    

• Action: Suspension or exclusion from university premises for a defined period (e.g., 1-2 weeks) 
  
  
• Consequence: In the case of a student, he/she is required to meet with the Student Affairs Department or the DVC Academic Affairs to discuss the severity of repeated violations. In the case of an employee, he/she is required to meet with HR.  
  
  
• Record: Logged as a severe violation, and the student is informed that further infractions could lead to expulsion 

  

4- Fourth Offense:   

• Action: Potential expulsion from the university, subject to a formal review by the university disciplinary committee 
  
  
• Consequence: Complete removal from the campus 
  
  
• Record: The offence is marked in the respective employee or student’s permanent record.  
  

 

Reporting: Members of the SUAD community are encouraged to report violations to the designated authority.  

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD) management requires active commitment to and accountability for this policy. Line management has a leadership role in its communication and implementation, while also ensuring compliance. 

       Support for Smoking Cessation  

The university will provide resources and support for individuals who wish to quit smoking, including:  

• Access to counselling services 
  
  
• Information about smoking cessation programmes 
  
  
• Collaboration with local health authorities to offer workshops and seminars  

 

  Review and Updates  

This policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure its effectiveness and compliance with evolving UAE laws and regulations.