University of Kentucky Tobacco-Free Policy

November 19, 2009, in conjunction with the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout®.

Members of the Tobacco-Free Task force have been presenting to, and interacting with, a wide variety of both students and employees. These presentations include many different official University committees and groups, organizations involving various different colleges, UK colleges' student ambassador groups, and registered student organizations. We encourage all members of the UK community to view this training information (PDF).

Smoking or use of any tobacco product will not be permitted in any facility or on the grounds of the University of Kentucky.

The policy applies to every person who comes to the University of Kentucky campus, including visitors, faculty, staff, volunteers, students, contractors, and service representatives.

Yes, the policy applies to all areas of campus, including student housing.

Tobacco products include, but are not limited to, cigarettes (traditional and e-cigarettes), chew, pipes, cigars, hookah or waterpipe smoking, snuff, and snus.

The entire University of Kentucky campus and Fayette County properties are included in this policy. By November 19, 2009, clearly visible signs will be in place to indicate tobacco-free boundaries. See map for details.

No. The university is not asking anyone to quit. This policy simply means that no one can use tobacco products on the University of Kentucky campus.

Visit the following locations for more information:

• Kentucky Clinic Pharmacy – 740 S. Limestone, J-134 Kentucky Clinic – on the first floor of the Kentucky Clinic facility at the Limestone entrance
• University Health Service Pharmacy – 830 S. Limestone – on the first floor of the University Health Service Building (across the street from Speedway®)
• UK Chandler Hospital Gift Shop – 800 Rose Street – 1st floor off the main lobby
• UK Good Samaritan Hospital Gift Shop – 310 S. Limestone – lower level

    UK Convenience Stores:

• Blazer Xpress – Located on North Campus next to Blazer Café, on the corner of Martin Luther King and Keeneland Dr.
• Corner Store – Located on South Campus next to Commons Market in the Kirwan/Blanding Complex
• Quick Stop – Located in the Student Center just inside the bridge entrance across from Starbucks®

No. The policy prohibits use of tobacco products in any parking structure, parking lot, or shuttle serving the University of Kentucky. To feel more comfortable while on campus and unable to use tobacco products, nicotine gum and patches are available for a deeply discounted price at all convenience stores, UK pharmacies, and hospital gift shops.

No. Tobacco use is prohibited in all UK-operated parking areas, both inside and outside of vehicles.

Yes. When this change is enacted on November 19, UK will join more than 300 other United States colleges and universities with tobacco-free free and smoke-free policies in place for the entire campus, indoors and out. Campuses in Kentucky that will be going tobacco-free include: the University of Louisville and Bellarmine University.

The following are suggesting scripted messages others are encouraged to say when they see someone violating the policy:

Example Script #1:
Situation: You see a person using tobacco products on UK property.
Response: "Hello, my name is _______, and I am an (employee, student) here at UK. I want to make you aware that we are now a Tobacco-Free campus … meaning that tobacco products are prohibited on our grounds. We would appreciate if you would not use tobacco products while visiting our campus. Thank you for your cooperation."

Example Script #2:
Question: "Where am I allowed to smoke?"
Response: "Smoking and other tobacco products are not allowed anywhere on the UK campus.
This is a new policy, put in place on November 19, meant to promote better health in our students and employees. If you need to smoke or use tobacco products you will need to leave the campus.
We do have nicotine gum and patches available for you to purchase at a discount at all convenience stores on campus, pharmacies, and hospital gift shops. Using these nicotine products will help you feel more comfortable while on campus."

Example Script #3:
For Vendors and Visitors: "I'd like to let you know in advance that UK campus is going to be a Tobacco-Free environment as of November 19, 2009. Use of tobacco products will not be permitted on any property, grounds, or parking areas. Nicotine gum and patches can be purchased all convenience stores on campus, UK pharmacies, and at the hospital gift shops. We have employees, students, and patients who are trying to quit using tobacco. Thank you for respecting our policy."

Example Script #4:
For registration, pre-admission, and office staff who are speaking to students and families prior to a UK campus visit: "I'd like to let you know in advance that UK campus is going to be a Tobacco-Free environment as of November 19, 2009. Use of tobacco products will not be permitted on any property, grounds, or parking areas. Nicotine gum and patches can be purchased all convenience stores on campus, UK pharmacies, and at the hospital gift shops. Thank you for your understanding."

Employees have available to them a prescription benefit, Health and Wellness programs on tobacco treatment, as well as counseling on nicotine replacement and other therapies through Kentucky Clinic Pharmacy. Over-the-counter and prescription products are available at Kentucky Clinic Pharmacy (employees may also use the University Health Service pharmacy). Keep in mind you may take advantage of your health care spending account for additional tax savings on over-the-counter products used for smoking cessation such as lozenges, nicotine patches, or gum. Visit the Tobacco Treatment Resources tab for more information.

Interested students should contact University Health Service, which provides tobacco treatment resources to students.

The University of Kentucky values the health and well-being of everyone who uses our facilities. If you use tobacco products and would like to quit, discuss with your physician or other health care provider which of the approaches may work best for you.

A variety of resources to help stop using tobacco, if you choose to do so, are available. Visit the Tobacco Treatment Resources tab for more information.