Effective Date: March 8, 2024
Issuing Authority: Provost and Executive Vice President for Administration and Finance
Policy Contact:
Employees: Associate Vice President for Human Resources, hr@mercer.edu, 478-301-2786
Students: Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students, 478-301-2685
Purpose
Mercer University is committed to the health and well-being of the members of its student body, faculty, and staff. The University not only has a vested interest in the vitality of its students and those who administer and operate the University’s programs of education, research, and service but also wishes to promote the advancement of health in general and the maintenance of a healthful environment. The University and its medical, nursing, pharmacy, and health professions schools, moreover, have substantial commitments to health-related research and teaching.
Scope
This policy applies to all members of the Mercer University community.
Exclusions
None
Definitions
As used in this policy, the following term(s) have the meaning specified below:
University Community: any persons employed by, or affiliated with, the University in any way and persons participating in any University program or activity, including, but not limited to:
- University faculty, staff, administrators, employees, and contractors of the University;
- University students;
- Volunteers and participants in any University program or activity; and
- Guests and visitors to campus, to any property owned or leased by the University, or to any property owned or leased by any University-affiliated organization or group.
Tobacco Products: cigarettes, cigars, pipes, all forms of smokeless tobacco, clove cigarettes, and any other smoking devices that use tobacco, such as hookahs, or simulate the use of tobacco, such as electronic cigarettes. This definition includes smoking devices which create an aerosol or vapor or the use of any oral smoking device for the purpose of circumventing the prohibition of smoking in this policy.
Policy Statement
The use of all forms of tobacco products is prohibited in any and all indoor facilities owned or leased for use by Mercer University, including buildings on all University campuses, centers and clinics, residence hall rooms, and public spaces (lobbies, hallways, lounges, recreation areas, restrooms). Smoking also is prohibited within 25 feet of the entrance or exit doors or the heating and air-conditioning intake system for such facilities, or in any other physical circumstance that would allow smoke either to enter or affect the internal environment of such facilities or to affect those persons entering or exiting such facilities.
The use of smokeless tobacco products is prohibited in all University facilities, except in individual residence hall rooms and apartments.
It is the responsibility of each member of the Mercer community to observe this policy and these guidelines. Department heads, building stewards, and sponsors/hosts of University events are responsible for visitors’ compliance with this Policy. The University expects a good faith, common sense, and courteous approach by students and employees in resolving conflicts within the requirements of this policy. Reports of any violations should be directed to the Dean of Students for students and the Associate Vice President for Human Resources for employees. Violation of this policy may result in corrective action under the Student Code of Conduct or human resource policies. Persons refusing to comply may be asked to leave campus.