• Section 1 - Preamble
• Section 2 - Purpose
• Section 3 - Scope
• Section 4 - Policy
• Statement of principle
• Policy position
• Section 5 - Procedure
• Section 6 - Definitions

Section 1 - Preamble

(1) This Policy is effective from 14 November 2023.

Section 2 - Purpose

(2) This Policy facilitates and promotes a smoke, vape and tobacco free environment for the health and wellbeing of all at the University.

Section 3 - Scope

(3) This Policy applies to all students, staff and associates of the University.

Section 4 - Policy

Statement of principle

(4) In recognition of the public health evidence of the health and social costs and risks associated with smoking, the University provides a smoke, vape and tobacco free environment for its staff, students and associates.

(5) By eliminating exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and the aerosole from e-cigarettes, the University affirms its commitment to the health, safety and wellbeing of all staff, associates and students in its learning environment.

Policy position

(6) Smoking and use of e-cigarettes (commonly known as ‘vaping’), regardless of whether they contain nicotine is prohibited on all University property.

(7) All University property must be free from the sale of tobacco and e-cigarettes,  their advertising, promotion and sponsorship.

(8) In accordance with the External Relationships and Partnerships policy, the University must not accept direct or indirect funding from or enter into any partnership or other arrangement with the tobacco industry, an organisation in the tobacco industry or from a foundation that accepts funds from the tobacco industry.

(9) University employees are not permitted to take smoking/vaping breaks on or in University property. Any breaks in working time will be in accordance with the Deakin University Enterprise Agreement 2023.

(10) The University will provide short-term individual support for staff and students who wish to quit smoking/vaping, which may include counselling, educational material and referrals to other organisations.

(11) All student residence areas on University campuses are exempt from this Policy as these areas will have their own procedures to align with University living arrangements.

(12) This Policy shall be communicated to all Faculties and Portfolios with information made available to commencing students. Signage shall be posted at points of entry to University campuses outlining the smoke-free and vape-free environment. No ashtrays will be provided at any location on campus.

Section 5 - Procedure

(13) There is no attendant procedure.

Section 6 - Definitions

(14) For the purpose of this Policy:

1. associate: contractors, volunteers, visiting appointees and visitors to the University and lease holders and their staff.
2. contractor: a company or an individual (other than a University employee) engaged to provide services to the University. Contractors include consultants.
3. environmental tobacco smoke (ETS): a combination of side stream smoke (smoke from the burning end of a tobacco product) and exhaled mainstream smoke (the smoke breathed out by a smoker). ETS is classified as a human carcinogen (cancer causing agent).
4. lease holder: a company or a person who holds a current lease of University premises.
5. smoking: includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes, electronic nicotine devices and the use of other implements that emit harmful or toxic smoke for the purpose of inhaling.
6. tobacco product: means any substance containing tobacco leaf, including but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, hookah tobacco, snuff, chewing tobacco, dipping tobacco, bidis, clove cigarettes, or any other preparation of tobacco.
7. University premises: any real property owned or controlled by the University including leased premises.
8. University property: all land, buildings, vehicles, facilities and other property owned or leased by or under the control of the University; but excluding student residences provided by the University.
9. vaping: use of a vaping device, including but not limited to, e-cigarettes, vapes, mods, tanks, e-hookah, e-pens.
10. vape aerosol: exhaled aerosol from users of a vaping device (i.e. secondhand e-cigarette emission).
11. vaping product: means any products with or without nicotine intended for inhalation using a vaping device.