Board of Regents Policy Manual

Official Policies of the University System of Georgia

6.10 Tobacco and Smoke-Free Campuses

The University System of Georgia (USG) is committed to providing a safe, healthy, and amicable environment for all students, employees, and persons visiting USG campuses. This policy applies to all persons who enter USG Properties. Violation of this policy may result in corrective action under student conduct or human resource policies and visitors refusing to comply may be asked to leave campus. Signage to help inform the campus communities and visitors of these prohibitions should be placed throughout campus.

6.10.1 Definitions

“USG Properties” is defined as property owned, leased, rented, in the possession of, or in any way used by the USG or its affiliates, including all areas indoors and outdoors, buildings, and parking lots.

“Tobacco Products” is defined as 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.


6.10.2 Prohibition of Tobacco Products

In accordance with the Georgia Smoke Free Air Act of 2005, the use of all forms of Tobacco Products on USG Properties is expressly prohibited. Further, the advertising, sale, or free sampling of Tobacco Products on USG Properties is prohibited unless specifically stated for research purposes. All events hosted by a USG entity and by outside groups on behalf of the USG shall be tobacco-free.


6.10.3 Exceptions

The President of each institution may define any exceptions to this policy, but exceptions should be limited and reflect the intent for USG campuses to be tobacco and smoke free unless needed for educational purposes or the advancement of research.


6.10.4 Resources for Tobacco Cessation

Resources to assist individuals with tobacco cessation, educational materials, and other wellness information will be provided by the USG. Such effort does not limit the amount of resources that a USG institution may provide for tobacco cessation and the positive enforcement of this policy.


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