FIU and its leaders value the personal health and well-being of our students, faculty, staff, and community. As such, in January 2011, FIU proudly became a smoke and tobacco-free campus. Under this initiative, smoking and the use of tobacco products (including electronic cigarettes) have been prohibited in all areas of FIU’s campuses. This initiative was welcomed with an overwhelming positive response from our faculty, staff, and students. Below are some frequently asked questions along with a link to Regulation 113-2010-11-17 for further information.
Why did FIU go smoke-free and tobacco-free?
It was about creating healthier campus environments for our students, faculty, staff, and visitors. It is intended to foster greater respect for one another and improve the health of the FIU family. Additionally, adopting smoke-free and tobacco-free aligns with FIU’s growing commitment to environmental sustainability.
What areas of campus does the smoke-free and tobacco-free regulation cover?
Smoking and the use of tobacco products is prohibited on all university-owned properties, including the Modesto A. Maidique Campus, Biscayne Bay Campus, Engineering Campus, recreational facilities, residential facilities, parking lots, and garages.
Can I smoke in my car?
Tobacco use in vehicles that are on FIU-owned properties is prohibited.
Does FIU offer resources for students, faculty, and staff who want to quit using tobacco?
Yes. FIU is committed to helping students, faculty, and staff manage or overcome their tobacco use. Nicotine replacement therapies are available on our campuses. The following resources are available to students, faculty, and staff:
- Individual free counseling sessions are available through FIU Student Health. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call BBC at (305) 919-5620 ext. 4, or MMC at (305) 348-2401 ext. 5. Low-cost nicotine replacement therapy and pharmacotherapy also are available for order and purchase at the MMC Student Health Pharmacy.
- The Florida Department of Health offers a toll-free quit line, 1-888-U-CAN-NOW (1-877-822-6669), with free resources in English and Spanish. Counselors are available 24 hours a day.
- The National Cancer Institute offers a toll-free phone line, 1-877-44U-QUIT (1-877-448-7848), with access to English and Spanish speaking counselors.
- The American Cancer Society offers a toll-free phone line, 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).
- The Miami Dade Area Health Education Center (AHEC) offers free tobacco-cessation classes. Call (305) 597-3640 for more information.
- Visit Smokefree.gov for additional resources.
- For individuals who want to quit “cold turkey” without medical treatment of their nicotine addiction, go to www.whyquit.com.
Why doesn’t FIU provide designated smoking areas on campus?
Providing a place to smoke does not support the university’s goal of creating a healthier environment. In an effort to support all members of the university community, Student Health Services has expanded its tobacco cessation programs as well as its nicotine withdrawal support (NWS) programs for tobacco users who are not ready to quit and wish to use nicotine replacement therapies while at work.
Does the tobacco-free and smoke-free regulation extend to vendors, contracted workers, etc.?
Yes. All visitors, including vendors, contract workers, etc., will be required to refrain from using tobacco products on our campuses.
What happens if I violate the regulation and use tobacco on campus?
First time offenders will receive a warning. The Notice of Violation will provide you with information on resources available to help you manage your tobacco use and/or resources if you are to quit.
What happens if I violate the regulation after I have been issued a warning?
Students, faculty, and staff who violate the regulation a second time will be required to attend two smoking/tobacco management/dependence consultations with Student Health. These classes are intended to help you manage your tobacco use. You may sign up for these classes with Student Health by calling their office at BBC at (305) 919-5620 ext. 4, or MMC at (305) 348-2401, ext. 5. You must register for these classes within 14 days of receiving this notice and complete all classes within 45 calendar days of the notice. Failure to comply will result in this automatically becoming a third violation.
What happens if I violate the regulation a third time?
Faculty and staff will be referred to the appropriate area to begin the progressive disciplinary process. Students will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution for appropriate discipline.
What should I do if I see someone smoking and/or using tobacco products?
You can provide them with education. As you approach the user, you can inform them that we are proud to be a Smoke-Free/Tobacco-Free Campus and to please put out the tobacco product. If they refuse to cease smoking and/or the tobacco use, just walk away; do not get into a confrontational situation. The enforcement will be conducted by members of the University Police Department.