Tobacco-free Policy
TOBACCO-FREE CAMPUS Heading link
The University of Illinois at Chicago is a tobacco-free campus. The presence of tobacco products at UIC poses a health risk for everyone on campus.
UIC has prohibited smoking indoors and near building entryways since 1995. The Tobacco-Free Campus Policy went into effect January 1, 2014. This policy was expanded the followinging year to comply with the Smoke-Free Campus Act (110 ILCS 64/1-99) which required all campuses in Illinois to institute disciplinary action, fines, and an appeals process for violation of this policy.
The Tobacco-Free Campus Policy applies to all forms of tobacco, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, water pipes (hookahs), chew, electronic cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco products.
LAW Heading link
Beginning July 1, 2015, the State of Illinois mandated that smoking be prohibited on every campus of a state-supported institution of higher education. This applies to each campus, including buildings, grounds, parking lots, and vehicles owned and operated by universities; employees; guests; and students.
Each state-supported institution of higher education has the authority to implement the act accordingly and authorize and distribute all policies and regulations necessary for this purpose. This may include, but is not limited to, citations, fines, and disciplinary action.
COMPLIANCE Heading link
In compliance with the State of Illinois Smoke-Free Campus Act, 110 ILCS 64/1-99, additional “no smoking” signs have been posted around campus and all ashtrays have been removed from university property. The UIC campus has instituted a system of citations and fines. The UIC Police Department now has the authority to issue citations and related fines for violations of the Tobacco-Free Campus policy.
FINES ARE ISSUED ACCORDING TO THE FOLLOWING SCHEDULE:
| Violation | Code | Citation amount |
| First violation | Warning only | $0.00 |
| Second violation | Final warning only | $0.00 |
| Third violation | Fine may be waived with completion of course | $50.00 |
| Fourth | Mandatory fine | $50.00 |
| Fifth | Mandatory fine | $75.00 |
| Sixth | Mandatory fine | $100.00 |
Individuals who observe someone smoking in a location prohibited by our policy should contact the UIC Police at the non-emergency number, 312.996.2830. Violations must be reported at the time they occur. Staff and faculty violators will be reported to UIC Human Resources and/or Faculty Affairs. Students in violation of the policy will be reported directly to the Dean of Student Affairs. Repeated violations by an individual may lead to disciplinary action.
Questions Heading link
Why did our campus go smoke-free?
By eliminating second-hand smoke, the Chicago campus underscores its commitment to providing a healthy learning environment for students and a healthy work environment for faculty and staff.
ESTABLISHING A SMOKE-FREE CAMPUS POLICY:
- Protects people from unwanted and involuntary exposure to tobacco and passive smoke.
- Promotes cessation and creates a supportive environment for those who are trying to reduce or quit tobacco use.
- Creates a cleaner living, learning, and working environment.
- Protects the environment from tobacco-related litter.
The campus’ new policy supports and builds upon the state’s Smoke-Free Illinois Act (410 ILC 82/) and complies with the Smoke-Free Campus Act (110 ILCS 64/1-99), which required all Illinois campuses to become smoke free as of July 1, 2015.
When did the University of Illinois at Chicago become smoke-free?
The Smoke-Free Campus Policy went into effect January 1, 2014 for the Chicago campus. On July 1, 2015 this policy was expanded to comply with the Smoke-Free Campus Act (110 ILCS 64/1-99) which required all campuses in Illinois to institute disciplinary action, fines, and an appeals process.
Are there designated smoking areas on campus?
No. Smoking is prohibited on all campus property. Those choosing to smoke must do so at least 15 feet from any property owned or controlled by the campus. Please consult the Smoke-Free Campus map at maps.uic.edu for more information about campus boundaries.
What about basketball games, concerts or other public events?
All events occurring on campus property are covered by the smoke-free policy.
Can people smoke in their own vehicles within the smoke-free campus?
What about in university vehicles?
Yes, you are allowed to smoke in your private vehicles. Smoking in university vehicles has been prohibited for several years and remains so under this policy.
My citation says that my fine can be waived if I complete an online course. How do I do that?
If you received your citation for a third violation of the Smoke-Free Campus policy, you have the option of either paying the fine according to the instructions on the front of the citation or completing UIC’s Nicotine 101 course here. This online course must be completed within 72 hours of the issuance of the citation.
I am a student and I received a citation. What are my options?
- First two citations: Warning
- Third citation: Pay fine or waive by taking an online educational training within 72 hours of the issuance of the citation. Go to: wellnesscenter.uic.edu/smokefree/index.html
- Fourth citation: $50.00
- Fifth citation: $75.00
- Sixth citation plus: $100.00
Student citations may also be referred to the Office of the Dean of Students for disciplinary action through the student conduct process. Students will be notified upon receipt of this smoking citation. Outcomes rendered in the student conduct process are independent of the prescribed consequences listed in this citation.
I am a staff/faculty/visitor and I received a citation. What are my options?
- First two citations: Warning
- Third citation: Pay fine or waive by taking an online educational training within 72 hours of the issuance of the citation. Go to: wellnesscenter.uic.edu/smokefree/index.html
- Fourth citation: $50.00
- Fifth citation: $75.00
- Sixth citation plus: $100.00
Staff and faculty citations may be referred to UIC Human Resources for disciplinary action. Staff/faculty will be notified upon receipt of this smoking citation.
How can I appeal this citation?
All student appeals must go through the Dean of Students Office by going to dos.uic.edu and all faculty/staff appeals must go through Human Resources by going to www.hr.uic.edu Appeals must be submitted within 15 calendar days of the violation date and the citation must be paid in full before you may file an official appeal. An appeals board made up of faculty, staff and students will review appeals and other relevant information in making a determination. The appeals board will notify the appellant of their decision within 10 business days.
Who should I contact for additional information about the Illinois Smoke-Free Campus Act?
VISITOR QUESTIONS
University of Illinois at Chicago
Police Department
943 West Maxwell Street
Rm. 210 (M/C 278)
Chicago, Illinois 60608
(312) 996-2830
STAFF/FACULTY QUESTIONS
University of Illinois at Chicago
UIC Human Resources
715 S. Wood Street
Suite 109, (M/C 862)
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 996-0840
STUDENT QUESTIONS
University of Illinois at Chicago
The Wellness Center
750 South Halsted Street
Rm. 238 (M/C 894)
Chicago, Illinois 60607
(312) 413-2120