Policy on Smoke-Free

1. Purpose

Varendra University is committed to ensuring a safe, healthy, and clean campus environment for all students, staff, faculty, and visitors. This policy aims to protect individuals from the harmful effects of tobacco and secondhand smoke, promote public health, and comply with the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Act of Bangladesh.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all members of the university community, including:

· Students, faculty, and administrative staff

· Visitors, vendors, and contractors

· All university buildings, classrooms, offices, corridors, staircases, washrooms, cafeterias, rooftops, and open spaces within the campus boundary

3. Policy Statement

· Smoking and the use of tobacco products are strictly prohibited in all indoor and outdoor areas of Varendra University, except in officially designated smoking zones (if any).

· The university is declared a Smoke-Free Campus, in line with national tobacco control laws and global public health standards.

· This prohibition includes cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping devices, bidis, cigars, and any other tobacco products.

4. Objectives

· To protect non-smokers from exposure to second-hand smoke.

· To discourage tobacco use and encourage healthy behavior among the university community.

· To maintain a clean, pollution-free, and responsible campus environment.

· To comply with national health regulations and promote a culture of well-being.

5. Responsibilities

University Administration:

· Display “Smoke-Free Campus” signage prominently across all university buildings and entry points.

· Ensure that all faculty, staff, students, and visitors are informed about the policy.

· Conduct periodic monitoring to ensure full compliance.

· Take appropriate disciplinary action for violations of this policy.

Faculty and Staff:

· Serve as role models by refraining from smoking on campus.

· Encourage and remind students and colleagues to comply with the policy.

Students:

· Adhere strictly to the Smoke-Free Policy.

· Refrain from smoking or using tobacco products anywhere within university premises.

· Report violations or unsafe behavior to university authorities or student affairs officers.

Security and Maintenance Staff:

· Enforce the policy consistently and courteously.

· Report violations or repeated offenders to the Registrar or disciplinary authority.

6. Prohibitions

· Smoking or using any tobacco or nicotine product on campus.

· Selling, promoting, or advertising tobacco or smoking products within or near the university premises.

· Disposing of cigarette butts, tobacco waste, or related litter anywhere on campus.

7. Disciplinary Action

Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary measures according to university regulations. Possible actions include:

· Verbal or written warnings

· Fines or penalties as per university rules

· Suspension of campus privileges for repeated violations

8. Awareness and Support

· The university will organize awareness campaigns, health seminars, and anti-smoking workshops to promote healthy living.

· Counseling and assistance for individuals seeking to quit smoking will be made available through the university’s student welfare or health services.

9. Review and Implementation

· This policy shall be reviewed annually by the university administration or a designated committee.

· The Registrar’s Office will oversee policy implementation, signage placement, and compliance monitoring.

· The policy takes effect upon approval by the Vice Chancellor, Varendra University.