We hope that this action will allow the University to be civil to its smokers, good neighbors to its surrounding community, responsive to its nonsmokers’ concerns, and in keeping with its health and human services mission to promote a healthy environment.

This action is the result of months of work by a joint committee of your colleagues from the University, the University of Maryland Medical Center, and the Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center. To learn more about this policy, how smokers and nonsmokers alike can make it work, and free smoking cessation classes that are being offered, read the frequently asked questions that follow. To view the actual smoking policy, visit UM Policies.

University Smoking Policy Questions and Answers

I currently smoke. Does this mean I have to quit?

The policy encourages people to stop smoking and offers free smoking cessation programs but does not mandate that anyone stop smoking. It restricts smoking to eight designated areas on campus that are clearly marked by signage.

I would like to quit. Are there any programs that are available to assist me?

The University is offering a smoking cessation program at no cost to faculty, staff and students.  We have partnered with the American Cancer Society to offer the Freshstart program.  The free programs are small group sessions that will meet on a weekly basis on campus to introduce participants to the key stages of behavioral change:

The Freshstart evidence-based approach is geared to help participants increase their motivation to quit, learn effective approaches for quitting and guide them in making a successful quit attempt. The evidence-based components of Freshstart include:

• Motivational intervention activities
• Practical counseling (problem solving skills)
• Social support
• Education about medication and approaches to quitting

The dates and locations of the workshops will be determined based on employee interest. To learn more, contact Amanda Robinson, Work Life Strategies Specialist in the Benefits Department at 410-706-2616 or by email at arobinson@af.umaryland.edu.

Can I smoke in my car while parked on University property?

Smoking is permitted in your private vehicle, but is not permitted in University vehicles or in vehicles of contractors who are working on University projects.

Am I allowed to smoke on my break even though I am technically still on University time?

You are allowed to smoke on your break as long as you smoke in one of the eight designated areas.

 I am allowed two 15-minute breaks each day. By the time I take the elevator down to the lobby and walk to the closest designated smoking area, I have less than 10 minutes left to smoke and get back to my office. Will you be making an accommodation for such situations?
 
 No. Those who currently have two 15-minute breaks are not required to stay in their workplace during the break. However, they must be available in their workplace at the end of the 15-minute break time. Making an accommodation for smokers would provide an advantage over nonsmokers, who must return to work by the end of the 15-minute break.  

How will the new policy be enforced?

Everyone is encouraged to take ownership of the policy and to ask smokers to restrict smoking to designated areas. Repeat abuse of the policy can result in administrative discipline for staff and students. The police can encourage compliance but do not have legal authority to enforce the policy.

Where can I find a copy of the smoking policy?

The smoking policy is available on the University Policy page at http://cf.umaryland.edu/umpolicies/.

Where do patients go who want to smoke?

Patients and visitors are requested to comply with this policy also. They will use one of the eight designated smoking areas.