Starting Wednesday, August 1, students, faculty and visitors to UT will not be allowed to smoke in and on all university property. 

“UT is taking this measure to promote healthy behaviors that can continue for a lifetime and protect the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors,” Senior Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Chris Cimino said in a reminder email sent to UT affiliates on Wednesday. 

UT now joins more than 2,100 colleges and universities across the country that implement a smoke-or tobacco-free policy. Every SEC university except one is now smoke- or tobacco-free. 

Smoke-free conditions will be in place 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including athletic and cultural events. Exceptions to the policy include controlled research and educational, theatrical or religious ceremonial purposes. Written approval must be obtained from the dean, director or department head responsible for the facility where the smoking will occur before it is accepted.

Smoking, as outlined in the email, includes inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted cigarette, pipe or other lighted tobacco product. The prohibition will extend to electronic cigarettes, vapes and similar devices. 

“We are here to provide support to those who would like to quit smoking,” Cimino added in the email. 

The Be Well website will feature a list of campus and online resources for those wishing to quit smoking. A copy of the policy and frequently asked questions can also be found on the website. 

Voluntary compliance will be the primary enforcer of the policy. Employees are encouraged to report concerns to their supervisor and students are encouraged to report violations to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards. Violations are subject to the same disciplinary action as other university policies.