OXFORD, Miss. – Effective today, those who choose to smoke,
dip or chew on the University of Mississippi campus must do
so only in 30 outdoor “Designated Tobacco-Use Areas,”
according to the university’s new policy governing the use
of tobacco products. Before today, tobacco users could
light up just about anywhere outdoors, except in stands at
football and baseball stadiums.
Download map.
The new policy – which applies to visitors as well as
faculty, staff and students – is in response to complaints
about the presence of smokers near building entrances and
the amount of litter resulting from tobacco use.
“We have individuals with asthma or allergies who have
problems when they walk through a group of smokers
congregated near a building or on a sidewalk,” said
Associate University Attorney Donna Gurley, who chaired the
advisory committee that developed the policy. “Plus, when
cigarette butts, tobacco packaging and spit cups and
bottles litter our grounds and building entrances, staff
members spend an inordinate amount of time dealing with the
litter.”
The new policy was adopted “after much discussion among
students, staff and faculty and represents the careful work
of the advisory committee,” said Chancellor Robert Khayat.
“The policy promotes better health while recognizing that
some choose to continue to use tobacco.”
UM’s new tobacco-use areas are identified by trash
receptacles with an ashtray on top and the universal
designated-smoking-area symbol. Many of them are in parking
lots, away from campus buildings and heavily traveled
sidewalks.
Anyone using tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, pipes or
chewing tobacco) outside a designated tobacco-use area
violates the policy. Other actions violating the policy
include: – Littering with tobacco-related products,
including cigarette butts, packaging materials and spit
cups – Tampering with or damaging receptacles, or moving
receptacles from one location to another – Parking in a
space where a receptacle is located or labeled as a
designated tobacco-use area – Using tobacco products in a
university building or university-owned vehicle – Using
tobacco products at athletics events in any area other than
a designated tobacco-use area
Faculty and staff who violate the policy will be subject to
employee discipline. Students violating the policy may be
charged through the Student Judicial Office.
Campus visitors who violate the policy “should be politely
reminded that tobacco use is limited to designated areas,”
Gurley said. “We’re not going to go around arresting
people, but we do expect people to cooperate and be
courteous to one another.” New tobacco-use areas may be
added, or existing ones relocated, Gurley said. Individuals
making such requests should write to Marion Menne,
assistant director for custodial services, at the Physical
Plant Department or mimenne@olemiss.edu. Sororities and
fraternities, Gurley said, are to designate their own
outdoor smoking areas.
For a map showing the university’s “Designated Tobacco-Use
Areas,” go to