Towards Smoke-Free Campuses

UWS is taking steps to provide a healthier environment for staff, students and visitors to our campuses.

The UWS Environmental Tobacco Smoke Policy (opens in a new window) came into effect on 1 January 2013. Smoking is now prohibited on all UWS campuses with the exception of a number of clearly marked designated smoking areas. This decision has been made after consultation with staff and students, and a review of other Australian universities’ smoking policies, and will provide a healthier, clean air environment as well as reduce the environmental impact of smoking litter.

In line with this decision, tobacco products are no longer available via uwsconnect outlets on campus.

UWS Environmental Tobacco Smoke Policy

Research shows that environmental tobacco smoke poses a significant health risk, with second-hand smoke containing more than 50 cancer-causing chemicals.

The UWS Environmental Tobacco Smoke Policy (opens in a new window) came into effect on 1 January 2013 and aims to reduce staff, student and visitor exposure to the risks of passive smoking.

For staff, compliance with the policy is a condition of employment, and for students, compliance is a condition of enrolment. Breaches of the policy will be referred to the staff member’s supervisor or the student’s Dean of the School. Several breaches may result in unsatisfactory conduct proceedings for staff or non-academic misconduct proceedings for students.

It is everyone’s right and responsibility to maintain a healthy workplace. If you see someone smoking outside a designated smoking area, please remind them of the policy and politely ask them to move to a designated smoking area.

Designated smoking areas

The locations of the designated smoking areas are designed to be as convenient as possible for smokers, while being away from main thoroughfares and eating areas to minimise staff, student and visitor exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. 

There are between two and seven designated smoking areas on each campus, depending on the size of the campus and the numbers of staff and students.

The designated smoking areas are clearly signposted and identified on campus maps. The areas also have purpose-designed ash trays to minimise the environmental effects of cigarette litter.

To locate the designated smoking areas on your campus, check your campus’s map:

Smoking @ UWS survey results

More than 6,000 staff and students responded to the Smoking at UWS Survey in November 2011. 17% of respondents identified as smokers while 83% were non-smokers.

This survey asked staff and students about their current smoking behaviour, attitudes towards smoking and response to potential UWS initiatives.

  • 70% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that UWS should be predominantly smoke-free with designated smoking areas on each campus.
  • 78% of respondents said they prefer to work or study in a smoke-free environment.
  • 68% of respondents felt that they are currently exposed to other people’s tobacco smoke on campus, and 83% felt that this was causing them harm.
  • 65% believed that they have a right to a smoke-free campus, compared with 47% who believed people should have the right to smoke on campus.

After reviewing staff and student feedback, the UWS Tobacco Working Group recommended that UWS introduce designated smoking areas on each campus. This recommendation was approved by UWS Executive in May 2012.

Contact us

For more information about UWS’ Toward Smoke-Free Campuses initiative, please contact Work Health & Safety via whs@uws.edu.au