Following review of faculty and staff requests for policy guidance to address the use of e-cigarettes and vaporizer pens on campus, such devices are now addressed in UAB’s updated smoking policy.
“Our broader smoking policies remain consistent with those to which our students, faculty, staff and guests are likely already accustomed regarding where smoking is allowed and not allowed on campus,” said UAB Chief Human Resources Officer Alesia Jones. “It was necessary to update this policy to add newer technology like e-cigarettes and vaporizer pens previously not addressed.”
E-cigarettes and vaporizer pens — or vape pens — are battery-powered devices that aerosolize liquid contents without producing smoke. As described in popular media like National Public Radio’s Pot Smoke and Mirrors: Vaporizer Pens Hide Marijuana Use, vaporizer pens can be used to smoke marijuana without the scent or smoke with which it is commonly associated.
Except for an edit in 2011 to reflect changes in organizational structure, the UAB smoking policy had not been updated since 2004.
As outlined in the updated UAB Non-smoking Policy:
“Use of tobacco or smoking-related products is prohibited within all buildings, facilities, vehicles, and spaces (including covered walkways, covered parking, parking lots, commons, parks, and campus greens) that are owned, rented, leased, or otherwise controlled by the University.
The University may designate appropriate outdoor areas to accommodate use of tobacco or smoking-related products. Signage will indicate limited areas where such use is acceptable.”
UAB offers support for individuals wanting to stop smoking. UAB faculty and staff members are eligible for four free tobacco-cessation counseling sessions at the UAB Employee Assistance and Counseling center with licensed counselors. Telephone stop-smoking hotlines are also a valuable resource. To kick the habit, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
