Smoke-free Campus
We strive to provide a healthy and safe community for students, staff, contractors, visitors and members of the public. We are pleased to offer a smoke-free learning and work environment.
Our Smoke-Free Campus policy prohibits smoking, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco and similar products on all NAIT-owned and leased facilities, on NAIT grounds and in NAIT vehicles, as well as in all vehicles on NAIT property.
If you smoke, designated smoking areas are located at the perimeter of campus. These are typically at least 10 metres away from doorways, windows and air intakes and are clearly marked with a cigarette disposal container.
Smoke-free exceptions
Certain spiritual, ceremonial and religious activities – such as pipe ceremonies and smudges – may be exempt from the restrictions on smoking and smokeless tobacco with prior approval. Contact Protective Services at protectiveservices@nait.ca for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Smoke- and Smokeless Tobacco-Free Campus Policy
The Smoke- and Smokeless Tobacco-Free Campus Policy prohibits smoking, including electronic cigarettes, and chewing tobacco (and similar products) in NAIT owned and leased facilities, on the grounds and in NAIT vehicles, as well as in all vehicles on NAIT property.
When did the policy take effect?
The Smoke- and Smokeless Tobacco-Free Campus Policy came into effect May 1, 2015. The original Smoke-Free Campus Policy came into effect July 1, 2009.
Who approved the Smoke- and Smokeless Tobacco-Free Campus Policy?
NAIT’s Executive Committee approved the policy on April 15, 2015.
The new policy was drafted following a review of the former Smoke Free Campus Policy, led by the executive director of Human Resources and the Department of Health and Safety Services.
From September 2014 to February 2015, Health and Safety Services consulted with NAITSA, NASA, AUPE and departments across the polytechnic, as well as other post-secondary institutes and organizations prior to making its recommendation to expand the policy.
The Administrative Policy Committee provided oversight, coordination and review of the new policy and recommended it to Executive Committee for approval.
Why did NAIT expand the Smoke Free Campus Policy to include electronic cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products?
NAIT made the decision out of a desire for clean air and facilities and a healthy and safe environment for students, staff, contractors, visitors and members of the public.
Who is affected by the policy?
All staff, students and visitors to NAIT.
What is an electronic cigarette?
An electronic cigarette is a battery-operated device used to heat a liquid solution, producing a visible vapour emission that is inhaled by the user. The device may or may not contain nicotine.
What is smokeless tobacco?
Smokeless tobacco refers to chewing tobacco and similar products, such as snuff.
Are there exceptions to the policy?
Spiritual, ceremonial and religious activities, such as pipe ceremonies and smudges, may be exempt from the restrictions on smoking and smokeless tobacco with prior approval. Contact Robert Akkerman, acting director of maintenance and operations with Facilities Management and Development, at rakkerma@nait.ca or 780.471.7858.
Can I smoke or use smokeless tobacco in my vehicle while it’s parked at NAIT?
No. Smoking and smokeless tobacco is not allowed inside vehicles while parked on NAIT property.
How is information about the smoke-free policy being communicated?
Details surrounding the Smoke- and Smokeless Tobacco-Free Campus Policy are available to students and staff in many ways, including on the smoke-free campus website, signage, the Campus Community, the MyNAIT Portal and internal display screens.
Will there be assistance for students and staff who want to reduce their tobacco intake during the workday or quit?
Health and Safety Services is committed to supporting staff and students who wish to stop smoking and/or using smokeless tobacco products. Visit a Health Services office to speak with a nurse.
Who will enforce the policy?
Peace officers from Protective Services are responsible for enforcing the Smoke- and Smokeless Tobacco-Free Campus Policy.
How will the policy be enforced?
Enforcement measures for those observed smoking, including e-cigarettes, or using smokeless tobacco, include warnings and, for staff or students who consistently breach the policy, disciplinary action.
As well, NAIT peace officers can issue fines to anyone smoking within an area prohibited under the Tobacco Reduction Act, including public places, workplaces, public vehicles and within 5 metres of the doorway, window or air intake of a public place or workplace.