Smoke Free Campus

Frequently Asked Questions: Smoke-Free Campus Policy

What is the smoke free campus policy?
The smoke free campus policy bans smoking on NAIT property, including inside NAIT vehicles.

When did the policy take effect?
All NAIT campuses became smoke free on July 1, 2009.

Who decided to make NAIT campuses smoke free?
The Board of Governors, which includes faculty, support staff, and student representation.

Why did the Board decide to make NAIT campuses smoke free?
The Board made their decision out of a desire for a healthy, safe, clean and respectful learning and work environment for students, staff and visitors.  They also created the policy as a response to concerns raised by staff and students that the preexisting policy was not working.

Who is affected by the policy?
All staff, students and visitors to NAIT.

Are there exceptions to the policy?
No. Pipe ceremonies and smudge events within the EnCana Aboriginal Student Centre or other approved locations are ceremonial in nature and do not fall within the scope of this policy.

Can I smoke in my vehicle while it’s parked at NAIT?
Smoking is not allowed inside vehicles parked on NAIT property.

How is information about the smoke free policy being communicated?
Details surrounding the smoke free campus policy are available to students and staff through the smoke free campus website, signage, the staff and student portals, the information display screens as well as special events and smoking reduction sessions organized by the Occupational Health and Safety team.

Will there be assistance for students and/or staff who want to reduce their tobacco intake during the workday or quit?
Occupational Health and Safety will continue to help staff and students through effective education and smoking reduction programs.

Who will enforce the policy?
Peace Officers from Campus Security and Parking Services are responsible for enforcing the smoke free policy.

How will the smoke free policy be enforced?
Enforcement measures for those who are observed smoking on NAIT’s property or in its vehicles include, but are not limited to: 

• Redirection and warning(s).
• Fine(s) in accordance with provincial legislation ($250 for each offence payable to the province).
• Consistent breach of this guideline could result in disciplinary actions as outlined in the staff collective agreements and/or the Student Code of Conduct.