Original Issuance Date: July 22, 2020
Last Revision Date: March 10, 2026
1. Policy Purpose
Tobacco use is the leading cause of premature and preventable death in the United States, and tobacco addiction begins almost exclusively among youth and young adults, making university campuses a critical target for tobacco use prevention and cessation efforts. We are committed to reducing exposure to harmful secondhand smoke, supporting those who want to quit smoking, and creating a campus atmosphere that encourages wellbeing for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
2. Responsible University Officer
Vice Chancellor for Finance & Administration
3. Scope and Responsibilities
This policy covers any individual within a university owned or leased building, facility, or vehicle, or on university owned or leased land.
4. Background
Wisconsin State Statute §18.08(11) prohibits smoking in all university buildings.
City of Eau Claire Ordinance Title 8.05 prohibits smoking, including electronic smoking devices, in educational facilities and places of employment.
Per Regent Policy Document 23-2, Health, Safety, and Security at UW System Institutions, the Chancellor (or their designee) has responsibility for the development, maintenance, disclosure, and review of health, safety, and security policies and compliance with related laws, regulations, and Universities of Wisconsin policies.
5. Definitions
Campus: any publicly owned or leased buildings or grounds which compose all or part of UW-Eau Claire
Employee: as defined in SYS 1225, General Terms and Definitions
Smoking: the burning of any type of lighted pipe, cigar, cigarette, or any other smoking equipment or the use of electronic smoking devices including, but not limited to, an electronic cigarette, cigar, cigarillo, or pipe
Student: as defined in SYS 100, Academic & Student Affairs: General Terms and Definitions
6. Policy Statement
A. Smoking Prohibited
I. Smoking is prohibited on campus except in the following designated areas as shown in Attachment 1: UW-Eau Claire Designated Smoking Areas:
- The loading docks at: Davies Center, Hilltop, Haas Fine Arts (west loading dock), Human Sciences & Services, Maintenance/Central Stores, McIntyre Library, McPhee, Phillips Hall, and The Sonnentag.
- Hibbard Hall: west end of small parking lot on the north side of the building
- Chancellors Hall: west side near dumpsters
- Sutherland Hall: north side at fire pit
- The shelters east of Towers Hall, north of Horan Hall, and south of Sutherland Hall
- City-owned streets
II. The Chancellor or their designee may designate temporary smoking areas.
B. Consequences for Noncompliance
I. The experience on most campuses is that smoke-free air laws are usually self-enforcing. The majority of the community wants to do the right thing and follow the law.
II. Employees who violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge.
III. Students who violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary action as specified in UWS Chapter 17 and 18.
IV. In addition, students and employees may be personally liable for consequences, including but not limited to damages resulting from smoking.
7. Related Documents
Wis. Stat. §101.123, Smoking prohibited
Wis. Stat. §18.08(11), Conduct on University Lands. Personal conduct prohibitions. Smoking.
RPD 23-2, Health, Safety, and Security at UW System Institutions
City of Eau Claire Ordinance 8.05, Smoking Prohibited
Attachment 1: UW-Eau Claire Designated Smoking Areas
8. Policy History
Revision 2: March 10, 2026
Revision 1: October 27, 2023
First approved: July 22, 2020
9. Scheduled Review
March 2031