October 21, 2008 — The University Policy Office has revised the University of Virginia's "No Smoking" policy.

The old policy prohibited smoking inside facilities owned or leased by the University and within University-owned vehicles. The revision extends that prohibition to outdoor areas within 25 feet of all entries, outdoor air intakes and operable windows.

Smoking is still prohibited in any outside area adjacent to a facility whose configuration or other physical conditions allow smoke either to enter and affect the internal environment or to unduly affect the environment of those entering or exiting the building.
 
The policy is posted online at www.virginia.edu/uvapolicies/ (click on "Policy Directory" in the left hand column of links and search by key word, category or policy name or number).

Direct any questions about the policy to your unit's administrative office or to the Office of Environmental Health & Safety at 434-982-4911.

For those employees who are considering quitting, U.Va. covers prescription smoking cessation medications under the UVA Health Plan.

As of Jan. 1, a new benefit will be offered to U.Va. employees and dependent adults covered by their health insurance: the "Quit For Life" tobacco cessation program, which includes nicotine replacement therapy (with patches or gum) and telephone coaching.