MEMORANDUM

To:                   Sue Buckley, Susan Johnson

From:              David Skorton

Re:                  Review of University Smoking Policy

Date:               March 22, 2006

The current University smoking policy is contained in Operations Manual Section V-35.5a.   It provides in general that smoking is prohibited in all buildings and vehicles owned or leased by the University.  It does, however, permit smoking in Abona fide artistic performances.@

With the implementation of the recent smoking ban at the UIHC, the health sciences colleges seeking to follow suit next year, and other related issues being raised across campus, I believe it is appropriate to revisit this policy. I ask that the two of you co-chair a small ad hoc group for that purpose.

There are two general areas I would like reviewed:

(1)        Within University Buildings B Please identify all allowed or de facto practices of smoking within University buildings across campus (e.g., on-stage theater performances, the Iowa House, family housing), and recommend whether any changes in practices and/or the policy should be made; and,

(2)        Outside University Buildings B Please review whether there should be any local or campus-wide changes to the smoking policy outside campus buildings.  In considering those issues, I ask that you consult with the UIHC regarding its policy, the health sciences colleges, and any other relevant and interested groups and individuals across campus.  While I have no pre-conceived notions about the wisdom and feasibility of any such changes, if you do recommend any changes in the policy, please provide recommendations regarding implementation and enforcement of those changes.

With respect to the composition of the ad hoc group, along with the two of you, I plan to ask Joni Troester, Director of Wellness, to serve on the committee, together with one representative each from the faculty, staff and student constituent groups.  I realize this comprehensive review will take substantial time and effort, but I ask that you present a status report to the VP group by May 1, 2006, with the hope that the review can be completed in the next 9-12 months.  In the meantime, Susan, could I please ask you to communicate to the health sciences deans my desire that they await this review before proceeding with changes to smoking policies on their individual campuses.  If we need to discuss and refine the scope of the review further, please let me know.

Thank you very much for taking on this task for the University.

cc: VPs