When did UniSC become smoke-free?

All UniSC campuses became smoke-free on 1 January 2018.

Why is UniSC smoke-free?

UniSC is committed to providing students, staff and visitors with a safe and healthy learning and working environment. Smoke-free campuses promote healthy living and minimise the harmful effects of passive smoking.

Have other universities gone smoke-free?

Yes. Many Australian universities have already implemented smoke-free policies. All Queensland universities and TAFEs were supported by the Queensland Government Smoke-free Higher Education and Training initiative to implement smoke-free policies in 2018.

Does the smoke-free policy include vaping​and electronic cigarettes?

Yes. Under Queensland's Tobacco Act, electronic cigarettes are smoking products and as such they are included in the smoke-free policy.

How can I access support to quit smoking?

Quitting smoking isn’t easy, but with the right tools and support, quitting smoking is possible. It can be one of the most life-changing achievements a person can make.

The University encourages smokers to reduce or quit smoking.

If you are thinking of quitting smoking, confidential help is available from these services:

• Quitline​ (137 848) is a confidential, free service for people who want to quit smoking. The service will provide you with information, advice and assistance tailored to your particular needs. Counsellors are available 7am–10pm, 7 days a week. Calls from anywhere in Australia cost the price of a local call (calling from a mobile costs more).​
• Quitnow is an Australian Government website with information and resources to assist people quit smoking.
• QuitCoach is a free service that provides you with a personalised quitting plan. It creates this plan based on your responses to questions about your motivation, confidence and past attempts. It is designed to provide useful advice wherever you are on your quitting journey.

What is the definition of smoking?

Smoking is the inhalation and exhalation of the smoke of burning tobacco, herbs or drugs.

Smoking also refers to the use of electronic cigarettes or other devices. Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes, e-cigars, vapour pens, or a personal vaporiser) are any product where there is a hand to mouth action and results in the expulsion of a vapour.

Where can I smoke?

If you wish to smoke, you will need to go off-campus. Smoking is not permitted on UniSC grounds. This includes all UniSC buildings, grounds, car parks and vehicles.

If you choose to smoke, make a plan for where you will smoke off-campus. Consider a well-lit area (if at night) and how you will manage any litter.

Who is affected by the smoke-free policy?

All staff, students, visitors, volunteers and contractors on UniSC campuses will need to adhere to the smoke-free policy. This also includes the general public walking through our campuses.

How has the smoke-free policy been implemented?

Staff, students or visitors who smoke on a UniSC campus may be approached by staff, students or campus security and reminded about our smoke-free policy.

The success of this approach will depend on the thoughtfulness, consideration and cooperation of smokers and non-smokers. All students and staff share the responsibility for helping UniSC to be smoke-free.

How is the smoke-free policy being communicated?

A variety of methods are used to raise awareness of UnisSC’s smoke-free policy.

This includes: :

• Signage
• Smoke-free materials such as posters and postcards
• Social media, Student News, MyUniSC and emails to students and staff
• Pre-arrival information for new students and staff, as well as information in the student diary, orientation and induction programs, and relevant university events

What should I do if I see someone smoking on campus?

Maintaining a smoke-free campus requires respect for others – both non-smokers and smokers. You are encouraged to respectfully and politely remind smokers they must go off-campus if they wish to smoke. If you notice people smoking at a particular location on a regular basis, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

What happens if I continue to smoke on campus?

Anyone found smoking on campus will be asked to cease smoking. They will be advised of the requirement to comply with the smoke-free policy. For staff, students and contractors, failure to comply with the smoke-free policy could result in disciplinary action.