SAIT goes smoke free

  • 31 August 2020
Effective Monday, Aug. 31, 2020, SAIT is a smoke-free campus
Effective Monday, Aug. 31, 2020, SAIT is a smoke-free campus

In support of health and safety regulations due to COVID-19, and for the ongoing overall well-being of our community, SAIT is a smoke-free campus, effective Monday, Aug. 31, 2020.

SAIT first introduced a Smoking and Use of Tobacco Products policy and procedure the summer of 2018. The policy launched with the creation of several designated smoking areas on campus.

With the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic, SAIT shifted to a non-smoking environment in early July as some students and employees began to return to classes. In step with other public organizations and post-secondary institutions, SAIT has decided to make this a permanent change to support the long-term health and well-being of our community.

🚭  Strategies for being smoke free on campus

Updated policy and procedure

Smoking and Use of Tobacco Products policy and procedure, HS.1.4 and HS.1.4.1

This procedure does not apply to the use of cannabis for medical purposes, which is governed by specific SAIT rules and processes for employees, through Employee Services, and for students, through Accessibility Services.

Also, this procedure does not affect the rights of Indigenous people respecting traditional Indigenous spiritual or cultural practices or ceremonies. In those situations, exceptions to this procedure may be made for activities conducted within and under the auspices of SAIT’s Chinook Lodge, provided those activities do not involve the use of cannabis.

Education and enforcement

We recognize this is a significant change for our campus community. It will take time to ensure employees, students and visitors are aware SAIT campuses are smoke free.

Our immediate focus is to build awareness through education.

However, if individuals are informed and continue to smoke on campus, enforcement through ticketing will be the last tool used by SAIT’s Community Peace Officers.

Fit to quit

Smoking cessation resources are available to students through Saitsa’s Student Health and Dental Plan.

Students can also access wellness support through Student Development and Counselling and community smoking cessation resources through Alberta Quits and MyHealth.Alberta.ca.

Employees have access to resources through SAIT’s Employee and Family Assistance Program, Lifeworks.