Smoking and Tobacco Policy

  • Date Revised: 6/21/23
  • Last Modified: Oct 4, 2023
  • Sponsor(s):
  • Responsible Office(s):

Tobacco Users on Campus

Tobacco use and smoking are prohibited throughout UMKC properties.

“Smoking,” as defined herein, means the act of drawing smoke or a vaporized substance into one’s mouth that has been ignited, combusted, or vaporized.

“Smoking Products” include, but are not limited to, tobacco, cloves, all cigarette products (cigarettes, bidis, kreteks, e-cigarettes, etc.) and all smoke-producing devices (cigars, pipes, hookahs, etc.).

“University of Missouri-Kansas City properties” include, but are not limited to:

  • All outdoor common and educational areas; inside all university owned or leased buildings
  • Campus sidewalks
  • Campus parking lots
  • Campus parking garages
  • Recreational areas
  • Outdoor stadiums
  • University-owned and leased vehicles (regardless of location)
  • This smoking ban does not apply to public rights-of-way (sidewalks/streets) within the campus boundaries, as these are governed by City of Kansas City ordinance.
    • UMKC’s smoking ban does not apply to public rights of way (sidewalks/streets) within the campus boundaries, as these are governed by City of Kansas City ordinance. A sidewalk that is adjacent to a city street is generally considered a public right of way and smoking is permitted. On the other hand, sidewalks that traverse the distance between the city streets to campus buildings are on UMKC properties, where smoking is not allowed.

General exceptions include:

Certain academic research activities may be allowed as approved by the Director of Environmental Health and Safety, provided that the research is conducted in an appropriately ventilated area.

Tobacco use will be allowed in enclosed personal vehicles, with the windows completely closed, in university parking areas on the Volker and Hospital Hill campuses.

Respect and responsibility:

Compliance with this UMKC Policy is the responsibility of each employee, student and visitor. Its success depends on an attitude of consideration and cooperation by smokers and nonsmokers alike.

All members of the university community share the responsibility for bringing it to the attention of visitors. Enforcement of the policy is the responsibility of each unit supervisor for his/her facility or unit, with reasonable enforcement efforts being made. Any complaints concerning the application of this policy should be brought to the attention of the appropriate university authorities.

The university is not asking anyone to quit smoking. This policy simply means that no one can smoke tobacco products on the University of Missouri-Kansas City campuses. To alleviate common cravings and to feel more comfortable while on campus, tobacco users may purchase nicotine gum or patches or work with a UMKC smoking cessation coach. If you want to quit smoking, we can help you find the resources you need.

Addressing a violation:

Compliance is everyone’s business. If you see someone violating the smoking policy, approach the person in a kind, compassionate way. You might say, “Hi, I’m Kasey. UMKC recently became a smoke-free campus. If you want to smoke, please wait until you are off of university property. If you want to quit, the university put together a great list of resources.”

If the person continues to smoke after being reminded about the policy, you’re encouraged to report him or her to the dean or building manager in charge of the nearest building. You may report an employee to his or her supervisor or to Human Resources.

Resources

Students

Roo Wellness | 816-235-6133

Roo Wellness can evaluate and treat acute illnesses and stable chronic illnesses. Student Health is staffed by nurse practitioners and registered nurses with physician consultation. If a student’s health care needs cannot be met at Student Health, staff will assist the student in finding the appropriate health resources. Roo Wellness is a component of the Counseling, Health and Testing Center.

Employees

Healthy for Life

Classes, workshops and smoking cessation support to UMKC employees to develop healthy lifestyles, both on and off-campus.

Smoking-Cessation Coaches

UMKC’s smoking-cessation coaches offers several benefits for faculty and staff.

  • Free nicotine replacement therapy (patches)
  • One-on-one coaching
  • A personalized quit plan
  • Peer support

Please reach out via phone at 816-235-5818.