{"id":3048,"date":"2025-11-05T00:03:56","date_gmt":"2025-11-05T00:03:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sustainability.uoa.edu.iq\/?page_id=3048"},"modified":"2025-11-23T19:14:20","modified_gmt":"2025-11-23T19:14:20","slug":"smoke-free-policy-3-3-6","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sustainability.uoa.edu.iq\/index.php\/smoke-free-policy-3-3-6\/","title":{"rendered":"Smoke-Free Policy (3.3.6)"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Introduction<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The University of Al-Maarif (UOA)<\/strong> has adopted a Comprehensive Smoke-Free Campus Policy<\/strong> as part of its strategic commitment to public-health promotion, environmental sustainability, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being)<\/strong> and SDG 13 (Climate Action)<\/strong>.
This policy, first introduced in January 2021<\/strong> and reaffirmed by the University Council<\/strong> and the Sustainability & Global Ranking Unit<\/strong> in March 2025<\/strong>, positions UOA among Iraq\u2019s pioneering institutions integrating health, safety, and sustainability into every layer of campus life.<\/p>\n

The regulation establishes a 100 percent smoke-free environment<\/strong> across all university properties\u2014indoor and outdoor alike. It prohibits the use of traditional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, vapes, hookahs (shisha), cigars, and any tobacco-related devices<\/strong> within classrooms, offices, dormitories, sports facilities, laboratories, caf\u00e9s, walkways, and parking areas. The university has taken a decisive stance of zero tolerance<\/strong>, ensuring there are no designated smoking zones on campus.<\/p>\n

This initiative aims not only to safeguard air quality and reduce fire hazards but also to cultivate a culture of well-being, respect, and social responsibility among students and staff. It reflects UOA\u2019s belief that a healthy environment is foundational to academic excellence, productivity, and sustainable community life.<\/p>\n

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Rationale and Institutional Commitment<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The university\u2019s smoke-free policy stems from its vision of promoting \u201cHealth for Learning and Learning for Health.\u201d<\/strong> The decision was informed by extensive consultation between the Dean of Student Affairs<\/strong>, the Medical Services Department<\/strong>, the College of Dentistry<\/strong>, and the Sustainability & Global Ranking Unit<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke have been widely proven to increase the risk of chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, oral cancer, and other health complications. Within the university environment\u2014where thousands of young adults spend significant hours studying, researching, and socializing\u2014exposure can create lifelong health risks.<\/p>\n

UOA\u2019s leadership recognized the moral and institutional responsibility to act. Accordingly, it committed to eliminating tobacco use on its premises, protecting non-smokers from involuntary exposure, and empowering smokers to quit through professional support programs such as the Smoking Cessation Clinic<\/strong> housed within the College of Dentistry<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

By enacting this policy, UOA ensures that health protection and sustainability go hand in hand, shaping responsible citizens who respect the rights of others and the planet.<\/p>\n

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Scope and Coverage<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Comprehensive Smoke-Free Policy<\/strong> applies to:<\/p>\n