DIRECTIVE ON SMOKE-FREE CAMPUS PRACTICES
SECTION ONE
Purpose, Scope, Basis and Definitions
Purpose
ARTICLE 1- (1) The purpose of this Directive is to regulate the procedures and principles regarding tobacco-free/nicotine-free campus practices at Izmir University of Economics, to prevent the exposure of students, academic and administrative staff, and visitors to secondhand smoke, to promote a culture of healthy living, and to combat tobacco addiction.
Scope
ARTICLE 2- (1) This Directive covers the Tobacco-Free/Nicotine-Free Campus policy to be implemented at Izmir University of Economics campuses and the related implementation, coordination, information, and inspection principles.
Basis
ARTICLE 3- (1) This Directive has been prepared on the basis of:
a) Higher Education Law No. 2547,
b) Law No. 4207 on the Prevention and Control of the Hazards of Tobacco Products,
c) the Smoke-Free Campus Implementation Guide prepared by the Ministry of Health, the Council of Higher Education, and the Turkish Green Crescent Society, and other relevant legislation.
Definitions
ARTICLE 4- (1) For the purposes of this Directive:
a) Healthy Campus Board: refers to the Board that plans and coordinates activities aimed at promoting health at the University,
b) Addiction Prevention Working Group: refers to the working group established under the Healthy Campus Board to plan and carry out activities aimed at preventing and combating addiction,
c) Tobacco-Free/Nicotine-Free Campus: refers to all practices aimed at preventing the use of tobacco and nicotine-containing products at University campuses, preventing exposure to secondhand smoke, and promoting healthy living (Smoke-Free Campus),
d) Tobacco product: refers to tobacco products manufactured using tobacco wholly or partly as a raw material and intended for smoking, inhaling, sucking, or chewing, as well as all products, including hookahs, electronic cigarettes containing liquids and chemicals, and electronic delivery systems, whether or not they contain organic or synthetic nicotine, that are used in a manner imitating tobacco products,
e) Secondhand smoke exposure: refers to the involuntary exposure of individuals who do not use tobacco products to tobacco smoke,
f) PDCC: refers to the Psychological Development and Counseling Center,
g) PUAM: refers to the Psychology Application and Research Center,
h) Smoking Cessation Unit: refers to the unit that provides counseling, assessment, and support services for smoking cessation,
i) Campus: refers to all campuses of Izmir University of Economics,
j) University: refers to Izmir University of Economics,
k) Senate: refers to the Senate of Izmir University of Economics.
SECTION TWO
Principles of Tobacco-Free/Nicotine-Free Campus Practices
ARTICLE 5- (1) Izmir University of Economics has adopted a Tobacco-Free/Nicotine-Free Campus policy in order to prevent the exposure of individuals who do not use tobacco products to secondhand smoke, discourage the use of tobacco products, promote a culture of healthy living, and support efforts to combat addiction.
(2) The principles regarding Tobacco-Free/Nicotine-Free Campus practices are as follows:
a) These practices apply to academic and administrative staff working at the University, students, service providers, visitors, and all persons present within campus boundaries.
b) Tobacco products may not be used in areas where the use of tobacco products is prohibited under Law No. 4207 at any University campus.
c) Areas within the campus where tobacco products may be used shall be determined by the Senate upon the recommendation of the Healthy Campus Board. Such areas shall be planned away from building entrances, open windows and ventilation systems, heavily used pedestrian routes, and social areas.
d) Tobacco products may not be used within the campus except in the designated areas.
e) Tobacco products may not be sold in any premises owned by or leased out by the University, and their advertisement, promotion, or display shall not be permitted. This provision shall also be included in service procurement and lease agreements.
f) The use of tobacco products is prohibited in all vehicles belonging to the University.
g) Informational signs and directional signage regarding Tobacco-Free/Nicotine-Free Campus practices shall be displayed at campus entrances, common areas, and other locations deemed appropriate.
h) In the event of conduct contrary to Tobacco-Free/Nicotine-Free Campus practices, the persons concerned shall first be informed and warned to comply with the rules. Where necessary, the provisions of the relevant legislation shall apply.
i) Necessary inspection mechanisms shall be established and authorized personnel shall be assigned in order to prevent violations in areas where the use of tobacco products is prohibited under Law No. 4207.
j) Under the coordination of the Healthy Campus Board and the Addiction Prevention Working Group, training, awareness-raising, and health promotion activities shall be organized for students and staff.
k) Information regarding Tobacco-Free/Nicotine-Free Campus practices shall be provided as part of orientation programs.
l) Tobacco cessation and addiction prevention support services provided within the University shall be regularly communicated to students and staff. Within this scope, the PDCC, PUAM, and Smoking Cessation Unit shall provide counseling, psychoeducation, and referral services to appropriate healthcare institutions.
m) The Student Council and Student Clubs shall be encouraged to participate in social responsibility and awareness-raising activities that promote healthy living in line with the Tobacco-Free/Nicotine-Free Campus policy.
n) The Tobacco-Free/Nicotine-Free Campus policy shall be published in an accessible manner on the University's official website and through other corporate communication channels.
o) Where deemed necessary, research, surveys, and evaluation studies involving students and staff shall be conducted in order to assess the effectiveness of Tobacco-Free/Nicotine-Free Campus practices.
SECTION THREE
Duties and Responsibilities
Healthy Campus Board
ARTICLE 6- (1) In addition to its other duties, the Board shall perform the following duties within the scope of this Directive:
a) Determine the Tobacco-Free/Nicotine-Free Campus policy,
b) Monitor its implementation,
c) Prepare the annual evaluation report,
d) Submit necessary recommendations to the University Senate,
e) Adopt necessary improvement decisions,
f) Establish sub-working groups for this purpose.
Addiction Prevention Working Group
ARTICLE 7- (1) The sub-working group established by the Healthy Campus Board shall perform the following duties regarding addiction prevention:
a) Prepare the annual activity plan,
b) Plan training and awareness-raising activities,
c) Conduct research, surveys, and evaluation studies,
d) Monitor the implementation of Board decisions.
Smoking Cessation Unit, PDCC and PUAM
ARTICLE 8- (1) The Smoking Cessation Unit shall carry out information, initial assessment, support, and healthcare referral services for the prevention and cessation of addiction.
(2) The PDCC and PUAM shall support Tobacco-Free/Nicotine-Free Campus practices through psychological counseling, psychoeducation, group activities, and scientific research.
Students, Staff and Visitors
ARTICLE 9- (1) All persons present at University campuses are required to:
a) Comply with the provisions of this Directive,
b) Respect the right of others to breathe clean air,
c) Comply with warnings issued by authorized personnel.
SECTION FOUR
Monitoring, Evaluation and Final Provisions
Monitoring and Evaluation
ARTICLE 10- (1) Tobacco-Free/Nicotine-Free Campus practices shall be evaluated at least once a year.
(2) Studies regarding addiction profiles, attitudes, and awareness among students and staff shall be conducted.
(3) The data obtained shall be evaluated by the Healthy Campus Board and used for the improvement of the practices.
Cases Not Covered
ARTICLE 11- (1) In cases not covered by this Directive, the provisions of the relevant legislation and the decisions of the Senate and the University Administrative Board of Izmir University of Economics shall apply.
Entry into Force
ARTICLE 12- (1) This Directive shall enter into force on the date of its approval by the Senate of Izmir University of Economics.
Execution
ARTICLE 13- (1) The provisions of this Directive shall be executed by the Rector of Izmir University of Economics.
This Directive took effect with the Senate decision dated 19.08.2026 and numbered 577 and the Board of Trustees dated 27.08.2026 and numbered 113.