Implementation and periodic review of a university-wide smoke-free policy ensuring a safe, healthy, and sustainable campus environment.
Introduction
Palestine Ahliya University (PAU) is committed to protecting the health and well-being of its students, academic and administrative staff, visitors, and the wider university community through an institution-wide Smoke-Free Policy. The policy aims to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke, prevent smoking-related health risks, promote healthier lifestyle choices, and maintain a clean, safe, and healthy campus environment.
Initially introduced in 2018, the University’s smoke-free policy has undergone subsequent review and development, with an updated policy document issued in November 2024. The policy establishes clear institutional requirements for preventing smoking and the use of tobacco and nicotine-related products across university premises.
Scope of the Policy
The Smoke-Free Policy applies to all members of the University community, including students, academic staff, administrative employees, visitors, and contractors. It covers all university premises, including indoor and outdoor areas such as classrooms, offices, laboratories, libraries, sports facilities, courtyards, and other campus facilities.
The policy prohibits smoking and the use of tobacco-related products, including cigarettes, cigars, electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, and other nicotine-related products, in accordance with its provisions.
Policy Implementation and Enforcement
PAU adopts institutional procedures to communicate and enforce the Smoke-Free Policy. These procedures include announcing the policy through the University’s official communication channels, displaying no-smoking signs in relevant campus locations, and informing new students and employees of the applicable requirements.
The policy also establishes shared responsibility among members of the University community for maintaining a smoke-free environment. Compliance is monitored through institutional follow-up procedures, and violations may result in warnings or disciplinary measures in accordance with the University’s regulations. The policy assigns implementation responsibilities to the relevant administrative bodies and provides for periodic review to ensure its continued effectiveness.
Health Awareness and Smoking Cessation Support
In addition to restricting smoking on campus, PAU promotes awareness of the harmful effects of smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke. The University’s approach emphasizes encouraging healthier lifestyle choices and supporting individuals who wish to quit smoking.
The policy provides for access to counselling, awareness workshops, and referrals to relevant external smoking-cessation resources, where appropriate. These measures complement the University’s preventive approach to health promotion and contribute to a healthier campus culture.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Performance
The University incorporates smoke-free policy implementation into its sustainability monitoring and reporting framework. According to the PAU Sustainability Report 2024–2025, the University’s reported Smoke-Free Policy Compliance indicator reached 99% in 2024/2025, compared with 98% in 2023/2024 and 95% in 2022/2023.
The University also identifies monitoring and reporting mechanisms as part of its implementation approach, supporting continuous assessment and improvement of policy compliance.
Contribution to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
Through its Smoke-Free Policy, Palestine Ahliya University demonstrates its institutional commitment to preventing tobacco-related health risks, reducing exposure to secondhand smoke, and promoting healthier behaviours across the university community. By combining a formal institutional policy with communication, enforcement, awareness, and monitoring measures, PAU contributes to creating a safer and healthier learning and working environment in support of Sustainable Development Goal 3.