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Tobacco-Free Campus Guide

Step-by-Step to a Safer, Tobacco-Free Campus

Tobacco-Free Campus Guide

The Tobacco-Free Campus Guide is a publication of the Consortium for Tobacco-Free India (CTFI)—an initiative of the Foundation for Sustainable Health India (FSHI). The CTFI is a national coalition of healthcare, educational, and civil society organizations working towards a Tobacco-Free India (TFI).

This guide is designed to support and empower institutions — from universities and schools to hospitals, corporate campuses, and government offices — in developing, implementing, and maintaining tobacco-free environments. By drawing from real-world examples and best practices, it outlines a step-by-step approach to becoming a certified Tobacco-Free Campus, contributing to India’s broader public health goals.

Tobacco use remains one of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 7 million lives are lost annually due to tobacco-related causes. India is a signatory to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)—the first global public health treaty. Article 8 of the FCTC and Section 4 of India’s COTPA (2003) require public spaces (including campuses) to be smoke-free. Tobacco-free campuses protect everyone — staff, students, patients, caregivers, and visitors — from secondhand smoke (SHS) and the harms of smokeless tobacco use, including spitting, which poses hygiene and health risks, especially in healthcare settings.

What Is a Tobacco-Free Campus Policy?

A tobacco-free campus policy protects nonsmokers from involuntary exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS). It further helps in maintaining the campus clean and free from the menace of spitting due to chewing tobacco. A tobacco-free campus policy includes protection from SHS, a ban on the use of any type of tobacco products on campus, and protection from social exposure to tobacco products. Preventing exposure to tobacco is important for eliminating visual and sensory cues, which is important for preventing younger populations from being attracted to using tobacco products, helping ex-tobacco users stay off tobacco products, and helping tobacco users to quit. As such, a tobacco-free policy should be recognized as part of a broader policy to improve the overall health and well-being of staff, students, patients, caregivers, and other visitors. The main policy elements are:

  • 100% ban on smoking and smokeless tobacco use across the campus
  • Protection from SHS
  • Elimination of visual/social cues to tobacco use
  • Promotion of quitting support services
  • Prevention of youth initiation
  • Disassociation from the tobacco industry in any form

How to Become a Tobacco-Free Campus

Step 1: Develop the Policy

  • Form a core committee with representation from administration, faculty, student bodies, and relevant departments.
  • Draft a tobacco-free policy with input from stakeholders.
  • Define enforcement mechanisms, penalties, and a clear implementation timeline.
  • Finalize and approve the policy.

Step 2: Implement the Policy

  • Communicate widely using signage, campus intranet, handbooks, posters, newsletters, and orientation programs.
  • Educate staff, students, and vendors about the new norms.
  • Provide cessation resources and counseling for those trying to quit.
  • Distribute informative materials and simple handouts or cards detailing policy highlights and support resources.

Step 3: Monitor & Evaluate

  • Appoint contact persons or helplines for feedback.
  • Observe compliance and enforcement challenges.
  • Use surveys, staff reports, and feedback to assess:
    • Awareness and understanding of the policy
    • Adherence across campus zones
    • Reduction in tobacco usage
    • Visibility and effectiveness of signage and support
  • Adjust or enhance the policy based on feedback and emerging needs.
Draft for the Policy
TOBACCO-FREE POLICY FOR (INSTITUTION NAME)
Rationale

(INSTITUTION NAME) is committed to the prevention of illness and injury through the provision and maintenance of healthy and safe conditions on its premises and due diligence in its activities. The institution also recognizes its responsibility not to facilitate tobacco use or to support, in any manner, the tobacco industry in the sale and promotion of addictive, lethal products. 

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is, in part, to: 

  • Provide physical protection from secondhand tobacco smoke and protection from social exposure to tobacco products. 
  • Provide and promote smoking cessation support; and 
  • Prevent smoking and tobacco use initiation, and promote a tobacco-free lifestyle. 
Tobacco-Free Campus Policy

All campus properties are tobacco-free: workplaces, lecture halls, corridors, residences, dining rooms, washrooms, sports fields, assembly areas, and building entrances, as well as vehicles owned, rented, or leased by the institution. If tobacco use is permitted, it shall be limited to outdoor designated smoking areas.

Outdoor Designated Smoking Areas (DSAs)

Except in outdoor DSAs, smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco are prohibited on campus, including all properties and vehicles owned, rented, or leased by (INSTITUTION NAME).

Enforcement

After an educational implementation period, the Tobacco-Free Campus Policy will be enforced by staff using warnings, signage, and fines. 

Sale & Promotion of Tobacco Products

The Institution prohibits the promotion, advertising, or sale of any tobacco products or related paraphernalia on [University/College]-owned, rented, or leased property. In addition, and in accordance with the federal Tobacco Act, corporate tobacco sponsorship of [University/College] events or groups is prohibited.

Provision & Promotion of Cessation Resources & Services

Evidence-based cessation support services will be provided and promoted on campus. 

Participation of Tobacco Companies in Job Recruitment Fairs

Companies that manufacture, distribute, or sell tobacco products are excluded from participating in campus career fairs and other recruitment activities. 

Financial Relationships with Tobacco Companies

The Institution will not knowingly accept funding or other forms of support, including research grants, staff positions, or student scholarships, from tobacco companies or from any agencies or foundations in which the tobacco industry has an influence, either directly or indirectly. 

Investments in Tobacco Companies

The institution will not invest, directly or indirectly, in any tobacco company. Where the institution owns tobacco assets, divestment of such assets will take place by [date]. Signed and dated by management

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