Griffith University is committed to a smoke-free environment and is proud to maintain a policy of no smoking on all campuses since May 2018.
This policy includes e-cigarettes, personal vaping devices, and all smoking products. It applies to all staff, unpaid appointments, students, contractors, volunteers, and visitors while undertaking activities at/for the university on all campuses, in any outdoor areas under the university’s control (including car parks and roads), and in all university vehicles.
Yes. Many universities across Australia have implemented smoke-free policies, including all universities and TAFEs in Queensland.
Griffith University was one of several insitutions to adopt a smoke-free stance as part of a broader sector-wide commitment to health and wellbeing. Smoke-free campuses are now the standard across Queensland's high education sector, creating healthier environments for staff, students and visitors.
No. Smoking is not permitted in university residential facilities.
Griffith's residential areas are located on university grounds and are therefore covered by the No Smoking Policy, which has been in effect since May 2018. This means that all indoor and outdoor areas of the residential precincts are smoke-free.
Residents, visitors and staff are expected to comply with the policy to help ensure a healthy and comfortable living environment for everyone.
The No Smoking Policy applies to everyone on Griffith University campuses. This includes:
Everyone is expected to adhere to the policy to help maintain a clean, healthy and respectful environment for the community.
At Griffith University, smoking is defined as the inhalation and exhalation of smoke produced by the buring of tobacco, herbs or drugs.
The definition also extends to the use of electronic cigarettes and similar devices like:
These devices typically involve a hand-to-mouth action and results in the expulsion of vapour, regardless of whether nicotine is present.
All forms of smoking, including vaping, are prohibited on university grounds in accordance with Griffith's No Smoking Policy.
As part of our goal to create a healthier university environment, Griffith encourages all staff, students and visitors to be part of a positive culture change. Transitioning to smoke free environments requires respect for others – both non-smokers and smokers.
Staff, students, visitors and contractors smoking on campus can expect to be reminded of the no smoking initiative by others and requested to either discontinue smoking or to move off campus if they wish to continue smoking. Griffith will embrace an educative and supportive approach, with a view to providing information about the no smoking policy and campus boundaries to those who continue to smoke on university grounds.
The success of this approach will depend on the thoughtfulness, consideration and cooperation of smokers and non-smokers. All students and staff share in the responsibility for helping Griffith University to be smoke free.
This policy aligns with the University’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reflects our dedication to fostering a healthier and cleaner campus for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors. By implementing this policy, we aim to provide a conducive atmosphere for learning, working, and socialising, while also prioritising the well-being of our community members.
There is clear evidence to show that smoke-free environments increase the rate of quitting and reduce the number of people taking up smoking. Griffith University is proud to be a part of the broader commitment by all Queensland universities to provide healthier smoke-free environments.
We have a legal responsibility to provide a safe workplace and to protect staff, students and visitors from the serious health risks associated with exposure to second-hand smoke (passive smoking). Griffith University offers free cessation programs for those wishing to quit smoking.
Want to find out how many tobacco-free days it will take for your body to recuperate and no longer be at risk of the dangers of smoking? Check out the health-improvement timeline.
| Time post-quitting | Health benefits |
|---|---|
| Within a day | Almost all nicotine will be out of the bloodstream. Levels of carbon monoxide in the blood will drop and more oxygen will reach the heart and muscles. |
| Within a week | The lung’s natural cleaning system will start to recover and become better at removing mucus, tar and dust from the lungs. There will be higher blood levels of protective antioxidants (such as vitamin C). |
| Within two months | There will be less coughing and wheezing. The immune system will have started to recover. Blood will be less thick and sticky and blood flow to the hands and feet will improve. The body will be better at healing cuts and wounds. |
| Within six months | Lungs will no longer produce the extra phlegm smoking causes. |
| After a year | Lungs will be healthier, and breathing will be easier, making it easier to exercise. |
| Within two to five years | There will be a large drop in risk of heart attack and stroke; this risk will continue to gradually decrease. |
| Within five years | Risk of cervical cancer will return to the same as for a woman who has never smoked. |
| After 10 years | Risk of lung cancer will be markedly lower than that of a continuing smoker; this risk will continue to decline (provided the disease is not already present). |
| After 15 years | Risk of heart attack and stroke will be close to that of a person who has never smoked. |
Quitting smoking or vaping can be difficult, but support is available.
Quitline at 13QUIT (13 78 48) is a free and confidential service that provides advice and assistance tailored to your particular needs. Trained counsellors are available 7 days a week to offer support and encouragement.
Doctors, pharmacists and other health professionals can provide advice on replacement therapy and other treatments. You can also find additional support and information through:
The No Smoking Initiative Guide for Managers and Supervisors can be used to guide conversations around the no smoking policy at Griffith campuses. This guide includes a number useful resources that can be recommended to staff.
To assist in communicating the No Smoking message to students, please add this No Smoking Initiative Powerpoint Slide to Lecture Slides.
