The University of the South Pacific will become a smoke-free university from January 1, 2021.
In a message to all staff and students, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Regional Campuses, Estates and Infrastructure Dr Giulio Paunga stated the decision was made by the senior management team.
“The decision for a smoke-free university includes a transition period so that the necessary preparations such as campus signage can be in place,” he stated.
The smoke-free university will apply to all campuses and rented facilities where USP business is undertaken.
“This decision excludes staff residences on campus,” Dr Paunga said.
Campus security will be responsible for enforcing this decision from January 1, 2021, and have been authorised to apply fines of $50 (in the local equivalent currency) for persons not complying with this decision.
“Given the well-known health and financial benefits of quitting smoking, we hope to receive everyone’s support to make USP smoke-free,” said Dr Paunga.
