Smoke-Free Policy

Updated in 2023 and remaining in force throughout 2025, the University of Newcastle maintains a smoke-free environment across all campuses, associated businesses, and University events. Smoking is prohibited on University grounds except in clearly designated smoking areas. The University’s KRA 2.2 Smoke-Free University Environments guideline, Version 3, issued in October 2023, sets out these restrictions and applies to tobacco smoking, other smoking products and e-cigarettes (vapes).

The guideline applies to all staff, students, visitors, volunteers, contractors, Council members, and any individuals participating in University activities or interacting with University operations. It also covers University-aligned research centres and controlled entities, and activities conducted by or on behalf of the University both on and off campus. Smoking is prohibited during University-managed off-campus activities and fieldwork, as well as in enclosed University buildings and vehicles.

Smoking restrictions and designated areas

To protect people from second-hand smoke, the University restricts smoking and vaping to clearly marked designated smoking areas. At Callaghan and Ourimbah, designated smoking pods are located away from building entrances and busy pedestrian routes. Smoking is not permitted elsewhere on University grounds, including inside teaching, research, office and accommodation buildings.

The KRA 2.2 guideline also prohibits smoking in sensitive outdoor settings, including within four metres of building entrances and outdoor dining areas, at public transport waiting areas, and within ten metres of children’s outdoor play equipment. Designated smoking areas must be approved by Infrastructure and Facilities Services and cannot be placed where smoke would enter buildings, obstruct entrances or create fire hazards.

Implementation during 2025

The University’s 2025 Student Living Community Standards reinforce these requirements for on-campus residents. Section 15 requires residents to use designated smoking areas for smoking and vaping, dispose of by-products responsibly and comply with University restrictions. Breaches involving smoking or vaping outside permitted areas may lead to disciplinary action. These operational standards demonstrate how the University’s smoke-free rules were applied within residential communities in 2025.

Policy compliance is reinforced through clear signage, awareness initiatives, and access to smoking cessation resources. The University’s May 2025 Wayfinding and Signage Framework includes a smoke-free environment symbol in its campus-map specifications, supporting the consistent communication of campus expectations.

Support for people who want to quit

The University encourages staff and students who wish to stop smoking or vaping to access advice and support. Its campus smoking information directs people to University medical services, employee assistance and student counselling, alongside NSW quit-smoking resources. The guideline also provides for smoking-cessation support and guidance through the University Health Service and Health, Safety and Wellbeing Team.

By combining clear restrictions, designated smoking areas and practical cessation support, the University reduces exposure to tobacco smoke and vaping aerosols while promoting safer, healthier places to study and work. Its established requirements extend across campus facilities and University activities, supporting the wellbeing of students, staff and visitors.