Smoking Policy and Tobacco Control at ASU Bahrain

Smoke-Free Campus Status

Applied Science University (ASU) Bahrain is not entirely smoke-free; smoking is generally forbidden on campus except in designated areas. University regulations explicitly require students and staff to “refrain from smoking on-campus (except in authorised designated areas)” [1]. This means that ASU does not permit open smoking across the campus, but it has set aside limited spaces where smoking is allowed. According to ASU’s health and safety guidelines, “generally, smoking is forbidden in the Applied Science University with the exception of [an] designated smoking area”. In practice, the university maintains specific designated smoking rooms (notably rooms 422 and 329 on campus) where smoking is permitted under controlled conditions [2]. Outside of these locations, all indoor and outdoor areas of the university are meant to remain smoke-free. This approach aligns ASU with a partial smoke-free campus model – smoking is prohibited in all university buildings and common areas, with only the sanctioned smoking rooms (and personal vehicles or off-campus spaces) as exceptions [2] [3]. In summary, ASU Bahrain is not a completely smoke-free campus, but it strictly limits tobacco use to designated smoking zones and enforces a no-smoking rule in all other campus spaces.

Official Policies on Smoking Restrictions

ASU Bahrain has formal, published policies and rules that underline its smoking restrictions. These policies are outlined in official university documents and handbooks, reflecting ASU’s commitment to a healthy campus environment in line with national laws and public health guidelines. Notably, the ASU Student Handbook and the Health & Safety Handbook contain clear statements about smoking on campus. For example, the Student Handbook lists as a student responsibility: “Refrain from smoking on-campus (except in authorised designated areas)” [1], signaling that violating this rule could lead to disciplinary action under the student code of conduct. Similarly, the university’s Health & Safety Handbook (last updated September 2020) includes a section on “Smoking Restriction” which affirms ASU’s goal of providing a healthy, safe and comfortable environment for all. This policy section emphasizes minimizing exposure to secondhand smoke and explicitly states that smoking and vaping are forbidden throughout the university premises except in the designated smoking area [2]. It also notes that “appropriate no smoking signs are displayed on the premises” to remind everyone of the rule [2]. The handbook identifies the two on-campus smoking rooms (422 and 329) where smoking is allowed while seated, complete with proper ashtrays, and clarifies that the availability of these rooms is subject to management discretion [2]. Beyond internal handbooks, ASU has articulated a broader Smoke-Free Campus policy in line with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). According to this policy, smoking or vaping is banned in all university buildings, facilities, and vehicles, and even on campus grounds, with only very narrow exceptions (such as research or religious purposes with prior approval, or smoking inside private vehicles with windows up) [3]. This indicates that ASU’s official stance is to operate as a smoke-free campus in principle, aside from the controlled exceptions. All these guidelines and statements – whether in student conduct rules, dedicated policy documents, or health and safety regulations – demonstrate that ASU Bahrain has a clearly defined policy restricting tobacco use on campus. The policy is aligned with Bahrain’s national anti-smoking laws (which prohibit smoking in indoor public places) and with directives from the Higher Education Council, thereby ensuring ASU’s compliance with legal requirements for smoke-free educational environments.

Campus Signage and Enforcement Measures

ASU Bahrain backs up its smoking restrictions with visible signage and active enforcement to ensure compliance. The university has posted “No Smoking” signs prominently around campus facilities to remind students, staff, and visitors of the tobacco-free rules [2]. These signs serve as constant public health messaging, indicating that smoking (and vaping) is not allowed except in the marked areas. Enforcement is handled through a combination of community cooperation and administrative oversight. ASU’s policy notes that upholding the smoke-free rules “depends upon the thoughtfulness, consideration, and cooperation” of the university community, and that all community members are responsible for adherence [3]. In practice, if someone is found smoking in a non-designated area, they “will be asked to comply by discarding their tobacco or vape product” [3]. Security staff and facility managers are tasked with regulating and enforcing the no-smoking policy on the ground. The university indicates that facility and property managers will ensure enforcement of this policy, including posting the appropriate signage and addressing any violations [3]. Repeated or willful violators can be subject to escalating consequences under existing disciplinary frameworks – for instance, students may face sanctions per the Code of Student Conduct, and employees could face action under HR policies [3]. Thus, ASU not only has rules on paper but also shows evidence of implementing those rules: by marking the campus with no-smoking signs, providing smoking-only rooms to contain tobacco use, and authorizing campus security/administration to intervene when infractions occur. The presence of designated smoking rooms themselves is a form of enforcement – smokers are directed to these specific ventilated areas, and smoking is not tolerated elsewhere. This targeted approach (restricting smoking to indoor smoking lounges and disallowing it in all other campus spaces) helps ensure that nonsmokers on campus are protected from secondhand smoke exposure [2]. It is also worth noting that ASU’s emphasis on maintaining a clean and healthy campus extends to discouraging tobacco litter: the policies prohibit “littering the campus with remains of disposable tobacco/nicotine products” like cigarette butts [3]. In summary, ASU enforces its smoking policy through clear signage, community awareness, and active oversight, with disciplinary measures in place to handle violations – all of which underscores the university’s serious stance on tobacco control for the well-being of its campus community.

Tobacco Awareness and Cessation Initiatives

Beyond rule-setting, ASU Bahrain engages in awareness campaigns and support services related to smoking cessation and health risks of tobacco. The university recognizes that creating a healthier campus involves education and support, not just restrictions. One aspect of this is providing help to those who want to quit smoking: assistance with smoking/vaping cessation is made available through the ASU Health Unit (the on-campus clinic) for students, faculty, and staff [3]. This means individuals seeking to stop smoking can get counseling or referrals via the university’s health services. ASU’s health and wellness communications encourage healthy lifestyle choices – for example, a message from the University President in early 2023 advised community members to “eat healthfully and create a plan to stop smoking,” noting that smoking harms nearly every organ and is a leading cause of preventable disease [4]. This kind of messaging in official newsletters and handbooks shows ASU promoting the idea of quitting tobacco for one’s well-being.

-World No Tobacco

ASU also participates in public health awareness events and student-led activities to highlight the dangers of tobacco use. Notably, the university held World No Tobacco Day activities on campus to educate and engage students. For instance, in May 2023 ASU organized an event in observance of World No Tobacco Day, encouraging everyone on campus to take part. The activities included an awareness exhibition in the campus atrium during the morning and a special lecture session at midday [5]. During this event, health professionals and student volunteers shared information on the harms of smoking and strategies for quitting, aligning with the World Health Organization’s annual anti-tobacco theme. Such events are often conducted in collaboration with national public health entities; ASU has previously partnered with the Ministry of Health and other healthcare organizations for on-campus health awareness campaigns (for example, inviting Ministry Health Promotion specialists to give talks on various health topics). The Student Counselling Office and Community Engagement Office at ASU frequently organize workshops and lectures on health and well-being, which have included topics like the impact of smoking and vaping on health. Through its Student Council and clubs, the university also involves students in promoting healthy habits. An example is an “Awareness Stand” organized on campus (as noted in ASU’s event archives) focusing on community health engagement – likely covering issues such as smoking, diet, and exercise. These initiatives demonstrate that ASU doesn’t just ban smoking, but also actively educates its community about the risks of tobacco and supports efforts to quit.

In summary, ASU Bahrain’s compliance with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) in the area of tobacco control is evident through a multi-faceted approach: a formal campus smoking policy with designated smoke-free areas, visible signage and enforcement to maintain those rules, and proactive health promotion activities including anti-smoking campaigns and cessation support. These measures collectively illustrate ASU’s commitment to providing a healthy, smoke-free environment and raising awareness about tobacco’s harms, in line with international best practices for universities and the requirements of initiatives like the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.

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