Community Consultation

To create a smoke-free campus policy that considers the various needs of our University, the Smoke-Free U of G initiative held extensive consultation with the community.

More information on the consultation process and themes arising from the process is available in the Final Summary Report on a Smoke-Free Campus.

Email and online feedback (May 2018 – April 2019)

Community members had the opportunity to submit comments, questions and concerns through smokefree@uoguelph.ca and an online contact form. All feedback collected through these channels was summarized and shared with the Smoke-Free Campus steering committee.

Open Consultations (August – September 2018)

All interested community members were invited to take part in any of four consultation sessions through August and September 2018.

​In the consultation sessions, the following questions were discussed:

• Do you or your union/group support moving toward a smoke-free campus policy?
• What benefits or opportunities do you think a smoke-free campus policy will offer the University of Guelph?
• What potential challenges or opposition do you foresee as the University moves toward a smoke-free campus? What questions or concerns do you anticipate, and what should the advisory committee be prepared to address?
• What should be considered in implementing a smoke-free campus policy?
• How do we ensure our commitment to an inclusive campus if people who smoke are not allowed to do so on campus?
• Faculty, staff and students have resources through the University and other organizations to help with smoking cessation.
  • Are there additional resources or supports you need?
  • Are there additional resources or supports supervisors or leaders need?
• What would be the best way for the University to communicate with about the smoke-free campus initiative?
  1. Do you have any recommendations on the language/wording that is used?
• Who else should we connect with or who else should be involved?
• Do you have any additional questions, comments or considerations?

Conversation Boards (September – November 2018)

Over several days in fall 2018, conversation boards were available in locations around campus. Community members used these boards to share their thoughts on a smoke-free campus.

On November 14, U of G participated in a 1Day Stand event, where the conversation boards were available for further comment.

On November 26, all campus community members were invited to an information and consultation session where the boards were available for comment.

Employee and Student Group Meetings (September - December 2018)

Members of the smoke-free campus advisory committee met with employee and student groups to understand what the committee should consider when developing the smoke-free campus policy.

The committee met with:

• Heads of Unions
• Deans
• Campus Community Police
• Central Students Association, Graduate Students Association and SLAM (Student Leaders and Administration Meeting)
• Human Resources
• Joint Health and Safety Committee
• Student Housing and Family Housing Staff
• Students in residence
• Aboriginal faculty, staff and students
• Student Affairs directors
• Student Experience staff
• Hospitality Services
• Leave the Pack Behind student representatives