I. General provisions

1. This Policy establishes that all premises and grounds of the Tashkent University of Information Technologies named after Muhammad al-Khwarizmi (hereinafter “the University”) are a completely smoke-free campus, and sets out measures for prevention and enforcement.

2. Second-hand tobacco smoke and aerosol from electronic cigarettes cause serious harm to health. Every student and employee has the right to study and work in a smoke-free environment.

3. The Policy has been prepared in accordance with the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Restricting the Distribution and Consumption of Alcoholic and Tobacco Products” and the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. It applies to all indoor and outdoor locations of the University, including academic buildings, dormitories, sports grounds, canteens, car parks and University vehicles, and to everyone present on University premises.

II. Terms used in this Policy

4. The following terms are used in this Policy:

smoking – the use of any tobacco product, including cigarettes, hookah and nasvay, and of electronic cigarettes, vaping devices and heated tobacco products;

smoke-free campus – a campus where the use of tobacco products is prohibited at all indoor and outdoor locations and where there are no designated smoking areas.

III. Prohibition of smoking

5. Smoking is prohibited at all indoor and outdoor University locations. No smoking areas are designated anywhere on University land. The sale, advertising and distribution of tobacco and nicotine products on University premises are prohibited, and contracts with service providers on campus include the obligation to comply with this Policy.

IV. Prevention and support

6. “No smoking” signs are displayed at building entrances, grounds and dormitories. Awareness events are held at least once a year, including on World No Tobacco Day. Students and employees who wish to stop smoking are offered advice by the University medical unit and referred to support services.

V. Enforcement and responsibilities

7. Compliance is monitored by the Smoke-Free Campus Commission, chaired by the Vice-Rector for Youth Affairs. Breaches are considered under the Code of Ethics, the Internal Labour Regulations and the student discipline regulations: a first breach results in a warning, repeated breaches in disciplinary measures.

VI. Monitoring and expected results

8. The following indicators are reported every year: breaches recorded, awareness events held and persons referred for help to stop smoking.

9. Expected results: a fully smoke-free campus maintained, with a decreasing number of recorded breaches.

VII. Final provisions

10. This Policy is reviewed at least once every two years, and earlier if there are significant changes in legislation or in the activities of the University. Amendments are approved by the University Council.

11. This Policy enters into force on the date of its approval by the University Council and replaces the earlier Smoke-Free Policy of the University.

12. This Policy is published on the official website of the University (tuit.uz/sustainability) in Uzbek and English and remains publicly available.