Tobacco-Free Institution

This policy applies to: All University faculty, staff, students, and visitors

I. Purpose of the Policy

The University recognizes that smoking, breathing second hand smoke or using tobacco products constitutes a significant health, safety and environmental hazard for students, employees, visitors and campus facilities. The purpose of this policy is to comply with the New York State Public Health Law Article 13-E, and to assist in the creation of a healthful and comfortable environment for all students, faculty, administrators, staff visitors and any other members of the University of Rochester community.

II. Policy

Smoking or tobacco use, including cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, pipes, hookahs, clove cigarettes, pipe tobacco, snuff, smokeless, oral or spit tobacco and the use of electronic cigarettes⁽¹⁾ is prohibited at all times on University property, including in all of its buildings, residence halls and their grounds, clinics, laboratories, classrooms, private offices, plazas, vestibules, loading docks, University owned or leased vehicles and University-sponsored events at all locations except in designated smoking huts. The locations of the smoking huts are indicated in the attached campus maps. Signs will be posted at each building’s entrances and displayed in prominent, visible areas to inform all individuals entering or occupying University property that smoking is prohibited. Organizers of University events are responsible for communicating and enforcing this policy.

The University of Rochester Medical Center has a Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy that includes provisions regarding patients and visitors. See Strong Memorial Hospital Policy 10.3. In the event of any inconsistency between the Medical Center policy and this policy, this policy shall govern.

⁽¹⁾ Electronic cigarette means an electronic device that delivers vapor for inhalation.

III. Compliance

The success of this policy depends on the thoughtfulness, consideration and cooperation of smokers and non-smokers. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to comply with this policy.

Conflicts among employees related to tobacco use or smoking should be brought to the attention of the appropriate supervisory personnel and, if necessary, referred to the Human Resources Business Partner for the respective unit.

Conflicts among students should be referred to the Office of Conflict Resolution in the Dean of Students Office or if the conflict occurs outside of business hours, the conflict should be referred to the University Public Safety.

Members of the University community alleged to be using tobacco or smoking on University premises in violation of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action through the applicable process. Students alleged to be violating this policy are subject to disciplinary action through the appropriate student judicial process. Visitors, including vendors, contractors and any service providers will be subject to whatever remedies are available to the University.

IV. Support and Education

The University understands the addictive nature of tobacco use and the reality that breaking the habit is extremely difficult for some people. The University will make every effort to assist and encourage those who wish to stop tobacco use. Employees should contact the Human Resources Well-U Department and students should contact University Health Service for assistance with smoking cessation.

Medical Campus

River Campus

See also:

• #154 Corrective Discipline
• SMH Policy #10.3 Smoking