Tobacco-Free Institution

I. Rationale/Purpose of the Policy

The University recognizes that smoking, breathing secondhand 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 healthy and comfortable environment for all students, faculty, administrators, staff, visitors, and any other members of the University of Rochester community.

II. Definitions 

“Smoking or tobacco product use”: includes the smoking or other use of any tobacco products, oral nicotine products, electronic smoking and vaping devices, pipes, hookahs, and any similar or emerging tobacco or synthetic nicotine products or paraphernalia.

This does not include any cessation product specifically approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in treating nicotine or tobacco dependence.

III. Scope

This policy applies to all University faculty, staff, students, volunteers, and visitors.

IV. Policy Details

Smoking or tobacco use, as defined above 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[i]. 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 the University events are responsible for communicating and enforcing this policy at University events.

The University of Rochester Medical Center also maintains a smoke and tobacco free policy that applies to faculty, staff, students, patients, and visitors. See Strong Memorial Hospital policy 10.03. In the event of any inconsistency between the Medical Center policy and this policy, this policy shall govern.

[i] Note that smoking or consuming marijuana in any form is prohibited in all locations on campus and other University owned and leased property, including in dorm rooms, offices, and smoking huts.

V. Compliance

The success of this policy depends on the thoughtfulness, consideration and cooperation of people who smoke/vape or use tobacco or nicotine products (as defined above) and those who do not. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to comply with this policy.

Incidents and alleged incidents of employees smoking or use of tobacco products 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.

Incidents and alleged incidents of students smoking or use of tobacco products should be referred to the Student Conduct Office in the Office of the Dean of Students via email at Conflict.Management@Rochester.edu. If the matter is urgent, the Department of Public Safety should be called at (585) 275-3333.

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 may be subject to all lawful remedies available to the University. This may include, but is not limited to, removal from campus property or denial of access to University events, facilities, and grounds.

VI. Support and Education

The University understands the addictive nature of tobacco use and the reality that breaking the addiction is extremely difficult. The University will make reasonable efforts to assist and encourage those who wish to stop tobacco use. See “Other Resources” section below.