Purpose of the Policy
University of Rochester
Smoke and tobacco free
Except for designated smoking areas, the University of Rochester campuses are smoke and tobacco-free
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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.
Policy
Smoking and tobacco use, including cigarettes; cigarillos; cigars; pipes; hookahs; clove cigarettes; pipe tobacco; snuff; smokeless, oral, or spit tobacco; and the use of electronic cigarettes, are 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, and University-owned or leased vehicles and at University-sponsored events in all locations, except in designated smoking huts. The locations of the smoking huts are indicated on accompanying 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.
Explore frequently asked questions
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.
Compliance
The success of this policy depends on the thoughtfulness, consideration, and cooperation of smokers and nonsmokers. 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 Center for Student Conflict Management in the Office of the Dean of Students, or, if the conflict occurs outside of business hours, the conflict should be referred to the University of Rochester Department of 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 other service providers, will be subject to whatever remedies are available to the University.
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. Please visit the Tobacco Cessation Resources page for more information. Employees should contact the Center for Community Health & Prevention’s Stop Smoking/Vaping page and students should contact University Health Service for questions about smoking cessation.
Maps of Smoking Area Locations
Smoking areas are denoted by red dots.
