Frequently asked questions

The Tobacco-Free policy creates a healthier learning and working environment for all University community members by restricting all forms of tobacco, e-cigarettes, and vaping indoors and outdoors on University properties. Included in the policy is the provision for a small number of outdoor smoking shelters on the River Campus. This policy is consistent with the University of Rochester being an academic and medical institution that promotes health and wellness.

The Tobacco-Free policy goes into effect on August 15, 2017.

Three shelters are the only designated areas for smoking and other tobacco use on River Campus. The shelters are located:

• on the south side of Rush Rhees Library, between the library and Meliora Hall
• next to Wilson Commons, under the bridge to Morey Hall
• next to Dewey Hall and across from Schlegel Hall

Tobacco use must be inside a shelter.

Tobacco products include, but are not limited to, cigarettes; cigarillos and cigars; pipes and hookahs; clove cigarettes; snuff, smokeless, oral or spit tobacco; and electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). Use of these tobacco products is prohibited at all times on University property, with the exception of the three designated areas on the River Campus, as well as the designated locations on the Medical Center campus.

Electronic cigarettes and vaporizers are not safe alternatives to traditional cigarettes. The FDA has identified multiple safety concerns with these products and regulates e-cigarettes much the same way it regulates regular cigarettes. The University of Rochester is enacting the Tobacco-Free policy to provide a healthier and safer environment for students, employees, and visitors. Prohibiting electronic cigarettes and vaporizers is consistent with the aim of the policy.

This policy is structured on the geographic boundaries of University property and therefore affects anyone on University property. This includes, but is not limited to, students, staff, faculty, visitors, volunteers, contractors, and service representatives.

The policy applies to all University buildings and property, including residence halls and fraternity houses. The previous policy, Smoke-Free Institution (#170/Revised 7/13), already established that all buildings and vehicles owned or leased by the University of Rochester must be smoke-free. University residence halls have been smoke-free since 2004.

No, the policy does not require people to quit tobacco use. The policy does encourage tobacco use management and cessation.

The University developed a comprehensive awareness campaign that includes detailed policy information in University publications, handbooks, and orientation materials and sharing information through electronic newsletters to students, staff, and faculty.

Additionally, University community members will learn about this policy when completing their student housing contract, in meetings with resident advisors, during orientation, and in their work environments. Students will be informed about the policy, the expectation of compliance, and the consequences of policy violation.

New campus signage replaces current signage upon implementation of the updated policy.

Yes, tobacco use is prohibited both indoors and outdoors on University of Rochester property except inside the designated shelters.

While the Tobacco-Free policy is a University of Rochester policy and therefore only applies to University property, the University requires students, employees, and visitors to respect private and public property bordering all University locations by refraining from trespassing for purposes of using tobacco products, and by refraining from violating City of Rochester ordinance #2013-432 (http://ecode360.com/8677220), which prohibits smoking in parks. Trespassing on private property may result in the involvement of law enforcement, and violation of the city ordinance will be penalized according to Municipal Code Chapter 13A (http://ecode360.com/8673524).

The University of Rochester’s River Campus has three designated tobacco use locations as intermediate options to tobacco use management and cessation. This reduction in exposure and space available for tobacco use is consistent with the aim of the Tobacco-Free policy to provide a healthier and safer learning and working environment for all community members.

You cannot use tobacco in your personal vehicle while it is on University of Rochester property.

The University Health Service (UHS), in partnership with the Healthy Living Center, offers tobacco dependence counseling for students at no cost through a secure video conferencing app, ZOOM. Students will be able to work with the Healthy Living Center’s tobacco dependence counselor from the privacy and convenience of their phone or computer. For more information, contact the Healthy Living Center at (585) 530-2050 or healthy_living_center@urmc.rochester.edu. Students can also contact their primary care provider at UHS for assistance.

UHS offers nicotine replacement therapy products for purchase by students and UHS patients. The NYS Smokers’ Quitline (www.nysmokefree.com / 1-866-NY-QUITS) and local advocacy groups and non-profit organizations (e.g., American Lung Association, American Cancer Society, and American Heart Association) provide additional resources for individuals who would like to quit tobacco use.

There is no “right” to use tobacco under any state or federal law. Court rulings maintain that smokers do not have the legal right to expose others to secondhand smoke, a Group-A carcinogen (known human risk) , and thus are not entitled to protection against discrimination.

The Tobacco-Free policy only applies to the actual or apparent use of tobacco products on University property. The policy does not prohibit you from bringing tobacco products onto University property.

As a community, we are all responsible for providing a safe and healthy, tobacco-free university environment. The success of the 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 the policy. It is expected that all community members will participate in the education of community members about the Tobacco-Free policy.

It is your personal decision whether or not to address someone you see using tobacco products on University of Rochester property outside of a smoking shelter.

When discussing the policy with tobacco product users, please be respectful, friendly, and positive. Do not forget that you are talking with a fellow employee or student. The following are some suggested scripts:

Sample Script #1: You see a person using a tobacco product on University of Rochester property. Response: “Hi, I’m name . I’m an (employee, student) here at the University of Rochester. I just want to let you know that we are now a Tobacco-Free Campus, meaning that use of tobacco products is prohibited on all University property, except in the three designated smoking shelters on the River Campus and at the Medical Center. We would appreciate it if you would not use tobacco products on campus unless you are in one of the designated smoking shelters. The closest shelter is __________________ (next to Rush Rhees Library, under the walkway from Morey Hall to Wilson Commons, next to Dewey Hall across from Schlegel Hall). Thank you for respecting our policy.

Sample Script #2: Where can I smoke on the River Campus? Response: You can smoke in one of three designated smoking huts on the River Campus. These areas are located on the south side of Rush Rhees Library, between the library and Meliora Hall; next to Wilson Commons, under the bridge to Morey Hall; and next to Dewey Hall and across from Schlegel Hall.

Sample Script #3: For staff and students who will be speaking with prospective students Response: I’d like to let you know in advance that the University of Rochester is a tobacco-free campus indoors and outdoors as of August 15, 2017. Use of tobacco products is not permitted on any property, grounds, parking areas, or at any campus-sponsored events, except in designated smoking shelters on the River Campus. Thank you for respecting our policy.

The Tobacco-Free policy is a health, safety, and quality of life issue for all members of the University community. As with all University policies, managers/supervisors should inform all employees of this policy, the expectation of compliance, and the consequences of policy violation.

Should an employee choose to use tobacco products during work hours, they may use their allotted break and meal periods to go to a designated area or to travel off University of Rochester property. Employees will not be given additional meal or break time for tobacco use. Supervisors must be clear with employees on this matter. As with all policies, violations of this policy should be routed through the progressive discipline process in accordance with employment

The University Health Service (UHS) understands that quitting tobacco is not easy. Although it may be a personal challenge for many, UHS is prepared to provide students with the appropriate support and services they need. For information about tobacco cessation services for students, check the UHS website.

Voluntary compliance is strongly preferred; however, disciplinary actions may be taken for policy violations. This policy will be treated like any other University policy. The Center for Student Conflict Management in the Office of the Dean of Students will address violations of the policy that are brought to their attention.