Tobacco and Smoke Free Campus Policy

Policy Information
Policy TitleTobacco and Smoke Free Campus Policy
Responsible OfficeEnvironmental Health and Safety Office
Policy TypePersonnel and Payroll
Policy Number621
Last Revision Date11/1/2024

Purpose

To provide a healthy environment that promotes health, well-being and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors on University-owned or rented property by minimizing the negative effects of secondhand smoke; to improve fire safety; and to encourage a more sustainable and clean environment.

Definitions

For the purpose of this policy, the following definitions apply:

  1. Tobacco is defined as all tobacco and tobacco-derived products intended for human consumption, including, but not limited to, cigarettes, vaping devices and other electronic nicotine delivery systems, cigars, hookah-smoked products, clove cigarettes, bidis, kreteks, smokeless tobacco and snus. This definition does not include any product that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for sale as a tobacco use cessation product. Electronic vaping is not approved by the FDA.
  2. Smoking is defined as inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted or heated cigar, cigarette, pipe, hookah, or any other lighted or heated tobacco or product intended for inhalation, including marijuana, whether natural or synthetic, in any manner or in any form.  Smoking also includes the use of an electronic smoking device which creates an aerosol or vapor, in any manner or in any form, or the use of any oral smoking device for the purpose of circumventing the prohibition of smoking in this policy.
  3. University community is defined as all employees, students, University affiliates, contractors, volunteers and visitors.
  4. University property is defined as all buildings, grounds and facilities, including parking ramps and parking lots; vehicles owned, leased or controlled by the State University or its related entities (i.e., Binghamton University Foundation, Binghamton University Research Foundation, etc.); and all off-campus buildings, grounds and facilities. This policy also bans the use of tobacco while in personal or contractor or company-owned vehicles on University property. 

Policy

Binghamton University is a tobacco and smoke free campus. The use of tobacco and any smoking products is prohibited on all University property. This policy applies to the entire University community and is applicable 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Additional components of the policy are as follows:

  1. Tobacco Use Cessation Programs

    The University is committed to support all students and employees who wish to stop using tobacco products. Students can access information about cessation treatment, including counseling and nicotine replacement therapy, through Decker Student Health Services. Employees can access support through the Employee Assistance Program and or visit the NY State Smokers' Quitline on the web. http://www.nysmokefree.com

  2. Communication of Policy/Education and Awareness

    Signs bearing the message “Tobacco- and Smoke-Free Campus” will be posted at each campus entrance and each building will display a decal. However, all University property is tobacco- and smoke-free whether or not signs are posted. In addition to signage, the education and awareness campaign will consist of:
    1. Notification to prospective students and faculty/staff hires.
    2. Informational postings and e-mail notifications to the University community.
    3. Publication in staff/faculty manuals and student guides and handbook.
    4. Notification in contracts signed with all campus contractors.
    5. “Tobacco- and Smoke-Free Campus” will also be included in all job postings and advertisements.
    6. Notification and additional information on University webpage.

  3. Compliance

    Adherence to the policy cited above is the responsibility of the entire University community. It is expected that all employees, students, University affiliates, contractors, volunteers and visitors comply with this policy. Members of our University community are empowered to respectfully inform others about the policy in an ongoing effort to enhance awareness and encourage a culture of compliance. An individual who feels that there has been a violation of this procedure will invoke the following actions:
    1. The individual should attempt to resolve the problem informally by requesting that the individual comply with the policy.
    2. If direct appeal fails and the behavior persists, the individual should contact the Office of Human Resources (for infractions with employees, contractors, volunteers or visitors) or the Dean of Students (for infractions with students) for referral to the appropriate administrative official.
    3. Repeat offenses by the same person shall be dealt with through already established policies and procedures. Violations will result in referral to the appropriate University officials for appropriate action in accordance with the established procedures.

  4. Exceptions

    Tobacco use or smoking may be permitted under the following exceptions:
    1. Sponsored research involving tobacco or tobacco products, provided that the University employee obtains the prior approval of the Vice President for Research, and a waiver is requested and granted in accordance with sponsored research requirements, if any. Smoke, like any other contaminant, will be controlled.
    2. By artists or actors who are participating in University-authorized performances that require smoking as part of the artistic production, with prior approval of the Environmental Health and Safety Department.
    3. Educational or clinical purposes with prior approval of the Vice President for Research or Executive Vice President/Provost.

  5. Additional

    1. The sale of tobacco products or tobacco/smoking related merchandise is prohibited on University property.
    2. The free distribution or sampling of tobacco/smoking products and associated products is prohibited on University property.
    3. Sponsorship of campus events by companies that directly produce tobacco or support smoking is prohibited.
    4. Advertisement of tobacco products at campus events is prohibited regardless of sponsorship.
    5. Organizers of public events on campus are responsible to communicate this policy and enforce it with attendees.
Date Description Responsible Party
     
11/01/2024 Bi-annual review conducted.  No changes. Environmental Health and Safety Office