Policy

South Campus Smoke-Free

POLICY STATEMENT

Hofstra University is committed to promoting a healthy and safe environment for all community members. In support of this goal, Hofstra University has designated its South Campus a "smoke-free" environment. This policy further expands the University's long-standing no smoking policy inside all campus buildings.

PURPOSE

The health and safety of our community is a top priority for Hofstra University. This policy serves to provide a "smoke-free" environment in all buildings and on all exterior grounds located within the South Campus boundary.

Research findings show that smoking and breathing in secondhand smoke constitutes a significant health hazard. The policy aims to reduce the health risks related to smoking and secondhand smoke for our community.

SCOPE

This policy applies to students, faculty, administrators, staff, contractors, vendors, and visitors on Hofstra's South Campus.

DEFINITIONS

  1. Smoking - burning of tobacco or any other material in any type of smoking equipment, including but not restricted to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, or pipes.
  2. "South Campus" Boundary - the entire area of the Hofstra campus located south of Hempstead Turnpike.

IMPLEMENTATION

  1. All Hofstra community members are responsible for complying with this policy. The University expects that both smokers and non-smokers will cooperate in adhering to this policy in an atmosphere of mutual respect and consideration.
  2. University "Smoke Free" signs are installed across South Campus at entrance walkways, parking lots, building entrances, and along heavily trafficked areas. All cigarette containers (ashtrays) have been permanently removed from South Campus.
  3. The University shall offer smoking cessation programs during the course of the year to assist community members who desire to stop smoking.
  4. The University shall undertake an aggressive publicity campaign to promote this policy, including HOFNEWS announcements, webpage information and FAQ.
  5. The Division of Student Enrollment, Engagement, and Success shall undertake an informational campaign for students.
  6. This policy will be attached to all Facility Use Agreements so that visitors to our campus are informed of this policy.
  7. The University strongly encourages all community members to promote compliance with this policy by reminding fellow colleagues, as necessary, that South Campus is a smoke-free area.
  8. Public Safety Officers will inform anyone observed smoking that South Campus is a smoke-free zone and instruct the person to stop smoking immediately.
  9. As per Hofstra Human Resources Polices and the Guide to Pride, Code of Community Standards, any community member that knowingly violates any University policy may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

PROHIBITION OF THE SALE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS

The sale of any type of tobacco product is strictly prohibited at all Hofstra owned properties.

Approved by University Senate on 10/13/14
Approved by Faculty on 11/17/14
Approved by Provost on 12/8/14
Final approval by President on 12/9/14
Last Revised 01/23/15 HU Doc 8982

Frequently Asked Questions

What does smoke-free mean?

This includes the burning of tobacco or any other material in any type of smoking equipment, including but not restricted to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars or pipes.

What are the borders of the smoke-free environment?

Smoking is not allowed on Hofstra University’s South Campus. This includes the entire area of the Hofstra campus located south of Hempstead Turnpike, including both the east and west sides of California Avenue. On the North Campus, the policy of no smoking inside of buildings and at least 25 feet from the buffer zone remains in effect.

Where can I smoke on campus?

Smoking is allowed on the North Campus, at least 25 feet from the buildings and on public streets on the South Campus.

Why not just enforce the ‘perimeter policy’ of 25 feet?

Perimeter policies do not address the risk of secondhand smoke exposure. Secondhand smoke is the mixture of "sidestream" smoke emitted by the burning end of a cigar, cigarette, or pipe and "mainstream" smoke breathed out by a smoker. Because there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke, people who choose to smoke on campus negatively affect the health of all people around them. Even brief exposure to smoke as you are walking into a building can cause or exacerbate asthma attacks, allergies, and bronchitis.

How will this policy be enforced?

All Hofstra community members are responsible for complying with this policy. The University expects that both smokers and non-smokers will cooperate in adhering to this policy in an atmosphere of mutual respect and consideration. The University strongly encourages all community members to promote compliance with this policy by reminding others, as necessary, that South Campus is a smoke-free area. Public Safety Officers will instruct anyone observed smoking of the Smoke-Free Policy and to immediately cease smoking and advise them as to where they can go to smoke. If necessary, repeat offenders can be reported to the Department of Human Resources or the Dean of Students Office for appropriate action.

As per Hofstra Human Resources Policies and the Guide to Pride, Code of Community Standards, any community member that knowingly violates any University policy may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

It’s my right to smoke. You cannot take away my right to smoke.

Smoking is a personal choice. While it could be argued that a smoker is entitled to smoke if they wish, consideration must be given to the rights of nonsmokers who are exposed to that secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke constitutes a grave threat to the fundamental right of all persons to enjoy the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health (known as the “right to health”). A smoke-free policy does not take away an individual's right to smoke; it does limit the location where an individual uses it.ii A smoke-free policy respects an individual’s right to choose to use tobacco products off campus.

How will Hofstra University tell visitors about the smoke-free campus?

University “Smoke-Free” signs are installed across South Campus at entrance walkways, parking lots, building entrances, and along heavily trafficked areas. All cigarette containers (ashtrays) have been permanently removed from University property on the South Campus. Conference contracts will include information about the smoke-free policy.

How is the University assisting people who want to quit smoking?

For those people who want to reduce or quit smoking, there are many programs available. Visit the Hofstra University Health and Wellness Center Cessation Program, 516-463-6745, or the United States Department of Health and Human Services at smokefree.gov.

i Javier Vasques. (2008). "Human Rights & Health-Persons exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke" (Pan American Health Organization). Retrieved from https://www.who.int/hhr/activities/tool%20box%2010069_Smoker.pdf on 10/6/2014.

ii Javier Vasques. (2008). "Human Rights & Health-Persons exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke" (Pan American Health Organization). Retrieved from https://www.who.int/hhr/activities/tool%20box%2010069_Smoker.pdf on 10/6/2014.