Purpose

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

Scope

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

Definitions

Smoking: The burning of tobacco or any other material in any type of smoking equipment, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, or pipes.

South Campus Boundary: The entire area of the Hofstra campus located south of Hempstead Turnpike.

Policy

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 expands the University’s long-standing no smoking policy inside all campus buildings.

Implementation

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.

• 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.

• The University will offer smoking cessation programs during the course of the year to assist community members who wish to stop smoking.

• The University will undertake a publicity campaign to promote this policy, including HOFNEWS announcements, webpage information, and a FAQ.

• The Division of Student Enrollment, Engagement, and Success will undertake an informational campaign for students.

• This policy will be attached to all Facility Use Agreements so that visitors are informed of it.

• The University strongly encourages all community members to promote compliance by reminding fellow colleagues, as necessary, that South Campus is a smoke-free area.

• Public Safety Officers will inform anyone observed smoking that South Campus is a smoke-free zone and instruct them to stop immediately.

• Per Hofstra Human Resources Policies and the Guide to Pride, Code of Community Standards, any community member who 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.

Approval History

Approved by University Senate: 10/13/14

Approved by Faculty: 11/17/14

Approved by Provost: 12/8/14

Final approval by President: 12/9/14

Frequently Asked Questions

What does smoke-free mean? Smoke-free means the burning of tobacco or any other material in any type of smoking equipment, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, is not permitted.

What are the borders of the smoke-free environment? Smoking is not allowed on Hofstra University’s South Campus, which includes the entire area of the 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 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 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 walk into a building can cause or worsen 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 smokers and non-smokers to cooperate in an atmosphere of mutual respect. The University strongly encourages all community members to promote compliance by reminding others that South Campus is a smoke-free area. Public Safety Officers will instruct anyone observed smoking to immediately cease and advise them where they may smoke. Repeat offenders may be reported to the Department of Human Resources or the Dean of Students Office for appropriate action. Per Hofstra Human Resources Policies and the Guide to Pride, Code of Community Standards, any community member who knowingly violates any University policy may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

It’s my right to smoke. Can the University take away my right to smoke? Smoking is a personal choice. While a smoker may argue entitlement to smoke if they wish, consideration must also be given to the rights of nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke constitutes a serious threat to the right of all persons to enjoy the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. A smoke-free policy does not take away an individual’s right to smoke; it limits the location where that right may be exercised. A smoke-free policy respects an individual’s right to choose to use tobacco products off campus.

How will Hofstra University inform 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 who want to reduce or quit smoking, many programs are available. Visit the Hofstra University Health and Wellness Center Cessation Program at 516-463-6745, or the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

Related Policies and References

Hofstra University Emergency Response Plan

Hofstra Human Resources Policies

Hofstra University Guide to Pride, Code of Community Standards

Hofstra University Health and Wellness Center Cessation Program: 516-463-6745

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services