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Smoke-Free Policy

As of August 29, 1994, the State University of New York at Buffalo has become totally smoke free. Smoking is strictly prohibited in all University-owned and operated buildings, stadiums and outdoor events, and in all vehicles owned and operated by the University. Doorways areas and holding docks are considered part of the building.

Background

Health risks associated with smoking are well documented. Since 1990, when the University at Buffalo first restricted smoking, additional studies have indicated that exposure to second-hand smoke is a significant risk for the non-smoker. The University is responsible for providing a safe environment for its students, employees and visitors. Consequently, a smoke-free policy will be implemented.

Support

Understanding the addictive nature of smoking and that breaking the habit is extremely difficult for many people, the University will make every effort to assist those who elect to stop smoking and will offer smoking cessation programs. Interested employees should contact the appropriate personnel office and students should contact the Living Well Center.*

Other sources for information and/or assistance for employees and students seeking to quit smoking are:

Compliance

It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to observe this smoke-free policy and to remind others of their responsibility. Complaints relating to the implementation of this policy should be referred to the appropriate department/division head. In "common" areas, those responsible for assisting with complaint resolution will be clearly posted. If a resolution cannot be reached by the department/division head, the matter should be referred to either the appropriate personnel office (see addresses and phone numbers below) or in the case of students, to the Office of Judicial Affairs/Ombudsman. Established rules and regulations regarding policy violations will be implemented according to one's University status (i.e., student or employee). In addition to being charged with violating the smoke-free policy, unresponsive individuals may also be charged with failure to comply with the reasonable request of a University administrator. Should someone not comply with a reasonable request, Public Safety may be involved.

Visitors must observe this smoke-free policy. Department heads and building coordinators, and sponsors/hosts of University events are responsible for visitors' compliance with the University's smoke-free policy. Visitors who smoke will be requested to extinguish the cigarette, cigar, pipe, etc. and will be informed of the policy. Refusal to do so will constitute a violation of the policy and will result in removal from or denial of re-admittance to, the building or event.

Other resources:

Rush North Shore Medical Center: Good Health Program Quitting Smoking
Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Smoking Quit Tips

March 16, 2005 11:37 AM