Dominican University is committed to promoting the health and wellness of all students, employees and visitors. Health risks associated with tobacco/smoking/vaping are well documented and constitute significant health hazards. Therefore, as of June 1, 2020, the University has been designated a tobacco/smoke/vape free campus. This is a shared opportunity for all of us to empower each other to take steps towards a healthier lifestyle.
The mission of Dominican University “is to promote educational excellence, leadership, and service in an environment characterized by respect for the individual and the concern for the community.”
Consistent with our mission statement, the University has a responsibility not only to promote the prevention of illness but to set a positive example and demonstrate healthy lifestyles for the community it serves. Tobacco/smoking/vaping are widely recognized as major preventable causes of many diseases in smokers and non-smokers alike. There is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke. All faculty, staff, students, visitors, vendors, contract workers, volunteers, and any person coming on to the grounds and/or entering the buildings are required to comply with this policy.
Policy Statement
As of June 1, 2020, the University has been designated a tobacco/smoke/vape free campus. Prior to June 1, 2020, information was provided about this policy via orientations, digital signage, informational flyers, and in the handbook. Effective implementation of this policy depends on the courtesy, respect, and cooperation of all members of the Dominican University community.
Smoking and the sale or use of any tobacco and/or vapor products, including but not limited to, cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, pipes, vapor pipes, bongs, hookahs, oral tobacco (spit and spit-less, smokeless, chew, snuff) or any other tobacco material or device is strictly prohibited on the grounds of the campus, and on off-campus properties owned, leased or rented by the University. This includes but is not limited to:
- Classrooms
- Lecture halls
- Residences and residence hall
- Laboratories
- Administrative offices
- Work and study areas
- Reception areas
- Meeting rooms
- Lobbies, hallways and stairwells
- Elevators
- On-campus eating areas
- Lounges
- Restrooms
- Lawns and open spaces
- Patios and terraces
- Fields & athletic venues
- Outdoor paths and bridges
- Wooded areas
- Personal cars, parking lots and future garages
- All vehicles owned and/or leased by Dominican University and its affiliated organizations.
City-owned streets and sidewalks are excluded from this policy. Effective implementation of the Tobacco-Free Policy depends upon the courtesy, respect, and cooperation of all members of the Dominican University community.
Definitions
Smoking: Burning or heating any type of matter or substance that contains tobacco, and/or nicotine and marijuana, including but not limited to cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, pipes, vapor pipes, bongs, hookahs, oral tobacco (spit and spit-less, smokeless, chew, snuff) or any other tobacco material or device.
Secondhand Smoke: a mixture of the smoke and/or vapor given off by the burning or heated element of products.
E-cigarettes: E-cigarettes come in many shapes and sizes. Most have a battery, a heating element, and a place to hold a liquid. It produces an aerosol by heating a liquid that usually contains nicotine—the addictive drug in regular cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products—flavorings, and other chemicals that help to make the aerosol. Users inhale this aerosol into their lungs. Bystanders can also breathe in this aerosol when the user exhales into the air. E-cigarettes are known by many different names. They are sometimes called “e-cigs,” “e-hookahs,” “mods,” “vape pens,” “vapes,” “tank systems,” and “electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).” Some e-cigarettes are made to look like regular cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. Some resemble pens, USB sticks, and other everyday items. Larger devices such as tank systems, or “mods,” do not resemble other tobacco products. Using an e-cigarette is sometimes called “vaping.” E-cigarettes can be used to deliver marijuana and other drugs.
Heated Tobacco Products: These items are sometimes called “heat-not-burn” products. They can use an electronic heating element, stick, plug or capsules, or aerosol. Some have a sealed part of the device that heats loose tobacco, either alone or together with flowers from the marijuana (cannabis) plant. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/heated-tobacco-products/index.html
Youth Tobacco Prevention: Youth use of tobacco products in any form is unsafe, irrespective of whether it is smoked, smokeless, or electronic.
Tobacco Related Health Disparities: Although cigarette smoking has declined significantly since 1964, disparities in tobacco use remain across groups defined by race, ethnicity, educational level, and socioeconomic status and across regions of the country.
For tobacco data and statistics see the CDC website
Compliance and Enforcement
Employees and students who do not comply with this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary actions that accompany noncompliance with other University rules and/or policies.
Visitors, Guests, Volunteers, Trainees, Vendors, Contracted Parties, and Supplemental Staff
Organizers of and attendees at all events, such as conferences, meetings, lectures, social events, cultural events, and athletic events, including property rentals using University property, will be required to abide by the Dominican University Tobacco-Free Policy.
This policy applies to all members of the University community, including but not limited to, faculty, students, and staff. This includes those employed through contract agencies, contractors, vendors, and contracted parties. This policy applies to all guests, visitors, and any other individuals while on University property.
Helping our Community to Stop Using Tobacco / Quit Here!
American Cancer Society (1-800-227-2345) www.cancer.org Many cancer deaths could be prevented by making healthy choices like not smoking and eating right. Learn what else you can do to reduce your risk.
American Lung Association (1-800-LUNGUSA) www.lung.org Provides information on latest research on environmental and health topics as well as educational programs, and news on related fronts.
Become an EX (https://www.becomeanex.org/) Quitting tobacco means taking control of your life and making the change you want to make. We’re with you all the way.
Dominican University Health Center (845-848-7918) dcstudenthealth@duny.edu
Freedom From Smoking® (FFS) Program Adults who are ready to quit smoking. Because most people know that smoking is dangerous to their health, the program focuses almost exclusively on how to quit, not why to quit. Contact the Student Health Center at Phone: (845) 848-7918 for the next available appointment.
NY State Smokers Quitline (1-866-NY-QUITS) https://www.nysmokefree.com/ Specifically for those residingin NYS.
POW’R AGAINST TOBACCO (914-407-2302) http://www.powragainsttobacco.org/ (Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester Counties)
Rockland County Department of Health / Put It Out Rockland (845-364-2651) http://rocklandgov.com/departments/health/programs-and-services/quit-smoking-program/
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/quit-tobacco/
“Breathe Free DC” Committee
The Student-Lead Organization, which began during the summer of 2019, is responsible for all Smoke and Tobacco-Free Policies and activities at the university and in the community. All Dominican University Students are welcome to attend.