SCSU Tobacco Policy Statement

Smoking and tobacco use are prohibited in all facilities and areas of the Southern Connecticut State University campus with no exception. This includes, but is not limited to all indoor and outdoor areas and properties. Indoor areas and properties include, but are not limited to: all common areas, classrooms, residence halls, elevators, hallways, university-owned or-leased vehicles, garages, restrooms, dining areas, employee lounges, conference and meeting rooms, and all other enclosed areas on the campus. Outdoor areas include, but are not limited to: sidewalks, parking lots, grounds, courtyards, entrance and exit ways, and any other areas of the university campus. This policy applies to any individual on campus property, including but not limited to: students, faculty, staff, other employees, contractors, subcontractors, volunteers, visitors and members of the public, and is applicable twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week.

For purposes of this policy, “university campus” or “campus” includes those lands located, occupied or controlled by Southern Connecticut State University; those lands located in the city of New Haven and Hamden or any other lands or buildings occupied or controlled by Southern Connecticut State University. The President or his/her designee may allow tobacco or smoking for research purposes in a controlled laboratory setting that has proper ventilation from the toxins and secondhand smoke. Any facilities occupied or controlled by Southern Connecticut State University that are not on the university campus as defined above continue to be designated non-smoking facilities.

For purposes of this policy, “smoking” means inhaling, exhaling, burning, carrying, or possessing any lighted tobacco product, including cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, and any other lit tobacco products. For the purpose of this policy, “tobacco use” means the personal use of any above, as well as the use of an electronic cigarette or any other device intended to stimulate smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco, including snuff; chewing tobacco; smokeless pouches; and other form of loose-leaf, smokeless tobacco; and the use of unlit cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, hookah and any other device using smoke and vapor.

Fundamental traditional and ceremonial use of tobacco by Native American tribal members must be approved in advance by the Office of the Dean of Students.

Enforcement

The responsibility for the enforcement and communication of this policy rests with all members of the university community. This policy applies equally to students, employees and visitors. Those who violate the policy may be subject to disciplinary action or may be in violation of state law.