Smoking Policy
Wesleyan University Tobacco and Vape-Free Policy
Because Wesleyan University is committed to providing a safe and healthy working and learning environment for the students, faculty, staff, and visitors on its campus, the university has adopted a tobacco and vape-free policy.
Section 1. Tobacco and Vaping Use Prohibited on Wesleyan University’s Campus
As of January 1st, 2022, the Wesleyan University campus shall be entirely vape free and tobacco-free. The Tobacco and Vape-Free Policy applies to all Wesleyan University facilities, property, and vehicles, owned or leased, regardless of location. Smoking and the use of tobacco or vape products shall not be permitted in any enclosed place, including, but not limited to, all offices, classrooms, hallways, waiting rooms, restrooms, meeting rooms, community areas, performance venues and private residential space within Wesleyan University housing. Vaping and the use of tobacco products shall also be prohibited outdoors on all Wesleyan University campus property, including, but not limited to, parking lots, paths, fields, sports/recreational areas, and stadiums, as well as in all personal vehicles while on campus. Littering the campus with the remains of tobacco and vape products or any other related waste product is prohibited. This policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, and other persons on campus.
Section 2. Definitions
A. “Electronic Delivery Smoking Device” or ENDS, means any product containing or delivering nicotine or any other substance intended for human consumption that can be used by a person in any manner for the purpose of inhaling vapor or aerosol from the product. The term includes any such device, whether manufactured, distributed, marketed, or sold as an e-cigarette, e-cigar, e-pipe, e-hookah, or vape pen, or under any other product name or descriptor.
B. “Hookah” means a water pipe and any associated products and devices which are used to produce fumes, smoke, and/or vapor from the burning of material including, but not limited to, tobacco, shisha, or other plant matter.
C. “Smoking” means inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted or heated cigar, cigarette, pipe, hookah, or any other lighted or heated tobacco or plant product intended for inhalation, including cannabis, whether natural or synthetic, in any manner or in any form. “Smoking” also includes the use of an electronic smoking device which creates an aerosol or vapor, in any manner or in any form, or the use of any oral smoking device for the purpose of circumventing the prohibition of smoking in this Article.
D. “Tobacco Product” means any substance containing tobacco leaf, including but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, hookah tobacco, snuff, chewing tobacco, dipping tobacco, bidis, blunts, clove cigarettes, or any other preparation of tobacco; and any product or formulation of matter containing biologically active amounts of nicotine that is manufactured, sold, offered for sale, or otherwise distributed with the expectation that the product or matter will be introduced into the human body by inhalation, ingestion, or absorption; but this does not include any cessation product specifically approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in treating nicotine or tobacco dependence.
Section 3. Dissemination of Policy; Signage
Copies of this policy shall be distributed to all faculty and staff. Information about the policy and how to comply with it shall also be posted on the Wesleyan University website. Announcements concerning the policy and any changes to it will be posted on the Wesleyan University website. Signs prohibiting smoking and the use of tobacco and vape products shall be posted on campus and at building entrances.
Section 4. Enforcement of Policy
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. Individuals found in violation of this policy may be given a warning regarding the policy and informed of resources available.
All members of the Wesleyan community share the responsibility to respect this policy. Through continued community support and voluntary compliance, the goal remains to foster behavior and culture change over time. The success of this policy depends upon the thoughtfulness and cooperation of all members of our community. All Wesleyan University community members share the responsibility of complying with this important policy through education, community support, and voluntary compliance.
Employees and members of the faculty are encouraged to contact the Human Resources Department or the Employee Assistance Program for information concerning cessation support and programs. Students are encouraged to reach out to WesWell, the Office of Health Education, and the Davison Health Center for cessation support and programs. Wesleyan has Tobacco Treatment Specialists on staff in WesWell, the Office of Health Education and the Davison Health Center to aid anyone who needs support in adjusting to this policy. Questions and problems regarding this policy should be directed towards WesWell, the Office of Health Education, the Dean of Students and Human Resources.
This policy shall be effective on January 1st, 2022.