VI. General University Policies

D. Smoking

For some time, Colgate University has had a policy to restrict smoking in many areas of the campus, in accordance with New York state law. The University recognizes the increasing weight of scientific evidence that smoking is harmful not only to the smoker, but also to nonsmokers who become subject to secondary smoke and become "passive smokers" without choice. It is a goal of the University to reduce the health risks of faculty, staff and students. A significant means of accomplishing this goal is to reduce the exposure to smoke and its adverse effects. Therefore, further restraint of smoking is seen to be appropriate and beneficial to the University community at large. It is the policy and goal of the University to achieve a working and learning environment as close to smoke-free as possible.

To achieve this goal, all indoor areas of the University are designated as no-smoking areas, where no person shall smoke or carry a lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe, or any other form of smoking object. No-smoking areas include, but are not limited to classrooms, all offices, hallways and entranceways, restrooms, elevators, lecture and meeting rooms, lounges, libraries, bookstore, dining areas, gymnasiums, theater, bowling alley, student health center, and athletic facilities. Smoking is also prohibited in Colgate-owned vehicles.

Although all persons are strongly encouraged not to smoke at all on campus, exceptions to the above policy, where smoking technically is permitted, will be individual student dormitory rooms and outdoors. Smoking in Donovan's Pub will be permitted after 9:00 p.m. only.

This policy seeks the mutual cooperation, consideration, and thoughtfulness of smokers and nonsmokers. All faculty, staff and students share in the responsibility for adhering to and enforcing this policy and have the responsibility for bringing it to the attention of visitors. Supervisors are expected to implement this policy in their areas.

A complaint or concern regarding this policy should be promptly referred to the immediate supervisor or appropriate Dean or Vice President for resolution. Violations of this policy will be dealt with in a manner similar to violations of other University policies, with an attempt to resolve the problem as simply as possible, but allowing for the possibility of disciplinary action if necessary.