Smoking Policy FAQs

Princeton University is committed to providing a healthy, smoke-free workplace and living environment. In order to protect the health and safety for all staff, faculty, students and visitors and in accordance with NJ regulation, the “New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act,” the University has established specific rules regarding smoking on campus, both indoors and outdoors, for all staff, faculty, students and visitors.

What is covered by the University’s policy?

Where may I find University policies about smoking on campus?

Who is covered by this policy?

What is a “partially enclosed area” and why is smoking prohibited in those spaces?

What are my responsibilities under the policy?

What should I do if I have a concern about smoke odors or intrusion into my workplace, dorm room, or University housing?

What should I do if I have concern about inappropriate smoking on campus?

What is covered by the University’s policy?

Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited in all workplaces, places of public access in University buildings, and outdoor spaces within 25 feet of all such buildings, including but not limited to:

  • All academic, residential, and administrative buildings and elevators;
  • Individual offices and rooms;
  • Athletic sporting facilities;
  • Spectator areas at outdoor University events;
  • University-owned vehicles, shuttle buses, and vans;
  • Dining facilities and bars;
  • Theaters and concert halls;
  • Partially enclosed areas such as archways, weather protected ramps, and tents;
  • Outdoor dining areas.

Where may I find University policies about smoking on campus?

The University policy on smoking is found in Rights, Rules, and Responsibilities, Section 1.6 Health and Safety Policies. 

The Office of Human Resources policy, affecting staff members, is found in Policies and Regulations, Section 5: Conditions of Employment, Part 5.1.5 Smoking Regulations

Who is covered by this policy?

Rights, Rules, Responsibilities is intended to provide a concise reference and guide for all members of the Princeton University community and includes brief statements of University policies most likely to be applicable to and of interest to all University constituencies. As such, the University’s policy about smoking on campus applies to all students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors (including contractors, vendors, event attendees, and all other campus visitors).

What is a “partially enclosed area” and why is smoking prohibited in those spaces?

There are a variety of areas on campus which are partially enclosed by weather protecting roofs or canopies, archways, or certain driveways or courtyards built below grade or enclosed by the arrangement of buildings or other structures.  Examples of partially enclosed areas (not an exhaustive list) could include:

  • All building archways, such as Blair arch;
  • Weather protected ramps, such as Dillon Court;
  • Weather protected structures, such as the Dinky Station;
  • Below grade driveways, such as the Frist Campus Center loading dock access;
  • Parking garages;
  • Tents (including open-sided canopies).

Air flow patterns may be disrupted by these partial enclosures, allowing secondhand smoke to linger in the area or intrude into adjacent buildings. 

What are my responsibilities under the policy?

All members of the campus community, including students, faculty, staff, and visitors, are expected to observe campus smoking prohibitions and disposed of any smoking materials in appropriate receptacles.

What should I do if I have a concern about smoke odors or intrusion into my workplace, dorm room, or University housing?

You should contact Environmental Health and Safety at 609-258-5294 to request assistance in determining the source of and possible solutions to prevent smoke odors or intrusion into your workplace, dorm room, or University housing.

You may contact Housing and Real Estate Services with concerns about smoking in dorms or other University housing units.

What should I do if I have concern about inappropriate smoking on campus?

There are a number of other avenues through which you may express concerns about inappropriate smoking on campus.  Employees should raise their concerns to their immediate supervisors or to the Office of Human Resources, while members of the faculty should contact the Dean of the Faculty. 

If you observe inappropriate smoking on campus and you are comfortable doing so, you may politely and courteously remind the person of the smoking prohibitions outlined in Rights, Rules, and Responsibilities.  If a simple request does not resolve the situation, you may also contact Environmental Health and Safety at 609-258-5294 during University business hours to express your concerns. 

Staff

 

Shaundree Davis
Assistant Director, Environmental Health
609-258-6256

Kelly States
Director of Campus Safety and Health
609-258-2648