Towards a Tobacco Free Yale

Policy

As an institution of higher education which researches and treats the effects of smoking and tobacco use and cares deeply about the health of its students, faculty, staff and visitors, Yale embarked on a journey to create a tobacco free campus.  Smoking and the use of all tobacco products is detrimental to health, not only for those who use these products, but also for those exposed to second hand effects. Yale recognizes that quitting smoking is complex and difficult and founded this initiative on education and outreach rather than implementing a punitive policy.

As we continue to work towards the ultimate goal of becoming a smoke and tobacco free campus, smoking and the use of tobacco-derived or containing products is prohibited in all University indoor and outdoor spaces, and any property owned or leased by the University. University property includes, but is not limited to, parking lots, paths, fields, sports/recreational areas, theaters, museums, stadiums, facilities, buildings, and University vehicles, regardless of location.

Smoking is defined as inhaling or burning any lighted or heated tobacco or other substance, whether natural or synthetic, in any manner or any form. 

Prohibited substances are defined as any tobacco-derived or containing products and vaped substances, including but not limited to:

• Cigarettes (e.g., clove, bidis, kreteks)
• Electronic cigarettes and vaping substances and devices in all their forms, including but not limited to cigalikes, aerosol or vapor delivery devices, commonly known as ENDS- Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems
• Cigars and cigarillos
• Hookah smoked products, including but not limited to pipes, water pipes and other device using smoke and/or vapor
• Oral or nasal tobacco, including but not limited to spit and spitless, smokeless, chew, snuff

The sale or advertising of tobacco and other inhaled or burned substances is prohibited in University owned or occupied buildings. Federal and State law prohibits tobacco use where hazardous materials are present which includes loading docks and driveway areas.

Compliance

All members of the Yale community share responsibility to respect this policy. During this transitional stage, cigarette urns and designated smoking areas will continue to be phased out. Yale remains committed to providing comprehensive cessation support to those who choose to smoke off campus.