Tobacco-Free / Smoke-Free / Vape-Free Campus

The University of New Haven's campus in West Haven is a tobacco-free/smoke-free/vape-free zone.

The policy applies to all who set foot on the campus in West Haven – employees, students, visitors, guests, even contractors – and covers University facilities, outdoor areas, and University-owned vehicles. 

Frequently Asked Questions

The most-updated version of the document will always be available on this page.
The policy became effective June 1, 2015 on the campus in West Haven. An updated policy was released in January, 2020.
Smoking, vaping, and tobacco product use is prohibited in all facilities and areas of the University of New Haven's Main Campus. This includes, but is not limited to, all indoor and outdoor areas on the West Haven Campus. This policy applies to any individual on campus property, including but not limited to: students, employees, contractors, subcontractors, volunteers, visitors, and members of the public.

Tobacco use continues to be a leading cause of preventable illness and death in the United States. Hazards of second-hand tobacco smoke are well known. Tobacco is the only product that, when used as intended, leads to serious illness and premature death.

Source: American Lung Association, www.lungusa.org

We support a healthier future for all in our University community and in our nation. An initiative of the federal government called Healthy People 2020 recommends smoke-free environments as one way to promote good health and quality of life, healthy development, and healthy behaviors across all life stages. The University of New Haven students and employees agreed in a survey conducted in mid-April 2014.

Designated smoking areas are not consistent with the policy, and cause confusion about our message. Smoking areas do not create or promote a healthy environment.

Experiences on other college campuses and best practices pointed us in the direction of a comprehensive campus-wide Tobacco-Free and Smoke-Free Policy.

There is no "right" under either state or federal law. Court rulings maintain that tobacco users do not have the legal right to expose others to second-hand smoke, a class A Carcinogen.

In addition prohibiting smoking, and the use of tobacco products on campus preserves everyone’s right to breathe clean smoke-free air.

No, we are not saying you must quit smoking, but we are saying you can not use tobacco products while you are on University of New Haven property.

If you are ready to quit, we want to support you – contact Health Services at (203) 932-7079 for additional information see below for our Tobacco-Free Resources and Support list.

We ask that you help maintain a positive relationship with our neighbors. As a good citizen of our larger community, it is important to be respectful of our neighbors by keeping litter and smoke away from neighboring properties.

Any student of staff member engaging in conduct that violates any rule, regulation, policy, procedure or practice of the University, including the Tobacco-Free / Smoke-Free / Vape-Free Campus policy, may be subject to disciplinary action.

- Student violations: Will be reported to the Dean of Students Office.

- Employees: Supervisor will be notified.

Yes, Health Services Department will help with support and cessation resources. See below for our Resources and Support links or contact Health Services at (203) 932-7079 for additional information.

Resources and Support Links

Questions?

If you have questions or comments about the University of New Haven's Tobacco-Free Campus policy, please contact tobaccofree@newhaven.edu

Tobacco-Free/Smoke-Free/Vape-Free Campus Policy

Smoke-free policy