Smoke-Free Environment Policy

Policy Statement

Lesley University is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all members of the Lesley community, while respecting the individual rights of all members. This policy is intended to protect all persons from exposure to second-hand smoke and the direct effects of smoke. Consistent with these goals and in the support of the Massachusetts Public Laws and the City of Cambridge laws regarding smoking, the following policy has been established.

Definition

The term "smoking" means inhaling, exhaling, lighting, burning, or carrying any lighted or heated cigarette, cigar, pipe, hookah, marijuana (including medical marijuana), or any other product or substance that is intended for smoking. “Smoking” also includes the use of an electronic smoking device that creates a vapor, including e-cigarettes, e-cigars, e-pipes, e-hookahs, vape pens, etc.

Smoking Prohibitions

Smoking is prohibited in all Lesley University indoor facilities. This includes without limitation all indoor space: private faculty and administrative offices, common work areas, auditoriums, classrooms, labs, conference and meeting rooms, libraries, art studios, art galleries, fitness facilities, dorms, residence halls, elevators, hallways, storage closets, basements, kitchens, cafeterias, lounges, staircases, parking garages/lots, restrooms, and commercial and residential leased spaces.

Smoking is also prohibited in all Lesley University vehicles and vehicles used for University business, including shuttle buses and vans.

Smoking is also prohibited in all outdoor locations at Lesley University except for those spaces designated as smoking areas. These areas may be modified from time to time. There are four designated smoking areas located throughout the University campus. The locations of the designated smoking areas were selected to protect the safety of smokers, to ensure that smoke does not filter into buildings, to protect neighboring properties and neighbors from second-hand smoke, and to provide access to designated smoking areas for smokers. Since our campuses are unique in their design and neighborhood relationships, the size and condition of the spaces vary based on available space. The University requests that all smokers using designated smoking areas properly extinguish and discard smoking products and not litter the surrounding areas.

The designated smoking areas are located as follows:

• Doble Campus (Quad) - There are two designated smoking areas: the first located on the concrete pad on Mellen Way next to the bike racks beneath the Public Safety Office's window, and the other behind 11 Mellen Street and 16-18 Wendell Street on the brick patio near the fence.

• Porter Campus - There are two designated smoking areas: the first located to the right of the back door (when entering the building) of University Hall near the loading dock area but under the cover, and the other in front of the farthest garage door (when entering) at 815 Somerville Avenue.

The Brattle campus is a “smoke-free” campus; no smoking is allowed anywhere on the campus.

No advertising, promotional signage, or other sponsorships of tobacco products is permitted at any University-sponsored event. No sale of tobacco or other smoking products shall be permitted in any University-related space or vending machine.

In addition, despite changes to Massachusetts law, the use, possession, purchase, processing, and manufacturing of marijuana – including medical marijuana – remain prohibited under federal law and, thus, are prohibited everywhere on campus.

Education and Treatment

The Office of Student Health Services has developed resources to assist students who wish to quit smoking. Students should contact the Office of Student Health Services for additional information.

To assist employees who wish to quit smoking, the University has developed a list of resources, including a smoking cessation program through the University’s group health insurance plan, and educational materials and referral services for all employees regardless of insurance status. Employees should contact the Office of Human Resources for additional information.

Consequences of Policy Violations

It is the responsibility of all students, employees, visitors, and contractors to observe this policy. Cooperation and consideration between smokers and non-smokers are essential to assure the success of this policy. Students and employees are responsible for informing visitors and guests of this policy and directing smokers to designated smoking areas.

Members of the community who violate this policy, either through their own actions or the actions of their guests, will be required to provide their name and dorm/office location to Public Safety Officers or Resident Life Staff, if requested. After an initial warning, violators of this policy may be subject to progressive discipline or fines and other sanctions. The Dean of Students has instituted a progressive fine procedure for students and continued violations may result in further administrative actions. For employees, the regular progressive disciplinary procedures will be used.

A scent of tobacco or vaping strong enough to suggest that someone has been smoking or vaping in any University room, building, or vehicle, or other prohibited location constitutes a violation of this policy.

A scent of marijuana strong enough to suggest that someone has been smoking or using marijuana anywhere on campus, including in any University room, building, vehicle, or in any outdoor location, constitutes a violation of the Student Drugs and Alcohol Policy and the Employee Drugs and Alcohol Policy.

Any complaint, concern, or dispute regarding this policy should be promptly referred for resolution to the Dean of Students for students and the Director of Human Resources for employees.

Policy Changes

The University reserves the right to review and/or change this policy at any time in accordance with any changes in federal, state, or local law, or University rules and regulations.

Revised 12/13/16