Smoke-Free Policy FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions: Mercy University Smoke-Free Policy
Note that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is offering consumers an online tool to report health problems stemming from using e-cigarettes, cigars, cigarettes, hookah tobacco, and other tobacco-related products. Learn more about this initiative.
Tobacco is defined as all tobacco and tobacco-derived products intended for human consumption including, but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, hookah or water-pipe devices, pipes, smokeless products, clove cigarettes, bidis, kreteks, electronic cigarettes, smokeless tobacco (chew), snus, Juuls, vape, etc.
Electronic cigarettes and other inhaling devices are not a safe alternative to traditional cigarettes. The FDA does not regulate these products, and nearly all of them contain nicotine and other very hazardous, harmful and addictive ingredients. See "Know the Risks" for additional information on these devices. Mercy’s policy aims to promote a healthy environment including cleaner, safer air where everyone can live, work and learn. Prohibiting these items is consistent with the intent of the policy. Smokeless tobacco is not a safe alternative.
It is in effect everywhere within the perimeter of Mercy University’s property, both indoors and outdoors, including campus student housing and grounds, any vehicle on Mercy property, including university-owned and personal vehicles, and at all university-sponsored off-campus events.
Being tobacco-free supports the campus’s priority of "wellness" while preserving respect for others and the environment. The policy prepares students for increasingly tobacco-free workplaces. Having designated smoking areas implies that tobacco use is acceptable. They have also been found not to work as people tend to stray from these areas while using tobacco.
No. Medically approved nicotine cessation products are not prohibited.
Everyone's responsibility as a campus community member is to comply with this policy in a courteous, respectful and cooperative manner. The policy is driven by respect for others and the environment and relies on the thoughtfulness, consideration and cooperation of tobacco users and non-users for its success. To that end, the policy will be enforced by the Office of Campus Safety. Reports of violations can be made to them, who in turn will work with the appropriate department depending on whether the violator is a student, faculty or staff member, or contractor, vendor or visitor. Each violation of this Policy is punishable by an administrative citation not exceeding fifty dollars ($50) and/or appropriate campus disciplinary procedures. However, no person shall be liable under this section unless said person shall have been previously given a warning by a person authorized to enforce this Policy or who exercises legal or actual control over the premises where smoking is prohibited.
Repeated non-compliance may be referred to the appropriate student conduct or employee supervisory system for resolution.
Students, faculty and staff are responsible for the behavior of their guests.
Jan. 1, 2025