South Campus Smoke-Free Policy
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Smoke-free mean?
This includes the burning of tobacco or any other material in any type of smoking equipment, including but not restricted to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars or pipes.
What are the borders of the smoke-free environment?
Smoking is not allowed on Hofstra University’s South Campus. This includes the entire area of the Hofstra Campus located south of Hempstead Turnpike, including both the east and west sides of California Avenue. On the North Campus, the policy of no smoking inside of buildings and at least 25 feet from the buffer zone remains in effect.
Where can I smoke on campus?
Smoking is allowed on the North Campus, at least 25 feet from the buildings and on public streets on the South Campus.
Why not just enforce the ‘perimeter policy’ of 25 feet?
Perimeter policies do not address the risk of second-hand smoke exposure. Second-hand smoke is the mixture of “sidestream’ smoke emitted by the burning end of a cigar, cigarette, or pipe and “mainstream” smoke breathed out by a smoker. Because there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke, people who choose to smoke on campus negatively affect the health of all people around them. Even brief exposure to smoke as you are walking into a building can cause or exacerbate asthma attacks, allergies, and bronchitis.i
How will this policy be enforced?
All Hofstra community members are responsible for complying with this policy. The University expects that both smokers and non-smokers will cooperate in adhering to this policy in an atmosphere of mutual respect and consideration. The University strongly encourages all community members to promote compliance with this policy by reminding others, as necessary, that South Campus is a Smoke Free area. Public Safety Officers will instruct anyone observed smoking of the Smoke Free Policy and to immediately cease smoking and advise them as to where they can go to smoke. If necessary, repeat offenders can be reported to the Department of Human Resources or the Dean of Students Office for appropriate action.
As per Hofstra Human Resources Policies and the Guide to Pride, Code of Community Standards, any community member that knowingly violates any University policy may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.
It’s my right to smoke. You cannot take away my right to smoke.
Smoking is a personal choice. While it could be argued that a smoker is entitled to smoke if he or she wishes, consideration must be given to the rights of nonsmokers who are exposed to that secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke constitutes a grave threat to the fundamental right of all persons to enjoy the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health (known as the “right to health”). A smoke-free policy does not take away an individual’s right to smoke; it does limit the location where an individual uses it.ii A smoke-free policy respects an individual’s right to choose to use tobacco products off campus.
How will Hofstra University tell visitors about the smoke-free campus?
University “Smoke-Free” signs are installed across south campus at entrance walkways, parking lots, building entrances, and along heavily trafficked areas. All cigarette containers have been permanently removed from university property on the south campus. Conference contracts will include information about the smoke-free policy.
How is the university assisting people who want to quit smoking?
For those people who want to reduce or quit smoking, there are many programs available. Visit the Hofstra University Health and Wellness Center Cessation Program 516-463-6745, or the United States Department of Health and Human Services at smokefree.gov.
i Javier Vasques. (2008). “Human Rights &Health-Persons exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke” (Pan American Health Organization). Retrieved from https://www.who.int/hhr/activities/tool%20box%2010069_Smoker.pdf on 10/6/2014.
ii Javier Vasques. (2008). “Human Rights &Health-Persons exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke” (Pan American Health Organization). Retrieved from https://www.who.int/hhr/activities/tool%20box%2010069_Smoker.pdf on 10/6/2014.