Tobacco Free Campus Policy

1. Tobacco Use Prohibitions

               A. SUNY Geneseo prohibits Smoking and the use of all Tobacco Products on all College Property, regardless of location.

               B. Smoking and the use of Tobacco Products shall not be permitted on or in any College Property including, but not limited to any enclosed place, athletic facility, office, classroom, hallway, waiting room, restroom, meeting room, community  area, performance venue and private residential space within SUNY Geneseo owned or operated housing.

               C. Smoking and the use of Tobacco Products shall also be prohibited outdoors on all College Property, including, but not limited to, walkways, roadways, parking lots, sidewalks, paths, fields, sports/recreational areas, the Arboretum, and stadiums.

2. Advertising and Sale 

              A. In further recognition of the incompatibility of the College’s educational mission and the promotion of Tobacco Products and Smoking, the College prohibits any advertising or sale, or free sampling of Tobacco Products on College Property.

              B. No Tobacco or Smoking-related advertising or sponsorship shall be permitted on College Property, at College sponsored events, or in publications produced or funded by the College.  Advertising in a newspaper or magazine that is not produced or funded by the College and which is lawfully sold, bought, or distributed on College Property is exempted. For the purposes of this policy, "Tobacco and Smoking related" applies to the use of a tobacco brand or corporate name, trademark, logo, symbol, or motto, selling message, recognizable pattern or colors, or any other indicia of product identical to or similar to, or identifiable with, those used for any brand of Tobacco Products or company which manufactures Tobacco or Smoking products.

             C. No Tobacco Products or paraphernalia or Smoking products or paraphernalia shall be sold or distributed as samples on College Property, either in vending machines, or any area on College Property.

3. Exemptions

        A. Smoking devices or Tobacco Products may be permitted under the following circumstances:

                        a. Sponsored research in a controlled laboratory setting involving Smoking devices or Tobacco Products, provided the Principal Investigator for the project obtains the prior written approval of the Director of Sponsored Research and a waiver is requested and granted in accordance with sponsored research requirements, if any. Smoke, like any other laboratory air contaminant, shall be controlled. The designs for designated laboratories must be approved by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.

                       b. The use of tobacco products is permitted when used in connection with the practice of cultural activities by American Indians that are in accordance with the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, 42 U.S.C. sections 1996 and 1996a allowing for the use of ceremonial tobacco. All ceremonial use exceptions must be approved in advance by [College President or name the applicable authority].

4. Compliance and Enforcement

               A. Effective implementation of this Policy relies on the courtesy, respect and cooperation of all members of the College community.

              B. All administrators/department heads and residence hall directors have an obligation to be aware of the Policy and ensure that their subordinates are aware of this Policy and their responsibility. It is the administrators/department heads responsibility to assure that this Policy is communicated to everyone within their jurisdiction including all employees, students, clients and visitors.

             C. The intent and purpose of the Policy is to promote a healthy and positive work environment for all employees and the entire Campus community. It will not be used to discipline employees. 

            D. If a person is seen using Smoking devices or Tobacco Products on College Property, an individual may inform the user of this Policy and request compliance with this Policy, and/or the individual may contact:

                 a. The  Office of Human Resources when the concern is related to a college faculty or staff member. Human Resources will notify and consult with the employee’s manager.

                 b. The Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, or a designee of the office, when the concern is related to a student.

                 c. The Office of Facilities Planning when the concern is related to a college design or construction contractor.

                 d. The appropriate venue/building manager when the concern is related to a user or guest of a college venue/building.

                 e. Campus Auxiliary Services (CAS) when the concern is related to CAS employees, contractors, affiliates, visitors or vendors.

          E. If the alleged violator’s name or affiliated entity name is provided, the appropriate office, as set forth above, will contact the violator or affiliated entity about the Tobacco and Smoke-free Campus Policy and request future compliance with the Policy. 

          F. The alleged violator will meet with their manager to review the Tobacco-Free Campus Policy and confirm compliance with the Policy.

          G. Repeat violations by the same student will result in a referral to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards. Students will be referred to the Addiction Counseling & Prevention program for educational counseling and smoking cessation resources. 

          H. Repeat violations by the same employee will result in a referral to the Office of Human Resources.  Human Resources will notify and consult with the employee’s manager. Educational counseling and smoking cessation resources will be made available using a referral process to the College’s Employee Assistance Program.

          I. Per the fire code of New York State, smoking and vaping in any way are not allowed in residence halls.

          J. As with all college matters, the University Police Department (UPD) should only be called for assistance if a potential violation of New York State and/or Federal law (such as threats of violence, actual violence or property damage) may be occurring in conjunction with a potential violation of this policy. UPD can be reached at 585-245-5651 for non-emergencies.

 This policy will supersede any and all previous Smoke- and Tobacco-Free Campus Policy. 

CESSATION

Understanding the addictive nature of tobacco, nicotine, and electronic cigarette/electronic aerosol delivery devices use and that breaking that addiction is extremely difficult for many people, the university will make every reasonable effort to assist those employees and students who wish to stop using tobacco, nicotine, and electronic cigarette/electronic aerosol delivery devices. The campus will promote and provide evidence-based cessation resources. Students can access cessation treatment, including counseling and nicotine replacement therapy through the Addiction Counseling & Prevention program. Employees can access support through the Employee Assistance Program. Please note that medically approved nicotine replacement therapy is not a violation of the Policy.

 Local:  

• Rochester Regional Health-Classes offered:  Smoking Cessation Program or 585-368-4567
• URMC-individual or group sessions Nicotine Dependence Treatment or 585 602-0720

 Statewide:  

• NYS Smokers’ Quitline 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) or www.nysmokefree.com
• New York State Tobacco Control Program https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/tobacco_control/program_components.htm
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:  https://smokefree.gov/

By Health Insurance Plan:

• Empire Plan: The Empire Plan Prescription Drug Program covers smoking cessation treatments with a prescription from your doctor, subject to applicable copayments. For more detailed information, please review the publication titled Reporting on Smoking Cessation as well as the customized Empire Plan Mental Health and Substance Use Program website.
• MVP: MVP Case Management has the tools to help you quit. Learn more or connect with a case manager or Call MVP Case Management at 1-866-942-7966. Online sessions available at:  sphp.com/quitsmoking. 
• Blue Choice: Blue Choice offers a 24/7 nurse line to a Smoking Cessation program through the Wellframe app, as well as coverage for prescriptions. For more detailed information, please review the website or call the number on your Member Card for personalized care.
• Highmark BCBS of WNY: Highmark BCBS offers the Roswellness InhaleLife program, a national program available to all members. To enroll, call toll-free 1-877-500-2393, or access the online enrollment page at www.nysmokefree.com

The SUNY Geneseo EAP coordinators are also available for referrals. You may reach an EAP coordinator by calling 585-245-5740. Additionally, the Statewide EAP hotline is available at 1-800-822-0244.