Smoke-Free Policy
As a leader in the health sciences, 91女神 understands that health is as important as education. Mercy is dedicated to providing a safe, healthy, comfortable, and productive living and learning environment for the entire campus community. Mercy also recognizes the overwhelming evidence collected by the US Surgeon General, CDC, EPA, as well as other agencies demonstrating tobacco is a leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the US. It affects both smokers and nonsmokers; it does not discriminate. Tobacco is a Class A carcinogen, the same as asbestos and there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke.
Research has shown that a smoke-free workplace can encourage smokers to quit or at least reduce the amount smoked. 99% of smokers start before age 26鈥攃ollege campuses can be critical in preventing young adults from starting tobacco use. 2/3 of NYS higher education institutions have a smoke-free policy in place鈥攚e are joining a good group.
As such, the Mercy tobacco, nicotine, marijuana, and electronic cigarette/electronic aerosol delivery device-free environment supports good health for the entire campus community.
Additional benefits include campus sustainability and beauty.
- 91女神 shall be entirely smoke-free effective January 1, 2025.
- This policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, contractors, vendors, and visitors who enter any property owned or controlled by the university (鈥淯niversity Community Members鈥).
- This policy applies to all university facilities, property, and vehicles, owned or leased, regardless of location.
- Smoking shall not be permitted in any enclosed place, including, but not limited to, all offices, classrooms, hallways, waiting rooms, restrooms, meeting rooms, community areas, performance venues, and private residential space within university housing. Smoking shall also be prohibited outdoors on all university campus property, including, but not limited to, parking lots, paths, fields, sports/recreational areas, and stadiums, as well as in all personal and university vehicles while on campus.