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We’ve been thinking about it for a while, and now it's official: the University of New Haven's campuses in West Haven and Orange are tobacco-free/smoke-free/vape-free zones.

The policy will apply to all who set foot on the campuses in West Haven (Main, North, and Saw Mill) and Orange – employees, students, visitors, guests, even contractors – and will cover University facilities, outdoor areas, and University-owned vehicles. The University of New Haven is not the first university to go tobacco-free, but we certainly don't want to be the last. It’s time.

We announced the new policy months in advance to give everyone a chance to adjust. Part of that adjustment may be a decision on some people’s part to quit smoking/vaping and, if that’s the case, we want to let them know that the University will continue to offer resources to help them with this tough, but life-changing, decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1. Where can I read the full text of the Tobacco-Free/Smoke-Free/Vape-Free Campus Policy?

  The most-updated version of the document will always be available on this page.

• 2. When did the policy go into effect?

  The policy became effective June 1, 2015 on the campuses in West Haven (Main, North, and Saw Mill) and Orange, CT. An updated policy was released in January, 2020.

• 3. What is banned under the policy?

  Smoking, vaping, and tobacco product use is prohibited in all facilities and areas of the University of New Haven's campuses. This includes, but is not limited to, all indoor and outdoor areas on the Main, North, Sawmill, and Orange Campuses. This policy applies to any individual on campus property, including but not limited to: students, employees, contractors, subcontractors, volunteers, visitors, and members of the public.

• 4. Why was smoking, vaping, and tobacco use selected versus other health risks to address?

  Tobacco use continues to be a leading cause of preventable illness and death in the United States. Hazards of second-hand tobacco smoke are well known. Tobacco is the only product that, when used as intended, leads to serious illness and premature death.

  Source: American Lung Association,

• 5. Why go Tobacco-Free / Smoke-Free / Vape-Free?

  We support a healthier future for all in our University community and in our nation. An initiative of the federal government called Healthy People 2020 recommends smoke-free environments as one way to promote good health and quality of life, healthy development, and healthy behaviors across all life stages. The University of New Haven students and employees agreed in a survey conducted in mid-April 2014.

• 6. Why no designated smoking areas on campus?

  Designated smoking areas are not consistent with the policy, and cause confusion about our message. Smoking areas do not create or promote a healthy environment.

  Experiences on other college campuses and best practices pointed us in the direction of a comprehensive campus-wide Tobacco-Free and Smoke-Free Policy.

• 7. What about the "rights of the smoker"?

  There is no "right" under either state or federal law. Court rulings maintain that tobacco users do not have the legal right to expose others to second-hand smoke, a class A Carcinogen.

  In addition prohibiting smoking, and the use of tobacco products on campus preserves everyone’s right to breathe clean smoke-free air.

• 8. Do students, employees and visitors have to quit using tobacco products?

  No, we are not saying you must quit smoking, but we are saying you can not use tobacco products while you are on University of New Haven property.

  If you are ready to quit, we want to support you – contact Health Services at (203) 932-7079 for additional information see below for our Tobacco-Free Resources and Support list.

• 9. What about smoking in neighborhoods and sidewalks surrounding the campus?

  We ask that you help maintain a positive relationship with our neighbors. As a good citizen of our larger community, it is important to be respectful of our neighbors by keeping litter and smoke away from neighboring properties.

• 10. How will the Tobacco-Free / Smoke-Free / Vape-Free Policy be enforced?

  Any student of staff member engaging in conduct that violates any rule, regulation, policy, procedure or practice of the University, including the Tobacco-Free / Smoke-Free / Vape-Free Campus policy, may be subject to disciplinary action.

  - Student violations: Will be reported to the Dean of Students Office.

  - Employees: Supervisor will be notified.

• 11. Will there be help and support, if I want to quit smoking, vaping, or tobacco use?

  Yes, Health Services Department will help with support and cessation resources. See below for our Resources and Support links or contact Health Services at (203) 932-7079 for additional information.

Resources and Support Links

"Smokefree.gov is intended to help you or someone you care about quit smoking."

"New CDC study finds dramatic increase in e-cigarette-related calls to poison centers." 

"Whether you're a smoker, someone who uses smokeless tobacco, or just someone trying to help a friend or loved one, you'll find the information you need." 

"The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through Education, Advocacy and Research." 

"The EX Plan is a free quit smoking program, one that can show you a whole new way to think about quitting."

A quitting site provided by GlaxoSmithKline.

An educational campaign for the U.S. military, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense.

"The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which is one of 11 agencies that compose the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)." 

or 1-800-QuitNow
"When you join our FREE program we'll help you create an easy-to-follow Quitting Plan that will show you how to get ready, take action and then live the rest of your life as a non-smoker."