University Smoking Policy

Policy Number	STU-C15-001
Effective Date	June 01, 2015 (Revised 2025)
Responsible Office/Person	Student Affairs; Human Resources
Related Policies	STU-004A Drug Policy

PURPOSE

The University's commitment to promoting a healthy and safe environment for all members of the UMass Dartmouth community, combined with its obligation to comply with local, state, and federal laws, requires clear policies on the use of tobacco, marijuana, and other smokeable products on campus. The purpose of this policy is to comply with applicable laws, including the Massachusetts Smoke-Free Workplace Law, which mandates that the UMass Dartmouth campus remain smoke-free, as well as the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, which prohibits the possession and use of marijuana, including medical marijuana, on the UMass Dartmouth campus.

APPLICABILITY

All students, faculty, staff, or guests who enter University Property as well as all individuals participating in any University-Sponsored Program or Activity.

POLICY
Consistent with UMass responsibilities under applicable law, UMass Dartmouth is completely smoke-free. Smoking tobacco and other smoking related products, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, electronic cigarettes and vaporizers, hookahs, and recreational and medical marijuana is prohibited at all times on University Property and in participation of University-Sponsored Programs or Activities. For avoidance of doubt, this prohibition applies to all University residence halls, including affiliated public, private partnership properties (P3) and their grounds, athletics facilities, clinics, laboratories, classrooms, private offices, balconies, plazas, vestibules, loading docks, as well as within close proximity to any building entrance, covered walkway or ventilation system. Signage will be posted and displayed in prominent, visible areas to inform all individuals entering or occupying the University Property that smoking of all types is prohibited.

The possession and/or use of marijuana, including medical marijuana, is prohibited at all times on the UMass Dartmouth campus. Although Massachusetts law now permits adults age 21 or older to possess and consume marijuana under certain circumstances, federal law prohibits the possession, use, or distribution of marijuana, including for medical purposes, on University Property or as part of a University- Sponsored Program or Activity. Thus, even if the possession or use of marijuana would be permitted under Massachusetts law, it remains prohibited on the UMass Dartmouth campus.

DEFINITIONS

Smoking. For purposes of this policy, smoking means inhaling, exhaling, burning, lighting or carrying any lighted or heated cigar, cigarette, pipe, electronic smoking device or any other lighted, heated, or vaporized product designed to be inhaled, whether that product contains tobacco, marijuana, or nicotine.

Marijuana. For purposes of this policy, marijuana means all parts of any plant of the genus Cannabis, whether growing or not; the seeds thereof; and resin extracted from any part of the plant. This includes products that have been manufactured and contain marijuana or an extract from marijuana, concentrated forms of marijuana, and products composed of marijuana and other ingredients that are intended for use or consumption, including edible products, beverages, topical products, ointments, oils and tinctures.

Tobacco. For purposes of this policy, tobacco means any natural or synthetic substance containing tobacco leaf, all tobacco-derived or containing products, including smoking-related products intended to mimic tobacco products, contain tobacco flavoring or deliver nicotine. This includes, but is not limited to: cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, pipes, hookahs, snuff, chewing tobacco, smokeless tobacco, bidis, blunts, or any other preparation of tobacco. This does not include cessation tools such as nicotine gum or patches.

COMPLIANCE

The success of this policy depends on the thoughtfulness, consideration, and cooperation of smokers and non-smokers. All members of the University community are responsible for complying with this policy while on University Property and/or participating in University-Sponsored Programs or Activities. Any individual can voice objections to smoke that gathers in any smoke-free area without fear of retaliation. Violations of this policy or other related University policies may be grounds for referral for University disciplinary action as reflected in the Student Code of Conduct and all relevant Human Resources policies.

RESOURCES

The following are resources that may be helpful for substance control.

617-624-5111