TAP No. 25: Smoking

Duquesne University has a vital interest in maintaining a healthy and safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. It is for this reason that Duquesne University prohibits smoking in University buildings. For purposes of this policy, the term ‘smoking' shall include the use of all tobacco based products as well as electronic smoking devices. This policy also ensures compliance with the Pennsylvania Clean Indoor Air Act, 35PS230.1 and title Six of Chapter 617 of the City of Pittsburgh Code and Allegheny County Ordinance No 23-06-OR, as amended.

Smoking is prohibited in all University buildings, including but not limited to classrooms, administrative offices, private offices and other workplaces, eating facilities, lobbies, restrooms, libraries, auditoriums, recreational facilities (including Rooney Field and the Gumberg Library Plaza) and in residence halls. Smoking will also be prohibited at least twenty five feet in front of all building entrances or near air intake vents that may direct smoke into buildings. Smoking is also prohibited in departmental motor vehicles.

The success of this policy depends upon the thoughtfulness, consideration of smokers and non-smokers. All employees and students share in the responsibility for adhering to this policy. However, any disputes or complaints regarding the implementation of this policy should be referred to the immediate supervisor for resolution. Non-employees (students and visitors) may address complaints to Deans or Department Heads whose offices are located in the building where the violation occurs or to the supervisor of the smoker if known. The Office of Human Resource Management is available to provide guidance and clarification of this policy and assist in the resolution of disputes.

Scope

This policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, and visitors. 

Purpose

Duquesne University has a vital interest in maintaining a healthy and safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. It is for this reason that Duquesne University prohibits smoking in Duquesne University buildings. The purpose of this policy is to explain, outline, and define the details of the smoking policy as set by Duquesne University.

I Overview

A. Policy

  1. For purposes of this policy, the term ‘smoking' shall include the use of all tobacco-based products as well as electronic smoking devices (such as vape pens). 
  2. Smoking is prohibited in all University buildings, including but not limited to classrooms, administrative offices, private offices and other workplaces, eating facilities, lobbies, restrooms, libraries, auditoriums, recreational facilities (including Rooney Field, the Gumberg Library Plaza, and other outdoor sources as designated by University signage) and in residence halls.
  3. Smoking will also be prohibited at least twenty-five feet in front of all building entrances or near air intake vents that may direct smoke into buildings. Smoking is also prohibited in departmental motor vehicles.

B. Disputes

Disputes or complaints regarding the implementation of this policy should be referred to the immediate supervisor for resolution. Non-employees (students and visitors) may address complaints to Deans or Department Heads whose offices are located in the building where the violation occurs or to the supervisor of the smoker if known. The Office of Human Resources is available to provide guidance and clarification of this policy and assist in the resolution of disputes.

III Related Information 

(For example, links to other related TAPs, business operating procedures, departmental guidelines, etc.):

This policy also ensures compliance with the Pennsylvania Clean Indoor Air Act, 35PS230.1 and title Six of Chapter 617 of the City of Pittsburgh Code and Allegheny County Ordinance No 23-06-OR, as amended.

IV Violations

Violations of this policy will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are subject to formal disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

V History

Date of most recent revision. February 2023.

VI Ownership of Policy

Human Resources and Environmental Health and Safety