Smoke-free for a healthier Rowan University

Dear Rowan Community,

As part of our continued commitment to maintaining healthy and safe environments for all, we are pleased to inform you that all of Rowan University’s campuses will be smoke free beginning in January.

The policy change has been discussed for several years, with the University Senate and Student Government Association passing resolutions of support last spring.

While some of our campuses have been tobacco free for many years, we now have a University-wide policy to prohibit smoking and the use of tobacco and tobacco-like products on all campuses.

The policy applies to all Rowan employees, students and visitors and includes all University buildings, grounds, facilities, and vehicles. That includes outdoor areas on Rowan properties, including parking lots, fields, paths, sports and recreational areas, and personal vehicles parked on campus.

Tobacco or tobacco-like devices includes electronic smoking devices, such as e-cigarettes or vape pens, as well as chewing and dipping tobacco.

Our “Breathe Easy” policy is based on sound research. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease, disability and death. The CDC notes that, each year, nearly 500,000 Americans die prematurely of smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke.

Moreover, the CDC notes that e-cigarettes are unsafe, especially for young people, and can contain nicotine and other harmful substances.

Furthermore, New Jersey statutes state that the right of the non-smoker to breathe clean air supersedes the right of the smoker to smoke. As I’m sure you’re aware, secondhand smoke can cause disease and premature death in those who don’t smoke.

Very soon, you will see signs across our campuses informing you of the new “Breathe Easy” policy. You can learn more about “Breathe Easy” on the Wellness Center website. The site includes an extensive list of FAQs, as well as resources for those who wish to quit tobacco use.

Some of the most pressing questions include:

Who is affected by this policy? 
The policy will apply to everyone who is on University-owned property. All employees, students, visitors, vendors, and contractors are required to comply with the guidelines and refrain from using tobacco products on our campuses. 

What are the borders of the tobacco-free environment? 
The legal property lines of all University facilities constitute the boundaries of the smoke- and tobacco-free environment. This includes any area of any building, parking areas, on the grounds and wooded areas, or in any facility owned, leased, or controlled by the University, regardless of whether the area or facility is an indoor place or is outdoors. Sidewalks adjacent to local, county or state roads are public property and not a part of Rowan University. 

How will the smoke- and tobacco-free policy be enforced?
Based on the guiding principle of respect for all, an educational approach will be used to enforce this policy. We recognize that tobacco use is an addiction and the University will provide education, peer support and encouragement to those who wish to go smoke and tobacco free as we transition to a healthier campus environment.

Best practices suggest that these changes in culture can happen with everyone working to be respectful of the policy. Repeated abuse of the policy will be addressed through the Student Conduct Office for students and Human Resources for employees. Compliance can be achieved through consistent messaging and policy education. 

Together, we can continue to work to make Rowan University a healthy institution for all.

Very truly yours,

Tony Lowman
Provost

Terri Drye
Chief Human Resource Officer
Chief Administrative Officer, Virtua Health College

Kevin S. Koett
Vice President of Student Life/Dean of Students
Division of Student Life

Scott Woodside 
Director for the Wellness Center