More than one-third of educational institutions in New York are now smoke-free or
tobacco-free. In 2012, SUNY Trustees passed “Tobacco-Free SUNY,” a resolution in favor
of the NYS legislature requiring all SUNY schools to establish 100% tobacco-free campus
policies. The importance of creating a tobacco-free college culture based on respect
for others and the environment has taken hold in New York. Almost half of our sister
community colleges have gone tobacco- or smoke-free, including Ulster, Hudson Valley,
Rockland, Cayuga, Adirondack, Schenectady, Broome, Columbia-Greene, and Westchester.
It’s on the horizon for virtually all of the others. All 23 City University of New
York campuses are now tobacco-free, as are many of the SUNY four-year institutions.
Dutchess Community College is now a completely tobacco-free environment. The ban includes
cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, pipes, vaping, snus, dip and all
related products. Use of these products is prohibited on all college property.
The College worked closely with our state partners at the local tobacco-free Action
Communities coalition to make this happen, and we're proud to have joined the colleges
they’ve already helped transition to tobacco- or smoke-free.
A task force of volunteers from the campus community, with student, faculty and staff
representation, facilitated the transition and ensured that education and other resources
were available to help those who wished to stop smoking.
Why go smoke- or tobacco-free on campus?
- Promote respect for others and for the campus environment.
- Create an environment that helps students, staff and faculty to stop using tobacco
or never start. (Evidence suggests that tobacco-free campus policies reduce smoking
prevalence among those on campus.)
- Avoid undermining the health of our young people by unintentionally supporting the
development of what is often a lifelong addiction.
- Reduce exposure to secondhand smoke. (Secondhand tobacco smoke is classified by the
Environmental Protection Agency as a Class A carcinogen, the same as asbestos, and
there is no safe level of exposure. Evidence suggests that short-term exposure to
secondhand smoke, even outdoors, puts people at risk, especially those with pre-existing
cardiac and respiratory conditions.)
- Enhance the campus’ image as a clean and healthy environment.
Thank you for your cooperation in creating a healthier environment for all at DCC.
Do You Smoke?
Now is a great time to quit.
Free cessation products and additional support are available through New York Quits.
1-866-NY-QUITS | www.nysmokefree.com
For more information on these programs, please contact the Counseling Office at 431-8692.