Columbia University Housing

New Smoking Policy (Effective 5/22/08)

Recognizing the demonstrated health and safety risks of smoking, that the majority of undergraduate students do not use tobacco (Columbia University ACHA-NCHA, 2005), the New York State law prohibiting smoking in campus housing, and that many students have expressed a desire for smoke-free living spaces, all Columbia owned and operated undergraduate housing spaces (including, but not limited to, residence halls, fraternity and sorority housing, and other group residential facilities.) are designated as nonsmoking.

Due to the safety and health risks, the University requests that those who choose to smoke do at least 20 feet away from undergraduate housing and dining buildings. Further, marketing, advertising, sampling, sales, or other distribution of tobacco products in or within 20 feet of an undergraduate housing property is prohibited. Smoking devices including, but not limited to, hookas & water pipes, other pipes, and vaporizers are prohibited in all undergraduate housing property and surrounding area. Enforcement of the policy is the responsibility of all members of the Columbia community and may be reported to any member of the Residential Programs, Housing, or Public Safety staff.