Frequently Asked Questions | Springfield College

You may be wondering how the smoke-free, tobacco-free policy impacts you. We can help answer your questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Springfield College smoke- and tobacco-free?

Springfield College is committed to promoting the health and wellness of our students, faculty, and staff by providing a living, working, and learning environment free of the negative effects of tobacco products and smoke. 

Springfield College recognizes that tobacco use is the number one cause of premature death in the United States and by becoming tobacco-free we will be joining about 1,500 other colleges and universities across the nation in becoming smoke- and tobacco-free. A smoke- and tobacco-free environment contributes to the learning environment by protecting the health of all members of the campus community from smoke exposure, as well as protecting our environment from toxic waste.

A complete list of tobacco and smoke free colleges and universities is available at Tobacco Free Campuses.

Do smoke- and tobacco-free policies actually work?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, policies establishing tobacco-free environments have shown to be very effective in reducing exposure to secondhand smoke, as well as reducing daily cigarette consumption among smokers.

What does this actually mean for the Springfield College community?

With this policy, the use of all smoking and tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, is prohibited on all campuses, buildings, parking lots, vehicles, and outdoor areas owned and/or operated by Springfield College.

Are e-cigarettes prohibited in this policy?

Yes. The policy applies to electronic cigarettes. Electronic cigarettes contain nicotine or other unhealthy or unsafe products and pose health risks to users and to the public. In the best interest of the health and well-being of all members of the Springfield College community, electronic cigarettes are prohibited.

Is the use of hookahs prohibited on campus?

Yes. The policy does not permit the use of hookah to consume tobacco or tobacco products (including shisha) on campus.

Are there any designated smoking areas on campus?

No. There are no designated smoking areas anywhere on campus. 

How was the Springfield College community involved in the decision to become smoke and tobacco-free?

Extensive assessment was done by a task force inclusive of students, faculty, and staff in 2011 with a report being generated recommending the College become a smoke-free, tobacco-free campus. This recommendation was not adopted at that time.

In 2015, President Mary-Beth Cooper appointed a study circle committee to re-examine the concept and original proposal. Assessment was done again using methods of focus groups, open forums, and online surveys with a similar recommendation to President Cooper.

Who made the decision to adopt this policy?

The decision was made by the Springfield College President and senior leadership team, while taking into consideration feedback and questions from the community through the 2011 assessment and 2015 Study Circle.

When does the smoke and tobacco-free policy go into effect?

The policy went into effect on Jan. 1, 2017.

How is this policy enforced?

We regularly remind students, faculty, staff, and visitors of the prohibition of all smoke and tobacco products on all Springfield College property, including posting signage to indicate Springfield College is a smoke- and tobacco-free campus. We also provide support to the community to help everyone create a smoke and tobacco-free environment.

What about the safety of individuals who choose to go off campus to smoke, particularly resident students at night?

Safety is a concern for all members of the community, tobacco users and non-users, both on and off the campus. Individuals who choose to go off campus to use tobacco products would not be at any greater risk than others who choose to go off campus for other reasons. All members of the Springfield College community should follow recommended personal safety precautions, which can be found on the Springfield College Public Safety website.

What about employees of Springfield College vendors who work on campus?

The smoke- and tobacco-free policy applies to everyone on campus, including vendor employees and all visitors. We will continue to communicate the new policy to our vendor management teams in advance so that they can provide necessary support to their employees when Springfield College transitions to a smoke- and tobacco-free campus.

Will visitors who smoke or use tobacco products feel unwelcome on campus as a result of the policy?

The Springfield College smoke- and tobacco-free policy will be communicated in a respectful manner to ensure that everyone, including all visitors, continue to feel welcome on campus.

As a community, we will help visitors understand the policy and assist with directions to nearby off-campus locations for anyone who might need to use tobacco products while visiting Springfield College.

As noted above, the goal of this policy is to promote the health and wellness of our students, faculty, and staff by providing a living, working, and learning environment free of tobacco products and smoke.

Do I have a right to use tobacco products?

Using tobacco, including smoking, is a personal choice, not a protected right. The College’s policy does not take away one's right to smoke or use tobacco; it instead restricts its use on campus.