Bentley University joins more than 1,475 colleges and universities across the United States in becoming a smoke-free campus. The policy goes into effect today, June 1, 2016 and includes the use of electronic delivery devices such as e-cigarettes. The smoke-free policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, and visitors who are on campus or in any university facilities and underscores the university’s  commitment to health, wellness, social responsibility, the environment and sustainability.

“A great deal of thought and preparation has gone into this decision,” says President Gloria Larson. “A task force consisting of faculty, staff and student representatives was formed in August 2014 to investigate campus readiness and the effect of smoking on our community.”

Results from a 2014 Bentley campus-wide survey of attitudes towards smoking found that 76% of community members (both users and non-users) are concerned about their exposure to smoke on campus and 86% feel that Bentley needs to address the issue. Over 1,800 students and 400 faculty and staff participated in the survey.

Campuses across the country with smoke-free policies have seen reductions in smoking at their institutions. It is the university’s hope that as this policy goes into effect, the number of those on campus who choose to smoke decreases significantly, thereby improving the present and future health of our community.

To assist those who struggle with this highly addictive behavior as the policy goes into effect, the Office of Human Resources and the Center for Health and Wellness will host  cessation programs for those who would like to cut back or quit altogether. 

For more information about the policy including “frequently asked questions” and resources on how to stop smoking, please visit the smoke-free website.