Bates College is committed to the health and well-being of our staff, faculty, students, guests and community. Research shows that smoking and breathing secondhand smoke present health risks and are even debilitating to some individuals. Through the Smoking Policy presented below, Bates College strives to maintain the well-being of the campus community while considering the needs of individuals who smoke.

• Smoking, the burning of any type of pipe, cigar, cigarette or similar product, and chewing tobacco are prohibited in all campus buildings, including residence halls, and in all vehicles owned, leased or rented by the College. Smoking is also prohibited within 50 feet, approximately 20 paces, of all campus buildings, including residence halls.

• Organizers and attendees at public events using Bates facilities, such as conferences, meetings, lectures, athletic games or social and cultural gatherings, will be required to abide by the College’s Smoking Policy. Organizers of such events are responsible for communicating and enforcing this policy.

• Distribution and advertisements of tobacco products on campus are prohibited.

• In an effort to support those who wish to quit smoking, the college will present a variety of tobacco-cessation and other health-related programs, as deemed appropriate and supportable by available budgets. Such initiatives may include: informational programs to support a smoke-free lifestyle; employee access to available services through the college’s health insurance program; health information and cessation assistance for students through Health Services.

Compliance with this policy is a community effort. It is important to remember that we are friends, co-workers, acquaintances, hosts and guests, and we need to treat each other with respect. Staff, faculty and students may approach an individual who is not adhering to the policy and inform them of the specifics of the policy as well as provide assistance and information as appropriate. Many individuals may wish to quit smoking, but it can be difficult for a current smoker to become a nonsmoker. Respect and support are particularly useful in assisting individuals through this process.