Loyola University Maryland is exploring the possibility of becoming a smoke-free campus. The 2017-2018 school year will be a period of time for students, faculty, and staff to express their opinions and concerns regarding a smoke-free campus.

Mission

Inspired by the Jesuit tradition of cura personalis, Loyola University Maryland is committed to promoting a healthy and safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The purpose of this initiative is to provide direction for a Smoke-Free Campus, reducing the health risks related to smoking and secondhand smoke for the campus community. The intentions of a Smoke Free Campus include preventing students and employee smokers from developing a lifelong smoking habit, decreasing community exposure to secondhand smoke, and assisting those who wish to stop smoking. Smoke-free policies are becoming a standard to foster a healthy environment in colleges and universities alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Loyola trying to become smoke-free?

In September of 2016, members of Loyola’s Student Health Center, Student Support and Wellness Promotion, and Student Health Advisory Council began exploring the possibility of Loyola becoming a smoke-free campus. A Smoke-free Campus Task Force was formed, with representative students, faculty, staff and administration. In the spring of 2017, we applied for a grant from the American Cancer Society to help us in this exploration, and fortunately we were granted $19,953. Our mission statement is rooted in the ideals of cura personalis, “care of the whole person,” and can be seen above. See the video that motivated it all! 

Is this taking away people’s right to smoke/discriminating against those struggling with an addiction?

As one may argue that it is their right to smoke, it is also one’s rights to breathe clean air. However, we understand the needs of some individuals who have been smoking for years, and understand it may be difficult to quit. We have an abundance of support and cessation programs we are happy to provide to anyone struggling with addiction, see some resources below.

Will vape, e-cigs, and juuls be allowed?

Vape, e-cigs, and juuls will NOT be allowed. Vape and e-cigs have also been found to have harmful effects and contain nicotine as well. To learn more about the effects of e-cigs and vapes, you can visit the American Cancer Society.

What will the repercussions be for those smoking on campus?

Everyone will be expected to respect the policy as you would in any other smoke-free facility. There will not be any fines for smoking on campus.

Will there be designated smoking areas?

No, other schools that have gone smoke-free and have had designated smoking areas have found increased smoking frequency and less compliance with the smoke-free policy.

Resources 

Please direct any other questions, concerns, or opinions to lungs@loyola.edu. For information on quitting please visit:

Faculty & Employees:
Health and Benefits Unit

410-617-1365

Students:

Contact Zachary Hitchens in Student Support and Wellness Promotion
410-617-2928

Maryland State Resources:

Maryland Quitline: 1-800-QUIT-NOW

Smokingstopshere.com

Text2Quit.com