Dear Students:

I am writing to inform you of a recent change in the University’s smoking policy. Following a University Senate resolution, smoking is now restricted to 14 designated locations on the Morningside campus. Smoking urns are installed in each area toeasily identify the appropriate location, and to ensure that cigarettes are disposed in the proper waste receptacle. Please view a map of the designated locations [http://policylibrary.columbia.edu/files/policylib/imce_shared/Designated_Smoking_Areas-Map.pdf].

All students, faculty, staff, and visitors are asked to comply with the smoking policy [http://policylibrary.columbia.edu/university-smoking-policy]. As a member of a community, such as ours at Columbia, the respect of individual rights and recognition of personal accountability are highly valued. We ask each community member to act responsibly in observing the smoking locations and to support each other during this time of transition.

If you are interested in learning more about stopping the use of tobacco for you or someone you know, there are many resources available. Smoking cessation programs for students are offered by Columbia Health [https://health.columbia.edu/tobacco-cessation] on the Morningside campus. Information regarding New York State’s smoking cessation program is also available at 1-866-NY-QUITS.

MH