Indiana University Tobacco-Free Policy
Tobacco Free for More Than a Decade
Did you know that IU has been a tobacco-free university since 2008?
Read the policy and its history here.
This policy is overseen by the Office of the Executive Vice President for University Academic Affairs.
What Does It Mean for Employees, Students, and Visitors?
Under the policy, the use or sale of tobacco products — cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, snuff, e-cigarettes/vaping — is prohibited on university-owned, operated or leased property or vehicles owned or leased by the university.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whom does this policy affect?
Students, faculty, staff, and visitors to campus. We urge everyone to cooperate with civility and goodwill in complying with this policy.What locations are considered tobacco-free?
Indiana state law requires that there can never be smoking inside any public building or place of employment within 8 feet of a building entrance. However, Indiana University's policy is much more stringent. All buildings, grounds, and land owned or leased by IU are tobacco free. Both state law and IU policy must be followed.
Can I smoke in my personal car?
Parking garages owned or operated by the university are included in the ban; however, there will be no effort to enforce the ban in private vehicles located on university property provided users make a reasonable effort to contain smoke and smoking materials inside the vehicle (e.g., keeping windows closed). Smoking in university vehicles is prohibited.
Is this a violation of civil rights?
No. The Trustees of Indiana University have the authority to govern and regulate the use of university property.
Why should I comply?
At Indiana University, smokers and non-smokers alike are guided by civility and respect for others.- Tobacco users make an important (and much appreciated!) contribution to our smoke-free community when they refrain from using tobacco.
- Non-smokers, if they are compelled to remind smokers of this IU policy, make an important contribution to our community when they do so with courtesy and civility.
If the policy is violated, what are Indiana University's responsibilities?
Under Indiana state law, IU has a duty to have smokers removed from areas where smoking is prohibited by law. Also by law, smokers who don’t leave the area can be charged with a criminal infraction. IU guidelines to address violations are to: inform, educate, and review. Find more information about guidelines regarding the Indiana Smoking Ban State Law, and the Human Resources guidelines here.Where should I report policy violations?
Violations of the policy should be referred to the appropriate administrative office for review and action if the person is identifiable: for academic employees, the campus office of academic affairs; for staff, IU Human Resources; and for students, the campus office of student life. If you are unsure of where to report to, please report details to your campus Police Department.Why are e-cigarettes/vaping also prohibited under the policy?
E-cigarettes are considered tobacco products because most of them contain nicotine, which comes from tobacco. Besides nicotine, e-cigarettes can contain potentially harmful ingredients, including:- ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs
- flavorings such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to serious lung disease
- volatile organic compounds
- heavy metals, such as nickel, tin, and lead
Do I have to quit using tobacco?
No, you don't have to quit using tobacco. However, choosing to stop using tobacco products will make you and those around you healthier. Check out the resources above when you are ready to kick the habit.
What office should I contact if I still have questions about the policy?
On your campus, you can contact Human Resources, the office of student affairs, the office of academic affairs, or IUPD; you can also contact the IU Office of Public Safety and Institutional Assurance, psia@iu.edu.
Get Support
Indiana University supports employees and students who want to "kick the habit" and stop tobacco use.
Tobacco use is a complex habit. It involves physical, behavioral, and psychological aspects. If you're ready to quit, you need a plan. Research shows your best chance for long-term success happens when you do these three things:
1. Consult a health or medical professional. Your doctor, dentist, or any other health professional can discuss the risks of smoking in a kind, compassionate way. They can also provide information about the proper use of medication and nicotine replacement products.
2. Check out the available resources, and find one that fits YOUR needs. Indiana University resources, as well as community and national programs, are listed here. Everyone's journey is different, so try out different resources until you find what works for you.
3. Don't give up! Research shows that it can take multiple tries to quit smoking before it sticks. Just know that with every attempt to quit, your success rate goes up!
Check out the Tobacco Cessation page for resources and support!