Smoke and Tobacco-Free @ Georgetown University

Georgetown University joins thousands of colleges and universities across the country as a smoke-free/tobacco-free campus.  

Why
Making this important change is about caring for our community – smokers, tobacco-users and non-users alike – and aligning ourselves with our values of Care for the Whole Person and Men and Women for Others. We join MedStar (2009), the Medical Center (2011) and Law Center (2016) – all of which have had very successful tobacco-free policies. 

When
Effective August 15, 2020, Georgetown University is tobacco and smoke-free. Smoking and other tobacco use is prohibited inside and around the exterior of Georgetown University buildings and on campus grounds.

Support
Resources to support people in quitting tobacco (new window) continue to be available to faculty, staff and students. We hope you will take advantage of the many supports offered.

Smoke and Tobacco-Free Policy

PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to maintain a safe and healthy environment at Georgetown University (GU) for our students, faculty, staff, visitors and contractors.

POLICY

Smoking and other tobacco use, including carrying any burning cigarette, cigar or pipe, or any form of e-cigarette, is prohibited within Georgetown University owned or leased buildings, grounds and vehicles. Smoking and other tobacco use is prohibited at all times inside and around the exterior of Georgetown University buildings and on Georgetown University grounds, including in plazas, gardens, mezzanines, podiums, sidewalks, parking lots, garages, and driveways. Smoking and other tobacco use is not permitted within Georgetown University owned vehicles wherever they may be located and in privately owned vehicles located on Georgetown University owned and/or leased property.

APPLICABILITY OF POLICY

This policy applies to all GU students, faculty, staff,visitors and contractors, while in GU-owned or leased buildings, grounds or vehicles.

VIOLATIONS OF POLICY

The success of this policy relies on the thoughtfulness, consideration and cooperation of smokers and nonsmokers, not only to comply, but also to encourage others to comply. Any student who repeatedly refuses to abide by this Policy may be considered in violation of the Code of Student Conduct and will be handled accordingly. Repeat violations by any faculty or staff member will be handled through normal University processes.

RESPONSIBLE OFFICE AND OFFICER

The responsible office for this policy is the Office of Faculty Staff Benefits, Payroll and Wellness.The responsible officer is the Chief Benefits Officer. Questions about the Smoke/TobaccoFree University policy should be directed to the Chief Benefits Officer at 202-687-2500.

ASSISTANCE

Information on smoking cessation programs can be found at https://benefits.georgetown.edu/tobaccofree.

EFFECTIVE DATE

University Wide Announcement: April 2019
Effective Date of Policy: August 15, 2020

View and download policy from Box. (new window)

Have questions or concerns? Contact Charles DeSantis at ced33@georgetown.edu.