{"id":4877,"date":"2017-01-10T18:19:17","date_gmt":"2017-01-11T02:19:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/policyusc.wpengine.com\/?p=4877"},"modified":"2026-01-08T15:00:12","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T23:00:12","slug":"smoke-free","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/policy.usc.edu\/smoke-free\/","title":{"rendered":"Smoke Free Policy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

1. Policy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Issued: January 10, 2017\u00a0
Last Revised: March 21, 2022\u00a0
Last Reviewed: January 5, 2026\u202f\u202f\u202f\u202f\u202f\u202f\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00a0Applies to:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Faculty (including part-time, adjunct and visiting faculty), postdoctoral scholars,\u00a0staff\u00a0and students (including graduate\/undergraduate student workers and graduate assistants) employed by University of Southern California (\u201cUSC\u201c or\u00a0the \u201cUniversity\u201c) and including those working for Keck Medicine of USC (\u201cUSC Employees\u201d).\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Policy Purpose<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To set forth and define the prohibition of smoking at USC with the intent of creating a healthy atmosphere for all members of the USC community.\u00a0\u00a0This policy supports the university\u2019s broader\u00a0safety culture\u00a0by\u00a0fostering an\u00a0environment that\u00a0prioritizes health, well-being\u00a0and\u00a0the prevention of tobacco use,\u00a0while also\u00a0supporting\u00a0those who want to quit using tobacco and other smoked substances.\u00a0\u00a0Promoting a culture of safety and health aligns with the university\u2019s commitment to the welfare of all students, faculty,\u00a0staff\u00a0and visitors.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Scope and Application<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This policy\u00a0always applies\u00a0to all USC schools, departments, and members of the USC community (e.g., faculty, staff, students, and guests), in all indoor and outdoor USC owned and leased properties, and\/or during USC-sanctioned or affiliated events and activities.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Definitions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Term<\/strong> <\/td>Definition<\/strong> <\/td><\/tr>
Smoking<\/strong> <\/td>Inhaling, exhaling, burning,\u00a0carrying\u00a0or\u00a0possessing\u00a0any lighted cigarette, cigar, pipe, electronic cigarette, hookah or other lit product and including the use of any substance, including but not limited to tobacco,\u00a0cloves\u00a0or marijuana.\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
Secondhand Smoke<\/strong> <\/td>Smoke inhaled involuntarily from tobacco (or other substances) being smoked by others.\u00a0<\/td><\/tr>
USC Properties<\/strong> <\/td>All university owned and leased properties (including housing, dining, hotel, retail, athletic and performance facilities and all teaching, research, clinical and office space). Additionally, this policy applies to any property occupied by any fraternity or sorority officially recognized by the university.\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

5. Policy Details<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Smoke Free USC<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

USC is committed to promoting a healthy, safe, and comfortable environment for all students, faculty, staff and visitors. Both Direct and secondhand smoke exposure is a cause of various health problems and diseases. Even for healthy non-smokers, there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke has been shown to cause cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and other harmful effects on children. Smoking also puts the university at risk of incurring institutional costs associated with fire damage, cleaning and maintenance, health care, and medical insurance. Therefore, smoking is strictly prohibited in all indoor and outdoor USC Properties, including within vehicles parked on the premises. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exceptions<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smoking may be permitted in connection with the following: <\/p>\n\n\n\n