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No Smoking Policy

Kean University has been “Smoke-Free” since the enactment of the Smoke-Free Air Act in April 2006. This Act, as well as Kean University’s policy, prohibits smoking in any buildings on campus (including residence halls), private offices, maintenance areas, all state vehicles, and in or around the grounds of the Kean University Child Care and Development Center.  In addition, any individual who smokes in permitted areas is required to stay a minimum of three (3) feet from any building entrance. This policy includes products such as cigarettes, cigars, hookahs, pipes, roll-your-own tobacco, smokeless tobacco, cannabis/marijuana, and electronic delivery systems (e.g., e-cigarettes, vapes, pens, etc.).

Anyone found smoking inside any buildings on campus (including residence halls), private offices, maintenance areas, or state vehicles will be subject to disciplinary action by the University. The responsibility for the enforcement of this policy is a collective effort by the entire University community. Complaints against employees can be reported to Employee Relations in the Office of Human Resources, 2nd Floor, Administration Building. Complaints against students should be reported to the Office of Student Accountability, Standards, and Education, Miron Student Center, Room 317.

 

Cannabis/Marijuana 

On February 22, 2021, the State of New Jersey legalized the purchase and use of recreational cannabis to be consumed on private property for adults 21 and older and decriminalized underage possession.  In addition, New Jersey law permits the use of medicinal cannabis in certain circumstances (i.e., by persons holding valid New Jersey registry cards with prescriptions from appropriately registered physicians). It is important for employees and students to know these laws and understand their implications on Kean’s campuses.

The passage of the law does NOT permit the use of cannabis/marijuana on University grounds, in University buildings (including residence halls), facilities, or public areas. Cannabis remains a controlled substance under federal law. As an institution of higher education that receives federal funds, Kean University must comply with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (20 U.S.C. Section 1011i). As such, the use, possession, or distribution of cannabis/marijuana for any purpose, is prohibited on all Kean University leased, owned, or controlled property, parking lots, and at University-sponsored events and activities, or while conducting University business, regardless of whether or not such use would be permissible under New Jersey law. 

Therefore, it is strictly prohibited for anyone (regardless of age) to use any form of cannabis/marijuana anywhere on Kean University campus, even with a prescription. This includes vape pens, hookahs or vaporizers, and edibles. Student Health Services will not distribute medicinal cannabis nor will their representatives write prescriptions for medicinal cannabis. Furthermore, possession of and being under the influence of cannabis/marijuana are violations of the Kean University Drug and Alcohol Policy. 

 

Sanctions

Any employee(s) found violating this No Smoking Policy will be subject to progressive disciplinary action by the University, up to and including termination of employment.

Any student(s) found responsible for violation of this policy will face sanctions and penalties under the Kean University Student Code of Conduct.

The following range of sanctions may be imposed by the Office of Student Accountability, Standards and Education:

First Violation:

  • Written warning
  • $75.00 fine
  • Alternatives I Educational Program

Second Violation

  • $125.00 fine 
  • Alternatives II Educational Program 
  • Housing Probation for 12 months

Third Violation

  • Termination of the Housing Contract
  • Parental Notification

Notwithstanding the foregoing, egregious violations of this Policy may result in more severe sanctions in the sole discretion of Kean University.

If there are any questions regarding the Kean University smoking policies, please contact the Office of Student Accountability, Standards, and Education.

 

Updated: 12/2023