Smoke Free Policy - Policies and Policy Governance

1. Policy

Issued: January 10, 2017
Last Revised: March 21, 2022
Last Reviewed: January 5, 2026       

Applies to: Faculty (including part-time, adjunct and visiting faculty), postdoctoral scholars, staff and students (including graduate/undergraduate student workers and graduate assistants) employed by University of Southern California (“USC“ or the “University“) and including those working for Keck Medicine of USC (“USC Employees”).

2. Policy Purpose

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. This policy supports the university’s broader safety culture by fostering an environment that prioritizes health, well-being and the prevention of tobacco use, while also supporting those who want to quit using tobacco and other smoked substances. Promoting a culture of safety and health aligns with the university’s commitment to the welfare of all students, faculty, staff and visitors.

3. Scope and Application

This policy always applies to 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.

4. Definitions

Term	Definition
Smoking	Inhaling, exhaling, burning, carrying or possessing any lighted cigarette, cigar, pipe, electronic cigarette, hookah or other lit product and including the use of any substance, including but not limited to tobacco, cloves or marijuana.
Secondhand Smoke	Smoke inhaled involuntarily from tobacco (or other substances) being smoked by others.
USC Properties	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.

5. Policy Details

Smoke Free USC

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.

Exceptions

Smoking may be permitted in connection with the following:

Research activities if approved by the USC Institutional Review Board or other appropriate research committee through the Office for the Protection of Research Subjects

Ceremonial purposes with prior approval of the sponsoring department and the Office of Cultural Relations and University Events

University-sponsored theatrical and performance purposes where simulation of smoking may be permitted under approved university event guidelines.

Abiding by this Policy is the responsibility of each member of the USC community. Refusal by faculty, staff or students to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action. Visitors who refuse to comply will be asked to leave the premises and could be subject to arrest for trespassing if they persist.