New York City enacted new smoking laws entitled Smoke-Free Air Act of 2002. While The New School is already a smoke-free institution, the new Act requires the university to further restrict smoking activities in the dormitories.

Effective March 30, 2003, The New School will eliminate all smoking lounges and other existing designated smoking public areas in the dormitories which were excepted from the smoke-free status adopted by the university on August 13, 2001. Accordingly, as of that date, the university will be completely smoke free.

The university is taking this measure to eliminate all second-hand smoke from the premises, to eliminate disputes over tobacco smoke pollution in the workplace and to reduce tobacco related illness. Staff who are smokers and who are enrolled in healthcare flexible spending accounts may be able to submit claims for physician supervised smoking cessation programs. For further information employees should contact their insurance provider. The university will also investigate smoking cessation courses that may be made available at low or no cost to employees.

The university will continue to maintain outdoor ashtrays in current locations, including the Vera List courtyard between the West 11th Street and West 12th Street buildings. Smoking inside any university facility will subject the offender to disciplinary action.

Remember this policy will be in effect on March 30, 2003. As of this date The New School will maintain a smoke-free work environment. Anyone wishing to lodge a complaint about smoking inside university property, should call the Office of Human Resources at 229-5671, Ext. 502.