Revised October 2022
Pacific Lutheran University is committed to sustaining a healthy, safe, and caring community. The use of tobacco remains a significant health hazard and is a leading cause of preventable death in the United States. As of 2025, tobacco-related illnesses continue to claim hundreds of thousands of lives annually, and millions of Americans live with diseases directly attributable to tobacco use. For these reasons, on June 1, 2012, PLU became, and continues to be, a tobacco-free campus.
PLU recognizes that tobacco cessation can be both a physical and psychological challenge, and we are committed to supporting students, faculty and staff through this transition. PLU seeks not only to graduate healthy students and employ healthy faculty and staff, but to serve as an example for the community around us.
Implementation
Substances and Delivery Tobacco includes any lit cigarettes, cigars, pipes and hookahs (except for approved cultural and religious celebrations); use of snus, snuff, chewing tobacco, vapes, and e-cigarettes are also not permitted.
Enforcement
Courtesy and consideration will be exercised when informing others unaware of and/or in disregard of the policy. This policy is enforced as any other University policy is enforced. This includes community members talking with one another and with visitors. Retaliation against any person for requesting compliance with the policy or reporting an alleged violation is prohibited. While not preferred, if necessary, disciplinary actions for violations, appropriate to each constituency within the community, may be taken.