Caltech Smoke Free Environment Guidelines

Caltech is taking an important step toward fostering a healthier, more welcoming environment through its ‘Smoke-Free Environment' Guidelines' are posted on HR's Notices of Administrative Guidelines & HR Required Workplace Postings webpages.

Building on existing Pasadena municipal regulations and Caltech's longstanding commitment to community well-being, the initiative helps reduce exposure to secondhand smoke while promoting a healthier environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. In accordance with Pasadena City Ordinance, the smoke-free policy is city wide. The Comprehensive Tobacco Workplan prohibits indoors and smoking within 20 feet of campus buildings which includes any tobacco products and electronic smoking devices. Signage has been posted across campus to remind the Caltech community that these guidelines apply to all members, including students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Caltech's Smoke Free Environment Guidelines also extends to Caltech Housing. Smoking is prohibited in apartments and condominiums to protect residents. In addition, it is further prohibited in all common areas of Caltech housing complexes, such as student houses, the Catalina Apartments, and other Caltech owned properties.

By creating smoke-free shared spaces, Caltech is helping ensure that all community members can learn, work, conduct research, and participate in campus life without exposure to secondhand smoke.

For community members interested in quitting smoking or vaping, a variety of resources are available. Caltech medical insurance offers support for those who wish to quit smoking, and additional free resources are available through Kick It California, which provides personalized coaching by phone, text, and online chat. Other resources include Smokefree.gov and the CDC's 1-800-QUIT-NOW program. Through education, support, and access to tools, Caltech's smoke-free campus initiative aims to create a healthier future for everyone who calls Caltech home. To learn more information, please visit the Smoke-free Environment guidelines webpage.