Smoking Policy

In accordance with the New York City Clean Indoor Act, as amended, and New York State Public Health Law Article 13-E, the following Smoking Policy is effective at The Cooper Union. The Act prohibits smoking and vaping in all public and private colleges and universities. https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/3402/

Smoking is prohibited at all times in all college-owned buildings, including but not limited to auditoriums, classrooms, laboratories, offices and public areas, and the Student Residence Hall. Furthermore, smoking is not permitted within 25 feet of a Cooper Union facility entrance.

This smoking policy is intended to keep the air clear of smoke for those within our facilities and for those entering and leaving Cooper Union-owned buildings.

The Cooper Union requests and expects your cooperation and assistance in the implementation and enforcement of the smoking prohibition. Those who do not comply with this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including fines and/or expulsion from the college, or termination of employment. Complaints against persons represented by a labor organization will be handled in a manner that is consistent with the applicable collective bargaining unit.

Conflicts related to smoking among employees should be brought to the attention of appropriate supervisory personnel and, if necessary, referred to the Equal Opportunity Officer. To report an incident concerning a violation of this policy, please send a written report to the Director of Campus Safety and Security.

Students alleged to be in violation of the policy are subject to disciplinary action through the appropriate student conduct jurisdiction.

In accordance with the law, any individual can voice objections to smoke that gathers in any smoke-free area without fear of retaliation.

  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

  • From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.

  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.