Purchasing and Accounts Payable

To view the policy, please click on the below link.

http://www.purchase.edu/live/files/1154-domestic-violence-in-the-workplace-policy

NET Card Policies

Purchase College - SUNY

NET Card Usage Policies and Procedures

(Updated August 21, 2019)

Introduction:

In association with Citibank, the State of New York has developed a NY State Non-Employee Travel Card (hereinafter referred to as NET card) for use when official travel involves non employees. The Card enables departments to provide for travel and travel related expenditures involving non-employees such as students and coaches. From the College viewpoint, it works like a debit card. From a supplier’s viewpoint, it is a Visa Card, and is processed like any other credit card. The NET card delegates purchasing authority to the department. The card enables faster procurement with a minimum of paperwork. Naturally, as with all card transactions, there are restrictions that apply to usage of the NET Card.

In order to be delegated authority, the Cardholder has to undertake some responsibility. Naturally, the Cardholder has to protect the NET Card, just as they protect their own personal credit cards. The Cardholder has to agree to use the NET Card responsibly. They must retain the transaction records for audit purposes. The Cardholder must attach the transaction records to their Recap statement and Citibank monthly statement and submit them to their supervisor/account manager for review and approval. The department head indicates approval by signing (and dating) your monthly Recap form. After the supervisors/account manager’s approval the Recap form, monthly statement, and transaction backups (receipts, invoices etc.) must be submitted to Accounts Payable on a timely basis. Note: The Cardholder should always keep copies of their monthly Citibank statement, Recap form and backup records.

Issuance (Steps to Acquiring a NET Card):

1. Employee requiring NET card sends e-mail to Supervisor requesting authorization for card.
2. Supervisor grants approval (including employee name, department, phone number and default account number), forwards request to area Vice President and copies Director Purchasing/AP and employee.
3. Vice President grants approval, replies to Supervisor and copies Director Purchasing and Accounts Payable.
4. Director Purchasing/AP forwards authorization to NET card coordinator.
5. NET card coordinator contacts card recipient and sets up necessary training and documentation issuance meeting.
6. Training and Card Holder Responsibilities:

1. Prior to card issuance, the Cardholder should be trained in card usage and given a copy of the NET card policies and procedures and they should sign an acknowledgement form regarding training and receipt of the policies and procedures. The training is provided by Purchasing and Accounts Payable staff.
2. The Cardholder has to protect the NET card, just as they protect their own credit cards.
3. The Cardholder has to agree/attest, in writing, to use the NET card responsibly.

Card Usage Requirements:

(1) NET Card – Acceptable Use

The NET card is used for the following;

• Lodging charges (for students, current faculty/staff accompanying students and some employment candidates). All lodging expenses must be in compliance with New York State guidelines rates which are available at https://www.gsa.gov/node/86696?contentType=GSA_BASIC&contentId=17943

Only actual, necessary and reasonable expenses are eligible for reimbursement.

(2) Who Should Have a NET Card?

Any College employee that;

1. Organizes trips for and/or travels with students for College purposes.
2. Brings “guests” to campus for business purposes.
3. The NET card is the only Citibank card that can be treated as a “department” However the card is assigned to a single state employee who is responsible for usage and reporting regarding the NET card.

Monthly Reporting:

1. Purchasing and Accounts Payable staff access monthly transaction advice on the 6^th of the following month (the payment due date is the end of this month).
2. Purchasing and Accounts Payable staff send advice to the Cardholders to submit documents within one week.
3. The Cardholder must attach the transaction records to their monthly Statement from Citibank and submit them (with the Recap form, statement on purpose of expenditure including list of attendees if applicable, and all itemized receipts and invoices) to their department head/supervisor for review and approval.
4. The department head/supervisor indicates approval by signing and dating the Recap form.
5. The Cardholder/or department designee is responsible for submitting the Citibank statement, Recap form, statement on purpose of expenditure including list of attendees if applicable, and all itemized receipts and invoices within one week after receiving advice from Purchasing/AP.

Purchase College is committed to fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to service, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual’s race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, or criminal conviction. Employees, students, applicants, or other members of the Purchase community (including vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.

Purchase complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination and harassment. These laws include the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as Amended by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972, and the New York State Human Rights Law. These laws prohibit discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment and sexual violence.

Sexual harassment is defined as: Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

1. submission to such contact is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment or education
2. submission or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or educational decisions affecting the individual
3. such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s welfare, academic or work performance, or creating an intimidating, hostile, or demeaning learning or work environment

Sexual harassment may include:

1. subtle persistent pressure for sexual activity
2. unnecessary touching, pinching, and/or brushing against a person
3. sexual coercion or assault
4. demanding sexual favors with implied or overt threats concerning work or academic decision or preferential treatment
5. unwelcome verbal/expressive behavior of a sexual nature (e.g., jokes, sounds, obscene phone calls, demeaning graphic portrayals)
6. stalking, cyber stalking, and failure to accept the termination of a consensual relationship with repeated overtures or other aberrant or negative behavior

Sexual violence has been defined as “physical sexual acts perpetrated against a person’s will or where a person is incapable of giving consent,” including rape, sexual battery, and sexual coercion.

Domestic victim status has been defined by the Human Rights Law as an individual who is a victim of an act which would constitute a family offense under N.Y. Family Court Act § 812. It is unlawful to discriminate against a domestic violence victim in hiring for a job, job advancement, requests for use of leave time, or other terms, conditions or privileges of employment. It is also unlawful for an employer to take an action in retaliation for filing a complaint of discrimination.

On-campus inquiries or complaints regarding Title IX Violations may be addressed to: 

Ricardo Espinales
Interim Affirmative Action/Chief Diversity Officer and Title IX Coordinator
Purchase College
735 Anderson Hill Road
Purchase, NY 10577
(914) 251-5982
Ricardo.espinales@purchase.edu

Inquiries may also be directed to:

New York Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
32 Old Slip, 26th Floor
New York, NY 10005-2500
Tel: (646) 428-3800, Fax: (646) 428-3843
TDD: (800) 877-8339
OCR.NewYork@ed.gov

Harassment harms the learning community. Academic freedom, creativity, professional achievement, and personal development flourish in a healthy environment. Such an environment must be one in which all employees and students can pursue their work free from coercion, intimidation, and exploitation. Harassment is antithetical to the mission of the college, and violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion or termination.

By law and SUNY policy, sexual harassment is defined as:

Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

1. submission to such contact is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment or education
2. submission or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or educational decisions affecting the individuals
3. such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s welfare, academic or work performance, or creating an intimidating, hostile, or demeaning learning or work environment.

Note: Although the majority of incidents involve a man harassing a woman, the law also applies to women harassing men, women harassing women, and men harassing men. This policy applies equally to employees and students, male and female. Those who feel they have been victims of such discrimination should contact the affirmative action officer (AAO) or the director of human resources. Pursuing a complaint on the campus does not rescind the right to file with an outside enforcement agency such as the State Division of Human Rights.

Sexual harassment may include:

1. subtle persistent pressure for sexual activity
2. unnecessary touching, pinching, and/or brushing against a person
3. sexual coercion or assault
4. demanding sexual favors with implied or overt threats concerning work or academic decision or preferential treatment
5. unwelcome verbal/expressive behavior of a sexual nature (e.g., jokes, sounds, obscene phone calls, demeaning graphic portrayals)
6. stalking, cyberstalking, and failure to accept the termination of a consensual relationship with repeated overtures or other aberrant or negative behavior

Sexual harassment is a violation of the law and of SUNY policy
Harassment on the basis of sex is a violation of New York State law and the federal Civil Rights Act. The Governor’s Office has reaffirmed the law for state employees, and the SUNY Board of Trustees has affirmed the right of all students to be free from sexual harassment.

What you can do if you feel you are subjected to sexual harassment:

1. Say “No.” Say it firmly, without smiling, without making an apology.
2. Keep a diary or log. Write down what is happening to you. Include direct quotes, any witnesses, or patterns to the harassment. Save any letters, cards, or notes sent to you. Keep both the log and notes in a secure place, preferably at home.
3. Deal with the situation immediately. Ignoring it will not make it go away. Indeed, it may worsen.
4. Talk to the person involved, if you feel you can. Explain why you are offended. Sometimes that is sufficient to clear the air. You may want to bring someone with you for support.
5. Ask: “How do you think your spouse, significant other, daughter, or son would like being treated like this?”
6. Tell the harasser, “That sounds like sexual harassment.”
7. Write a letter to the person, especially if you feel direct confrontation is not possible or has not worked. If the person does not stop his or her behavior, you have a copy of your letter for further action. It should include (a) a short statement of the situation as you see it; (b) a description of your feelings and the damage that he or she has done; and (c) a short statement of behavior you would like to see.
8. If the above approaches have not been successful, you may want to discuss the situation with the college officers listed below to find other informal means to a resolution.
9. You may decide at any time to take formal action by filing a written complaint with the affirmative action officer (AAO) or the director of human resources. Such complaints are taken seriously by the college and will result in formal action to eliminate the harassing behavior. Grievances made to the affirmative action officer (AAO) or the director of human resources must be made in writing and must be brought within 90 days of the last incident to within 90 of the receipt of a grade.

Relationships with Students

One of the hallmarks of the Purchase experience for students is the opportunity to establish relationships with faculty and staff that extend beyond the classroom and office. These relationships help to provide an environment in which faculty and staff serve as role models and mentors, facilitating students’ intellectual and personal growth.

Trust and respect are diminished when those in positions of authority abuse, or appear to abuse their power. It is ethically wrong for faculty or staff to use their positions to exploit students. Voluntary consent by a student to a sexual relationship with faculty or staff is suspect, given the imbalance of power in such a relationship. Students involved in such relationships are at risk of exploitation. Faculty or staff involved in such relationships are creating potential conflicts of interest, personal liability to charges of sexual harassment, and interference with the welfare, academic, or work performance of others.

Sexual Orientation

The Governor’s Executive Order No 28 prohibits all state agencies from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation in the provision of any services or benefits by a state agency and in any matter relating to employment by the state.

1. Sexual orientation is defined as a private preference of an individual protected by Executive Order No. 28 for heterosexuality, homosexuality, or bisexuality; or a history of such preference; or an identification of having such a preference.
2. Harassment on the basis of sexual orientation is judged against the same criteria as those for sexual harassment, and protection applies to students, as well as to employees, to males as well as females.
3. Complaints may be made to the affirmative action officer (AAO) or the director of human resources. This does not rescind a person’s right to file a complaint with the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations.  

The following people on campus are available to help you:

• Ricardo Espinales
  Interim Affirmative Action/Chief Diversity Officer and Title IX Coordinator
  Purchase College
  735 Anderson Hill Road
  Purchase, NY 10577
  (914) 251-5982
  Ricardo.espinales@purchase.edu
• Director of Counseling
  (914) 251-6390
• Employee Assistance Program Coordinator
  (914) 251-6098
  Student Services Building, Room 320
• Ombudsman
  (914) 251-6520
  Student Services Building, Room 217

You also have the right to contact off-campus agencies that have the responsibility of enforcing laws related to sexual harassment: 

• NYS Division of Human Rights
  (914) 788-8050
  8 John Walsh Blvd., Suite 204
  Peekskill, NY 10566
• Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
  (212) 366-3620
  201 Varick Street, Room 1009
  New York, NY 10014

Regulations for a Drug Free Environment and Information on Counseling and Treatment

President’s Message

Dear Purchase College Community,

The College is committed to providing a learning environment which is healthy and productive and which supports the intellectual, aesthetic, physical and social development of individual students. In compliance with the Federal Drug Free School and Communities Act of 1989, this brochure sets forth the policies and standards of conduct which will be assigned for violation of these policies, but it also provides information concerning the availability of counseling and treatment possibilities for those in difficulty.  I am asking for your help and cooperation.  I hope you will read this booklet, abide by the regulations, and join me in my commitments to creating a productive, drug-free learning and living environment.

Sincerely,
Thomas Schwarz,
President

PHILOSOPHY
Purchase College is committed to developing and maintaining the health, stability, and well being of the collegiate learning environment.  The College considers possession, use, sale, and/or other distribution of illegal drugs to be detrimental to the individual student and to the educational process.  In addition, the College considers underage use and/or possession of alcohol and supplying/selling alcohol to those under the legal drinking age to be detrimental to the individual student and to the educational process.

1. The use of illegal drugs is a threat to the health of the
 individual and also interferes with the efficient pursuit of individual educational goals.

2. The presence of illegal drugs is detrimental to the entire educational community.  Their presence interferes with the educational, developmental and creative process.

3. Possession, use, sale or other distribution of illegal drugs violates federal, state, and local laws.  The College expects adherence to these laws.  No special exemption from civil or criminal law exists for members of a college community.

4. Underage possession/use of alcohol, and sale or other distribution of alcohol to those under the legal drinking age violates federal, state, and local laws.  The College expects adherence to these laws.  No special exemption from civil or criminal law exists for members of a college community.

Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy

Employees

New York State prohibits on-the-job use or impairment from alcohol and controlled substances.  An employee may be required to undergo medical testing if a supervisor has a reasonable suspicion that he or she is unable to perform duties due to the use of drugs or alcohol.

The unlawful use, possession, dispensing, manufacturing or distribution of controlled substances in all College work locations is prohibited.  Employees who unlawfully use, possess, dispense, manufacture, or distribute controlled substances will be subject to disciplinary procedures consistent with applicable laws, rules, regulations, and collective bargaining agreements.  Employees must notify the College’s Personnel Office of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace, or at a work site, no later than five (5) working days after such conviction.

Enforcement
If the cause of the work impairment is found to be drug or alcohol related, the Director of Human Resources in conjunction with the employee’s supervisor, may refer the employee to voluntary and confidential participation in the statewide Employee Assistance Program.  Other available options include pursuing disciplinary leave procedures or other disciplinary measures.

Violations of the State policy on alcohol and other substance abuse in the workplace may constitute grounds for disciplinary action pursuant to Section 75 of the Civil service Law or the Disciplinary Articles of collectively negotiated agreements.

Congress passed the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989.  The following is the Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy for employees and students at Purchase College.  The term “controlled substances” as used herein refers to the hundreds of chemicals listed by the federal government in the Controlled Substance Act.

Students
No person shall possess, use, sell, or in any other way distribute narcotics, hallucinogens or controlled substances.

The use, sale, or possession of any drug paraphernalia, including but not limited to water pipes, bongs, and hypodermic syringes/needles not prescribed by a licensed physician will be subject to confiscation and disciplinary action.

Alcohol Policy
No person shall possess, sell, or give away alcoholic beverages without proper authorization in any building or on any property owned or controlled by Purchase College.  Alcohol is permitted in students’ rooms within some residence halls and apartments if at least one resident of the room is over the legal drinking age, provided that no person under the age of 21 possesses or consumes said alcoholic beverages. Open containers may not be possessed anywhere on campus outside of individual residences unless so authorized in accordance with College regulations, local ordinances, and State law.  Kegs and beer balls are not permitted in the residence areas and will be confiscated.  The College holds persons responsible for their conduct at all times, including behaviors which occur under the influence of alcohol, and persons violating these policies will be subject to disciplinary action.

Enforcement
1. University Police Officers are authorized to arrest violators of alcohol and/or drug laws.  If conditions warrant, the College may ask assistance of other law enforcement or investigative agencies. These agencies also have the legal right to operate on the campus without consulting the College.  The College cannot and will not shield violators of alcohol and/or drug laws from law enforcement agencies.

2. Violations of these policies will result in disciplinary and/or administrative action, as well as criminal prosecution whenever feasible.  Campus disciplinary action will be taken through the appropriate administrative discipline processes for employees and for students.  Consequences may include termination or dismissal.

3. The College provides confidential counseling, educational programs, and other services for students seeking assistance related to the use of alcohol or illegal drugs.

Penalties for Drug Possession and Sale

Federal Penalties

The Federal Controlled Substances Act provides penalties of up to 15 years imprisonment and fines of up to $25,000 for unlawful distribution or possession with intent to distribute narcotics.  For unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a person is subject to one year of imprisonment and fines up to $5,000.  Any person who unlawfully distributes a controlled substance to a person under 21 years of age may be punished by up to twice the term of imprisonment and fine otherwise authorized by law.

Federal trafficking penalties for first offense Schedule I&II drugs range from a minimum of 5 years to a maximum of life in prison and a fine of $1 million for an individual  or $10 million if not an individual.  Penalties for first offense trafficking Schedule III&IV drugs range up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for an individual or $1 million if not an individual.  Federal penalties for first offense trafficking marijuana range up to a maximum of life in prison and up to $4 million fine for an individual or $10 million if not an individual, depending on the quantity of marijuana.

Types of Drugs
Schedule I:  Heroin, LSD, Mescaline, Psilocybin, other Hallucinogens, PCP, Quaaludes,  marijuana, china white, mushrooms, ecstasy, GHB and MDA.

Schedule II:  Morphine, Methadone, Oxycontin, Demerol, Codeine, precedent, Fentanyl, Dilaudid, Seconal, Nembutal, Cocaine,Crack, Amphetamines, and other opium and opium extracts and narcotics.

Schedule III:  Certain barbiturates such as amobarbital and codeine containing medicines such as Fiorinal #3, Doriden, and codeine-based cough suppressants and all anabolic steroids.

Schedule IV: Barbiturates, narcotics and other stimulants including Valium, Talwin, Librium, Euqanil, Darvon, Darvocet, Placidyl, Tranzene, Serax, Ionamin (yellow jackets).

Schedule V: Compounds that contain very limited amounts of codeine, dihydro-codeine, ethlymorphine, opium, and atromine (Robitussin AC).

Schedule VI: Marijuana, THC, Hashish, Hash Oil, Tetrahydrocannabinol

New York State Laws Regarding Alcohol Violations

Zero Tolerance Statute for drivers under the age of 21 (BAC of .02 or more)  -  Drivers who are under the age of 21  and who have a BAC of .02 or more are subject to administrative penalties that include mandatory revocation of driver’s license for a period of 1 year or until the driver turns 21, whichever is longer. This is inclusive of any other charges that may result due to higher BAC’s. 

Driving While Ability Impaired (BAC of .06 to .07) - $300-$500 fine, up to 15 days in jail and 90 days revocation of license.

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) (BAC of .08 or more) - $500-$1000 fine, up to 1 year in jail and minimum 6-month license revocation.

Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated (BAC of .18 or more) - $1000 - $2500 fine, up to 1 year in jail, ignition interlock device installed on vehicle.  License revoked for up to 18 months.

Felony Driving While Intoxicated (second DWI conviction in 10 years) - $1,000 -$5,000 fine, up to 4 years in prison and minimum of 1 year license revocation.

Procuring Alcohol for persons under the age of 21 - $200 fine, up to 5 days in jail, or both.

Possession by persons under 21 - $50 fine per offense and/or completion of alcohol awareness program and/or community service.

Use of false ID for alcohol purchase - $100 fine, and/or community service, and/or completion of an alcohol awareness program, and/or revocation of driver’s license for 90 days.

New York State Penalties
The State of New York has established severe sanctions for the possession, use, and sale of controlled substances which are consistent with Federal penalties established for such.  The specific criminal sanctions are delineated in the New York State Penal Law.  The severity of the offense depends on the type and the quantity of the illegal substance, as well as the holder’s intent (personal use, distribution or sale).  For example, in New York State, the criminal possession of four or more ounces of cocaine is a class A-1 felony, punishable by a minimum of 15-25 years and a maximum of life in prison, and a maximum $100,000 fine.  Unlawful possession of a small quantity of marijuana is a violation, resulting in a fine of not more than $100 for the first offense.  Additional violations result in larger fines and the imposition of misdemeanor criminal charges, which include the establishment of a permanent record.

Health Risks
The use of illegal drugs, tobacco, and the abuse of alcohol may have serious health consequences, including damage of the heart, lungs and other organs.  Alcohol-related accidents are the number one cause of death for persons aged 15-24.  The most significant health risk, besides death, is addiction.  Chemical dependency is a disease that, if not arrested, is fatal.  No addict (including alcoholics and smokers) ever thought he/she would become addicted.

• Abuse of alcohol and marijuana during puberty can result in an imbalance of sex hormones resulting in reduced muscle mass and shrinkage of testicles in males and menstrual difficulties and infertility in females.
• The risk of breast cancer is increased by 30% among women who consume as few as 3 alcoholic drinks per day.
• The use of hallucinogens (LSD, PCP, Mescaline) can result in an irreversible drug induced psychotic state and/or delusions which may trigger life-threatening behavior.
• The use of cocaine or amphetamines greatly increases the risk of heart attack.
• Stimulants (“uppers”, speed, crack, methyl, crystal) may cause permanent damage to the brain, heart, lungs, and other organs from long-term use.
• Medical consequences of alcohol abuse include liver damage and disease, gastrointestinal problems and brain damage, as well as causing injury to a fetus during pregnancy.
• Inhalants (“poppers”, rush, laughing gas, glue, pain thinner) may cause mental confusion, mood swings, delusions and hallucinations.
• Depressants (“downers”, ludes, reds, 714s, barbs) greatly increase the risk of car crashes because they affect vision, judgment, coordination and physical skills.
• In cases of rape, 75% of the men and 55% of the women involved had been using alcohol or other drugs.

About Alcohol
In addition to the immediate dangers from drinking at a single event, there are dangers from patterns of drinking.  Some people drink for unhealthy reasons and it can cause negative consequences in their lives.  They are alcohol abusers, or problem drinkers.  For others (as many as 13% of college males and 5% of college females), the drinking has progressed even further, to alcoholism. Alcoholics cannot live without alcohol and cannot control its use.

The following are warning signals that may indicate a problem in your drinking pattern:

• Missed classes or work due to hangovers; unfulfilled academic potential or even failing grades due to drinking.
• Accidents and injuries due to drinking.
• Blackouts (inability to remember something that happened while drinking).
• Doing something (for example, a sexual act) contrary to one’s values while under the influence of alcohol.
• Fights and arguments, loss of friends or lovers, due to drinking.
• Drinking alone to relieve anxiety, depressions, boredom or loneliness.
• Drinking to feel socially confident.

Why is alcohol considered a dangerous drug?
The consumption of alcohol is considered by some experts to be the leading cause of death in the U.S. Today.

Alcohol is a drug that significantly affects all body systems, contributing to the incidence of cancer, heart disease, liver disease, digestive disorders, and brain dysfunction.  In fact, its contributions to these problems are greater than that of any other known legal or illegal drug.

Alcohol impairs judgment in very specific ways:  it may make on “feel” as if he or she is doing better than he or she is.  You feel more attractive, wittier, and more in control of the situation – thus, the temptation to take extraordinary risks.  The awareness of being impaired is reduced!

Resources
Assistance and information can be obtained from the following:

Purchase College:
Counseling Center - (914) 251-6390
Director of Wellness  - (914) 251-6665
Wellness Counselor - (914) 251-6657
Health Services - (914) 251-6380
University Police - (914) 251-6900
Student Affairs - (914) 251-6030
Residence Life - (914) 251-6320
Human Resources - (914) 251-6090
Employee Assistance Coordinator - (914) 251-6098

Off Campus:
Alcoholics Anonymous - (914) 949-1200
Al-Anon - (914) 946-1748
Cocaine/Crack Hotline - (800) COCAINE
National Council on Alcoholism and Other Drugs - (914) 683-1213
Narcotics Anonymous - (718) 601-5817

Purchase’s  Tobacco Free Policy

In recognition of the overwhelming scientific evidence that tobacco use causes serious diseases and is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States, Purchase College is instituting a Tobacco Free policy to change the culture of tobacco use on campus. This policy expands on the Clean Air Act of 1970 and the New York statewide smoking ban that took effect on July 24, 2003, which bans smoking in all enclosed workplaces in New York, including bars, restaurants and construction sites.  The policy will apply to any property owned, leased, or operated by the college. In line with the tobacco-free vision of New York held by SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher and Governor Andrew Cuomo, Purchase’s goal is to be completely tobacco-free by the end of the 2017–18 academic year.

Purchase College places a priority on the health and well-being of students, faculty, staff and those who visit the Purchase campus. The Tobacco Free policy will complement the college’s environmental sustainability efforts, help create and preserve equitable and respectful work, study, and living environments, and bring Purchase’s institutional investments in line with the college’s principles on social and environmental responsibility. It will also eliminate harmful exposure to secondhand smoke and prevent litter and chemical leaching from tobacco waste.

What Counts as “Tobacco”?

Under the policy, “tobacco” is defined as all tobacco and tobacco-derived products intended for human consumption, including, but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, e-cigarettes, hookah-smoked products, clove cigarettes, bidis, kreteks, and smokeless tobacco (for example, dip, chew, snus, and snuff). It does not include any product that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for sale as a tobacco use-cessation product.

Because the liquid-nicotine mixture in e-cigarettes is derived from tobacco, it is defined by this policy as a tobacco product rather than as a tobacco-cessation product. While the secondhand effect of the vapor from e-cigarettes may be less harmful than that of tobacco smoke, Purchase is unwilling to expose students to possible harm from an unregulated and untested product. When the FDA makes a ruling on e-cigarettes, this policy will be reconsidered.

The Tobacco Free Committee

Purchase will maintain an ad hoc Tobacco Free Committee to help the campus make the transition from a culture of casual public tobacco use to one that promotes clean air and consideration for the health of others. This committee will oversee the creation of designated smoking areas to be used while the college is making the transition to becoming entirely tobacco free. It will also develop an outreach campaign for members of the community with nicotine dependency, offering help through flyers, posters, emails, information sessions, and support groups. The committee will educate the community about free cessation options, institutional resources, and potential student code of conduct violations so that the policy is clear.  It will coordinate an effort to engage the campus in an on-going dialog with the campus about tobacco. The Tobacco Free policy will be reviewed at least annually and will be revised as needed to ensure that its objectives are attained and that Purchase is in compliance with federal and state law. The committee will contain representatives from the faculty, staff, and student body.

How Will Tobacco Free Work on Campus?

The Tobacco Free policy will have two phases. During the initial phase (from present to June 2018), tobacco use will be strictly limited to designated smoking areas, which will be created around campus by the  the start of the fall semester of 2015. ( Note: Please see the attached smoking zone map) Smokers will be required to use specific receptacles for their litter. Information about Tobacco Free and cessation options will be clearly posted and disseminated around the campus. Smoking elsewhere on campus during this period will be a violation of campus policy. This rule will also apply when students attend college-sponsored off-campus events. By June 2018, tobacco use will not be permitted anywhere on college owned, leased or operated property.

Compliance

This policy is driven by respect for others and the environment and relies on the thoughtfulness, consideration, and cooperation of tobacco users and non-users for its success. The success of this policy will depend on the cooperation of all members of the Purchase College community, both to comply and encourage others to do so.  It is the responsibility of all members of the college community to abide by this tobacco policy. 

An initial violation of the policy will result in only a verbal warning. This warning will include information about the policy, the rationale behind it, and the availability of tobacco-cessation and harm-reduction support services on and off campus. Subsequent noncompliance by students will result in formal discipline under section E12 of the Community Standards of Conduct.

Helping our Community to Stop Using Tobacco

Purchase will make every reasonable effort to assist students, faculty and staff who wish to stop or reduce their use of tobacco products. It will promote awareness of evidence-based tobacco-cessation resources through a multifaceted outreach campaign. Students can find cessation and reduction tools and treatment, including counseling and nicotine-replacement therapy, at Student Health Services and the Wellness Center. Faculty and staff  can get help through the Employee Assistance Program and from their healthcare providers. The Tobacco Free Committee will regularly solicit feedback from the campus community to ensure that the needs of those interested in tobacco cessation are being met.

Advertising, Promotion, and Sales

Tobacco sales are prohibited on the campus. The college will not accept advertising, marketing, distribution, or promotion of tobacco products.

Sponsorships, Gifts, Funding, and Investments

All grants and gifts to Purchase and all solicitations and proposals for such funds must have the approval of the college and must conform to its mission statement and culture of wellness, SUNY policies, and all applicable laws and regulations. With that in mind, Purchase will no longer invest in any direct tobacco company holdings and will divest itself of any remaining investments in the tobacco industry as soon as it is reasonably able to do so. Investment packages that include tobacco-related holdings must be reported to the Tobacco Free Committee annually as long as such holdings remain in those packages.

Changing the Culture

Purchase will actively educate the campus community about the dangers of tobacco use. The Tobacco Free policy will be clearly posted in student handbooks, on the campus website, and in other publications. Freshman seminars will review it, and it will be shared with parents, alumni, and visitors through admissions publications, media, campus announcements, the college website, and other resources. Key components of the policy will be posted on signs around campus (e.g., “Purchase is moving toward being tobacco free”; “Limit tobacco use to designated areas only”). Public announcements will address the policy and its implementation at events on campus.

The Tobacco Free Committee will undertake education and outreach efforts intended to change the culture of the campus community to one that values clean air, mutual respect, and holistic well-being.