Smoking is widely recognized as the single most important cause of preventable human disease, including lung cancer, heart disease and emphysema. Also recognized is the increasing weight of scientific evidence that breathing secondhand smoke can cause adverse health problems in nonsmokers. The Environmental Protection Agency has classified secondhand smoke as a Group A carcinogen, a substance known to cause cancer in humans. In addition, the University cites the potential that exists for fire, loss of life, and injuries from the careless use of cigarettes or other lighted tobacco products.

In 1993, all state-owned buildings at the University of Rhode Island's four campuses became smokefree and smoking was prohibited in state-owned vehicles, as a result of state statutes and laws governing smoking for State of Rhode Island buildings and property.

In December 2000, the University of Rhode Island announced that the nonsmoking policy would extend to residence halls and apartment complexes, effective June 1, 2001. This action nullified a 1993 modification clause to the Nonsmoking Policy of the RI Board of Governors for Higher Education that allowed for smoking in student rooms with consent of roommates. In the interest of a safe and healthy working and learning environment for its students, faculty and staff, as well as visitors, the University of Rhode Island has expanded its smoke-free requirements and adopted the following policy: