Tobacco, Alcohol and Substance Safety

Learn more about tobacco, vaping, alcohol, and substance use, including health information, safer choices, campus policies, and available support resources.

 

  • Tobacco, Vaping & Nicotine
  • Alcohol and Substance Safety
  • Resources & Support

Marquette is a tobacco-free campus. This includes cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and all nicotine products. These guidelines help support a healthy campus environment for everyone.

Whether you’re looking for information, campus expectations, or help quitting, this page has what you need.

Campus Policy

Marquette is a tobacco-free campus, which means:

  • Smoking and vaping are not allowed on campus
  • This includes cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vape pens, and smokeless tobacco products
  • The policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, and visitors

The goal is to create a healthier environment and reduce exposure to secondhand smoke and vapor.

What to Know About Vaping & Nicotine

Vaping and e-cigarettes are often seen as safer alternatives, but they still carry health risks.

  • Most vaping products contain nicotine, which is addictive
  • Vaping can affect lung health and overall well-being
  • Secondhand vapor can impact others nearby

Nicotine use can also affect focus, sleep, and stress levels.

Why It Matters

Using tobacco or vaping products can:

  • Increase risk of lung and heart conditions
  • Affect energy levels and athletic performance
  • Impact sleep and stress
  • Lead to nicotine dependence

Even occasional use can have an impact.

Thinking About Quitting?

Many students consider cutting back or quitting nicotine. Support is available.

You don’t have to do it alone—there are options that can help:

  • Nicotine replacement (patches, gum, lozenges)
  • Counseling or support programs
  • Apps and online tools

Quitting can improve your health quickly—even small steps make a difference.

Alcohol is a common part of college life for some students. Whether you choose to drink or not, it’s important to understand how alcohol affects your body and how to make safer choices.

What To Know

If you choose to drink, understanding standard drink sizes can help you keep track:

  • 12 oz beer (~5% alcohol)
  • 5 oz wine (~12% alcohol)
  • 1.5 oz liquor (~40% alcohol)

Binge drinking is defined as:

  • 4 or more drinks in about 2 hours (women)
  • 5 or more drinks in about 2 hours (men)

Alcohol is a drug, and higher amounts increase the risk of harm.

There is no health recommendation to start drinking.

Safer Use Tips

If you choose to drink or use substances:

  • Eat before and while drinking
  • Pace yourself (no more than one drink per hour)
  • Drink water between alcoholic beverages
  • Avoid mixing substances (alcohol, medications, or other drugs)
  • Know what you’re taking—avoid unknown or unverified substances
  • Stay with people you trust

Stay Safe in Social Settings

  • Never leave your drink unattended
  • Avoid accepting drinks from people you don’t know
  • Go out with friends and leave together
  • Plan a safe way home
  • Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is

Watch Out for Others

  • Check in with friends regularly
  • Stay with someone who is intoxicated
  • Don’t leave someone alone if they are not responsive
  • Speak up if something doesn’t seem right

Looking out for each other helps prevent serious harm.

Alcohol Overdose (Emergency)

Alcohol overdose can be life-threatening. Call for help immediately if someone:

  • Is passed out, semi-conscious or cannot be awakened
  • Is vomiting while unconscious
  • Has slow or irregular breathing
  • Has cold, pale, or bluish skin

What to do:

  • Call Marquette University Police Department: (414) 288-1911
  • Stay with the person until help arrives with the person lying on their side.
  • Provide as much information as possible

Recovery & What to Expect

After drinking, you may experience:

  • Headache or hangover symptoms
  • Dehydration
  • Fatigue

Hydration, rest, and time are the most effective ways to recover.

When to Seek Support

Consider reaching out if you:

  • Feel pressure to drink or use substances
  • Are concerned about your use
  • Have difficulty cutting back
  • Want support making changes

Support is available, and conversations are confidential.

 

The Medical Clinic is here to support your health, safety, and well-being. If you have questions or concerns, resources and confidential support are available.

*This page is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to replace consultation with a physician or other healthcare provider. This information does not constitute medical advice and should not be the basis for any diagnosis or treatment.