Ceremonial Burning and Smudging | University Policies and Standards

Policy Statement

Oregon State University (university) recognizes Ceremonial Burning and Smudging as important cultural practices for many people and welcomes these practices on university-owned or -controlled property pursuant to the procedures in this University Policy that promote safety.
Only students, employees, volunteers, or invited guests may practice Ceremonial Burning or Smudging on university-owned or -controlled property. All other persons are prohibited from practicing Ceremonial Burning or Smudging.
This policy controls in the event of any conflict with a University Policy or Standard or any other unit rule related to smoking or incense.

The university recognizes sage, sweetgrass, and other plants and resins as traditional medicines of Indigenous and other communities and essential elements for religious and cultural practice and ceremony.
The university is committed to providing a pathway for university students, employees, volunteers, and invited guests who wish to practice Ceremonial Burning or Smudging. This University Policy aims to facilitate Ceremonial Burning and Smudging while addressing concerns related to health concerns around smoke, smoke odor, and fire safety.
The university is a smoke- and tobacco-free campus. This University Policy serves as a limited exception to University Standard 07-020 Smoking and Tobacco Use on University Property and complies with Section 5.3.2 of that policy related to use of tobacco for ceremonial purposes.

This University Policy applies to students, employees, volunteers, and invited guests who practice Ceremonial Burning or Smudging, as defined in this University Policy, on university-owned or -controlled property.
Utilizing ignited plant material or incense for purposes other than Ceremonial Burning or Smudging is outside the scope of this University Policy.

Ceremonial Burning: Practices involving the controlled use of smoke for cultural, educational, spiritual or religious purposes, including but not limited to the burning of herbs, incense, or other materials.
Smudging: A form of Ceremonial Burning typically involving Indigenous practices incorporating the ignition, smoldering and use of smoke from sage, sweetgrass, copal, cedar, tobacco, and other related medicinal plants as elements of purification and or other sacred ceremony.

Persons engaging in Ceremonial Burning or Smudging must:

Provide reasonable notice to affected persons (e.g., persons living or working within an area that might be affected by the odor of the Ceremonial Burning or Smudging).
1. University-owned or -controlled property may be designated as spaces where Ceremonial Burning or Smudging may take place during normal hours of operation without prior notice to affected persons (e.g., the kaku-ixt mana ina haws Gathering Hall and Sacred Space and the NAGPRA Facility). Designated locations must have adequate ventilation and access to fire safety equipment, including smoke detectors for indoor locations.
Limit Ceremonial Burning and Smudging activities to smoldering. The continuing presence of an open flame is prohibited.
Use a heat- and flame-resistant container for all smoldering materials.
Avoid Ceremonial Burning or Smudging near combustible materials, hazardous materials, chemicals, flammable vapors, or air intake.
Avoid all known toxic materials.
Maintain control at all times of Ceremonial Burning or Smudging materials. Ceremonial Burning or Smudging materials must not be left unattended while in use.
Extinguish Ceremonial Burning or Smudging materials completely when the Ceremonial Burning or Smudging activity is completed.
Ensure that smoke from Ceremonial Burning or Smudging activities has dissipated in less than an hour, unless otherwise approved by the Director of Tribal Relations or their designee.

Confirm there is adequate ventilation; a solid, non-combustible surface; automatic sprinkler protection; fire alarm coverage; and smoke/heat detector coverage.
Ascertain fire extinguisher locations, the number and location of potentially affected persons, and the potential impact to university operations.
Persons who have engaged in Ceremonial Burning or Smudging must report activation of smoke detection or fire suppression systems and any incidental damage to their building manager or Facilities Services.

Unless in prohibited spaces as described below, Ceremonial Burning or Smudging on university-owned or controlled property may take place during normal hours of operation if the other provisions of this policy have been met.
The university prohibits Ceremonial Burning or Smudging in certain spaces where those activities would hinder essential university functions or pose health or safety hazards.
1. Spaces where Ceremonial Burning and Smudging are prohibited without an approved exception to this policy include:
  1. Classrooms, seminar rooms, auditoriums, or meeting rooms;
  2. Classroom portions of mixed-use housing and dining facilities, such as those found in Obsidian Hall at OSU-Cascades or the International Living and Learning Center on the Corvallis campus;
  3. Research and laboratory facilities and buildings;
  4. Libraries;
  5. Student health facilities and buildings;
  6. Athletic facilities; and
  7. Any area or building designated for authorized access only.
2. University Housing and Dining Services has implemented procedures for Ceremonial Burning and Smudging in residence halls pursuant to this University Policy and individuals must follow those requirements in those spaces.

Exceptions to this University Policy may be granted by the Vice President of Mission and Impact or their designee in consultation with the Vice President for Finance and Administration, and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Persons seeking exceptions must make their request in writing and receive approval before acting pursuant to this University Policy.

Download the University Housing and Dining Services Student Policy and Information Guide and the accompanying request form.
Download EOA's religious accommodation for students, job applicants and employees.
Download Environmental Health & Safety's Open Flame Safety Guidelines.
The burning or smoldering of cannabis is governed by University Policy 07-045 Cannabis, University Policies Regarding. Oregon State University prohibits students, employees and members of the public from possessing, using or distributing marijuana in any form on any university-owned or -controlled property and during any university activities.

Oregon State University adopted University Policy 04-125 Ceremonial Burning and Smudging on September 22, 2025.

Next scheduled review date: September 2030.

Facilities Services
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