Why should a college/university campus go tobacco-free?

A 100% tobacco-free campus policy protects the health and well-being of all students, staff, faculty, and visitors to campus. Tobacco-free campus policy will:

• Protect the institution’s students, faculty, staff, and visitors from unwanted and involuntary exposure to tobacco, secondhand smoke, and aerosol.

• Provide motivation for tobacco users to get the help they need to quit for good.

• Establish a tobacco and vape-free lifestyle as the norm, in turn preventing those never addicted from ever starting.

• Create a healthier and greener environment for students, faculty, and staff.

Many organizations, including the American College Health Association, Truth Initiative and the American Lung Association have called on institutions of higher education to adopt tobacco-free policies.

What’s the difference between a smoke-free and tobacco-free policy?

A smoke-free policy may only include cigarettes, cigars, and other smoke-emitting products. A tobacco-free policy is all inclusive and prohibits all forms of tobacco (including smokeless tobacco) and any electronic smoking device (e.g., e-cigarettes and vapes) that has not been approved by the FDA for cessation.

SPARK supports 100% tobacco-free campus policies which prohibits all tobacco use, including vaping, on all indoor and outdoor campus property at all times by all students, staff, faculty, and visitors. Tobacco-free policy sends a consistent health message by not implying that smokeless forms of commercial tobacco are safe. There are no safe forms or levels of commercial tobacco use. A tobacco-free campus policy promotes and protects the health of all campus members, users and non-users alike against all forms of tobacco.

Tobacco-free campus policies offer the highest level of protection against the harms of commercial tobacco and vaping. To date, 27 campuses across the state have adopted tobacco-free policies.

Are e-cigarettes/vapes included in a tobacco-free campus policy?

Yes, SPARK’s model tobacco-free campus policy includes all forms of tobacco and any electronic smoking device (i.e., e-cigarettes/vapes) that has not been approved by the FDA for cessation.

What about ceremonial use of tobacco?

SPARK recognizes and honors the cultural and spiritual significance of traditional tobacco in American Indian life. Tobacco used for sacred, ceremonial, or traditional purposes may be exempt from tobacco-free campus policies.

How do tobacco-free policies help people who are tobacco users?

Nearly 60% of daily adult smokers in Wisconsin quit smoking for one or more days in 2020 (e). Seeing or smelling tobacco products can be a trigger to use for those who are trying to quit. A tobacco-free campus policy can help those by eliminating these potential triggers while on campus. If current users are interested in quitting, there is free assistance available through the Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line by calling 800-QUIT-NOW or by texting “READY” to 200-400. The Quit Line provides free one-on-one phone counseling and information, local cessation program referrals, and starter packs of quit smoking medications like nicotine gum, patches, and lozenges.

How can our campus engage with other campuses that have already gone tobacco-free or are currently going through the policy change process?

SPARK has a network of colleges and universities across Wisconsin that have already gone tobacco-free, working on becoming tobacco-free or have worked on it in the past. Check out our About page to view the list of SPARK schools and email your questions to SPARKWI@Lung.org.

I’m interested in helping my campus go tobacco-free. Where do I start?

Right here! SPARK is here to help advocates like you understand the steps to policy change and what that may look like for your campus. Our knowledgeable staff can provide technical assistance and support as your campus prepares to become tobacco-free. SPARK offers grant opportunities and a library of resources to assist you on your way. Contact us today to set up a time to discuss your campus needs!

Have a question we didn’t answer?

Email us at SPARKWI@Lung.org