WSU Tri-Cities to become tobacco free beginning Aug. 22

By Maegan Murray, WSU Tri-Cities

RICHLAND, Wash. – Washington State University Tri-Cities will join the other WSU campuses and more than 900 universities nationwide in becoming tobacco free beginning Aug. 22.

WSU Spokane and WSU Vancouver became tobacco free in May 2012 and December 2013, respectively. WSU Pullman will become tobacco free beginning Aug. 22, as well.

“This was a well-thought-out process that welcomed feedback from the whole WSU Tri-Cities campus community,” said Chancellor Keith Moo-Young.

Wide approval for better health

“The intent of the new policy is to promote the health and wellbeing of the students, faculty and staff on the WSU Tri-Cities campus,” he said. “This is another positive step forward in fostering a healthy learning environment for everyone.”

A draft policy was made available for review to the WSU Tri-Cities community in the fall and winter. Every student and employee was sent a survey to complete. More than 70 percent of those surveyed were in favor of the change.

Under the new policy, all forms of tobacco, including smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes and vaping, will be prohibited on campus property. That includes buildings, parking lots, leased property, grassy areas and open space.

Cessation, research exempt

The prohibition does not apply to WSU Office of Research Assurances Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved research projects. Nor does it apply to U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved nicotine replacement products, provided that they deliver the nicotine dose directly to the user and without exposure to others.

WSU Tri-Cities is committed to assisting those who want to quit using tobacco. For WSU tobacco cessation resources, visit the “Get Help Quitting Tobacco” website (http://hrs.wsu.edu/Quit-Tobacco). For other information, read the WSU Tri-Cities Tobacco Policy FAQ (http://tricities.wsu.edu/ehs/tobaccofreecampus) or emailtobaccopolicy@tricity.wsu.edu.

Contacts:
Scott Tomren, WSU Tri-Cities environmental health and safety coordinator, 509-372-7163,stomren@tricity.wsu.edu
Maegan Murray, WSU Tri-Cities public relations specialist, 509-372-7333,maegan.murray@tricity.wsu.edu