'Tobacco-Free UD'
University announces all campuses are tobacco-free
3:01 p.m., Aug. 1, 2014--Acting on a student-led initiative to ensure a healthy campus environment, the University of Delaware has announced that all campuses will be tobacco-free beginning this month.
The new policy, which went into effect Aug. 1, prohibits the use of all tobacco products -- smoking and snuff, as well as the emerging e-cigarettes -- on University property to ensure a “Tobacco-Free UD.”
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It will apply to UD campuses in Newark, Wilmington, Dover, Georgetown and Lewes.
The policy is designed to promote a healthy and safe environment for UD students, faculty, staff and guests.
Research findings show that use of tobacco products in general constitute health hazards and also conclude that exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke causes significant health risks for nonsmokers.
The University is among a growing number of institutions of higher education – about 800 nationwide, including Delaware Technical Community College, where UD Associate in Arts Program courses meet -- that have instituted tobacco-free policies.
The policy was initiated and recommended by the University’s Student Government Association and supported by the Graduate Student Government.
In conjunction with the new policy, the University reminds members of the campus community that it offers tobacco-cessation programs for those in need of assistance. Students can seek support through Student Wellness and Health Promotion (302-831-3457). For employees, the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) (302-831-2414) will provide individual counseling, and the HealthyU Employee Wellness Program (302-831-8853) will offer group coaching sessions. For a PDF listing resources for employees, click here.
In 1995, all academic and office buildings and UD vehicles were declared smoke-free, on the recommendation of the Faculty Senate. All University-owned student housing has been smoke-free since fall 2000.