91����Ƶ

By Maegan Murray, 91����Ƶ

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 91����Ƶ 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 91����Ƶ 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 91����Ƶ 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.

91����Ƶ is committed to assisting those who want to quit using tobacco. For WSU tobacco cessation resources, visit the “Get Help Quitting Tobacco” website (). For other information, read the 91����Ƶ Tobacco Policy FAQ () or emailtobaccopolicy@tricity.wsu.edu.

Contacts:
Scott Tomren, 91����Ƶ environmental health and safety coordinator, 509-372-7163,stomren@tricity.wsu.edu
Maegan Murray, 91����Ƶ public relations specialist, 509-372-7333,maegan.murray@tricity.wsu.edu