UW-Stevens Point becomes tobacco-free

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point has joined more than 700 other college campuses across the United States as a tobacco-free campus.

This decision was made after carefully considering the views of hundreds of students, faculty, staff and community members through a student referendum, a faculty and staff survey, several open forums and consultations with governance groups.

“UW-Stevens Point has long been a leader in wellness initiatives, and the tobacco-free policy is a great example of this,” said Jen Sorenson, director of Student Health Service who is coordinating tobacco-free efforts on campus. “While encouraging and supporting a healthier lifestyle, UW-Stevens Point will also be protecting the health of students, visitors, faculty and staff.”

No tobacco use is permitted on UW-Stevens Point property. This policy includes parking lots and sidewalks, and applies to all students, faculty and staff members, contractors, vendors and visitors during and after campus hours and during all campus events.

One exception to the policy allows additional implementation time. Because of the location and setting of Treehaven in Tomahawk, a designated area for tobacco use is in place until fall 2015. The additional time for implementation will provide notice to organizations that rent the facility.

Student Health Service offers cessation support to students including:

• Individual support and counseling with trained health care professionals
• Support groups
• Free or reduced-cost nicotine-replacement products including nicotine patches (also available through the Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line), nicotine gum and herbal (tobacco-free) snuff products
• Prescription medication to help smokers and chewing tobacco users quit.

Students may call Student Health Service at 715-346-4646 for appointments and more information. Faculty and staff may contact their insurance providers or click on “Cessation Resources” at the UW-Stevens Point Tobacco Free website, www.uwsp.edu/tobaccofree. Also included on the site are frequently asked questions, a campus map and an official copy of the policy.