The
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point will become a tobacco-free campus by the
fall of 2014.
“It’s
time,” said Chancellor Bernie Patterson. “UW-Stevens Point is known for
sustainability and health consciousness. This policy demonstrates our
commitment to wellness, which is a major part of our strategic plan, A
Partnership for Thriving Communities, and our Healthy Communities initiative.”
The
decision was made after carefully considering views of hundreds of faculty,
staff members and students during the past year, Patterson said. The
decision-making process included:
- A spring 2013
Student Government Association (SGA) tobacco policy referendum showed that of
the students responding, 70 percent favored a tobacco-free campus.
- A faculty and
staff survey in May and June 2013 indicated a tobacco-free campus was the
overwhelming first choice.
- Maintaining the
current policy, to allow smoking in designated areas outdoors, received the
fewest points in surveys of faculty, staff and students.
- The University
Affairs Committee recommended, and the Faculty Senate supported, a tobacco-free
campus.
- Three open
forums were held this fall for input across campus.
- The Classified
Staff Advisory Council narrowly voted against a tobacco-free policy, concerned
about specific wording.
- SGA voted in
support of a tobacco-free campus.
While
support was not unanimous, it was overwhelmingly in favor of a tobacco-free
policy, Patterson said in a message to campus.
“The goal was to promote and protect the health of all faculty,
staff, students and visitors to our campus, said Sallie Scovill, associate professor, School
of Health Promotion and Human Development, who co-chaired the tobacco-free
campus committee and coordinates employee wellness. “We’ve had evidence of the
damaging effects of tobacco use for a long time, and this is clearly the
greatest good for the vast majority of people.”
“Responding
to concerns from the student body, the Student Government Association has been
leading the policy development around tobacco since the spring of 2012. This is
an important step in improving the overall wellness of our community,” said
Ryan Specht, SGA president.
Patterson
will appoint a committee of faculty, staff members, students and community
members to develop an implementation plan in the spring semester. Support
will be provided for those who want to stop using tobacco.