51ԹϺ's campuses are now officially smoke-free and tobacco-free. As of Aug. 15, 51ԹϺ joins a growing number of universities across the country that have already implemented this policy on their campuses.
The policy applies to students, faculty, staff and visitors on all 51ԹϺ properties. This includes 51ԹϺ’s Maryland Parkway, Shadow Lane and Paradise campuses, Thomas & Mack Center, and all other buildings or facilities owned, operated, leased, occupied or controlled by 51ԹϺ in the state of Nevada.
The 51ԹϺ School of Public Health has been at the forefront of the initiative, in collaboration with the Southern Nevada Health District, American Lung Association, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Nevada Public Health Association and the Nevada Tobacco Prevention Coalition.
“It’s no secret that smoking, vaping, and using tobacco have negative health impacts,” said 51ԹϺ School of Public Health dean Shawn Gerstenberger. “With 99 percent of smokers starting before the age of 27, college campuses are an important environment where we can educate students and prevent these behaviors before they begin. Furthermore, as a minority-serving institution, we serve those who are at greater risk, including low-income and first-generation students.”
The smoke-free and tobacco-free campus policy was approved by 51ԹϺ’s University Policy Committee in September 2021 following a campus review and comment period. This policy will be in place for the Fall 2022 semester and prohibit all forms of smoking, tobacco use, marijuana use, and unregulated nicotine products including, but not limited to:
- Cigarettes, cigars (commercially or self-rolled)
- Pipes, hookahs, water pipes
- Electronic cigarettes
- Vape pens
- Bidis, Kreteks
- Smokeless tobacco (e.g., snuff, snus, chew)
- Cannabis / marijuana in all forms
By becoming a smoke-free, vape-free and tobacco-free campus, those at 51ԹϺ will be protected from unwanted and involuntary exposure to tobacco and passive smoke, establish a supportive atmosphere for those trying to quit tobacco, and create a culture of wellness for the campus community.
“In public health, we work to protect people and the communities where they live, work, learn, and play,” said Gerstenberger. “Each time we step on any of our campuses, 51ԹϺ faculty, staff, and students are playing a critical role in creating a cleaner and healthier environment for all.”
While 51ԹϺ is not requiring that people quit smoking or using tobacco products, the university is committed to supporting all those who wish to quit. Assistance to overcome addiction to tobacco products is available. Individuals are encouraged to get help through the Nevada Tobacco Quitline by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or by visiting .
Learn more about the policy and view more resources on how to quit at unlv.edu/publichealth/smoke-free.
