UVM campus to go tobacco free Aug. 1

The University of Vermont will become a tobacco-free campus starting Aug. 1.

UVM President Tom Sullivan announced the new policy in a memo Tuesday to the UVM community, citing the known health risks associated with smoking tobacco. UVM joins 1,500 other colleges and universities by implementing the policy.

The creation of a tobacco-free campus was first recommended by the University Benefits Advisory Council in its 2011 recommendation to the president. Four years later, the campus now joins the UVM Medical Center, Burlington’s Church Street Marketplace and local public school properties in prohibiting tobacco use.

For students, faculty and staff who wish to quit smoking at UVM, the university will provide access to cessation programs at free or discounted costs, according to the memo. Sullivan said that he realizes implementing this policy will take time and “peer support, supervisory oversight, and voluntary compliance” will help.

The policy bans tobacco use and other smoke-producing substances from university buildings, walkways, roadways, parking structures and surfaces. Tobacco use will be allowed on the greenbelts on the perimeter of UVM property. Repeat offenders will be subject to existing disciplinary procedures.

The policy bans the use of e-cigarettes, any type of pipe, cigar, cigarette and any other smoking equipment. It does not matter whether the instrument is filled with tobacco or anything else, including marijuana, according to the policy.