By: Brianna Bonham
Freelancer

Western Oregon University has begun the transition into the new school year with a new campus policy regarding the prohibition of tobacco products for all students and staff.

“The policy is being marketed as an educational approach,” says Craig Wimmer, the Assistant Director of Wellness Education at the Student Health and Counseling Center.

“I helped advise the Student Health Advisory Committee students on their work with developing, presenting, and organizing the policy,” Wimmer said.

As the policy took effect Sept. 1, those found smoking or using any form of tobacco on campus will be documented and potentially fined. To help enforce this new policy, old smoking shacks around campus are being converted into bike racks.

Over the past few years, schools nationwide have begun an initiative to create cleaner, safer campuses for their students. Western students voted, and agreed that in order to create a cleaner campus, eliminating smoking would sustain air quality while improving student health overall.

Western has joined other schools in this movement, such as University of California and New York University. Western was the last public school in Oregon to create such a policy.

“Are there ways for students and staff to get help if they’re trying to quit smoking?” asks Connor Bernett, a first-year student. “We’re working to support transitions into this new policy,” Wimmer responded.

Those who are struggling with the new policy can visit either the Student Health and Counseling Center to talk to a counselor or pick up a “Quit Kit” that contains resources geared to help someone quit smoking.

These resources are available free of charge to students and staff at Western.

If you or someone you know is in need of additional outside resources, please visit Smoke Free Oregon at quitnow.net or call the toll free number 1-800-Quit-Now to speak with a staff member.