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By Maegan Murray, ������ Tri-Cities

RICHLAND, Wash. – Washington State University Tri-Cities will join the other ������ campuses and more than 900 universities nationwide in becoming tobacco free beginning Aug. 22.

������ Spokane and ������ Vancouver became tobacco free in May 2012 and December 2013, respectively. ������ Pullman will become tobacco free beginning Aug. 22, as well.

“This was a well-thought-out process that welcomed feedback from the whole ������ Tri-Cities campus community,” said Chancellor Keith Moo-Young.

Wide approval for better health

“The intent of the new policy is to promote the health and wellbeing of the students, faculty and staff on the ������ Tri-Cities campus,” he said. “This is another positive step forward in fostering a healthy learning environment for everyone.”

A draft policy was made available for review to the ������ Tri-Cities community in the fall and winter. Every student and employee was sent a survey to complete. More than 70 percent of those surveyed were in favor of the change.

Under the new policy, all forms of tobacco, including smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes and vaping, will be prohibited on campus property. That includes buildings, parking lots, leased property, grassy areas and open space.

Cessation, research exempt

The prohibition does not apply to ������ Office of Research Assurances Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved research projects. Nor does it apply to U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved nicotine replacement products, provided that they deliver the nicotine dose directly to the user and without exposure to others.

������ Tri-Cities is committed to assisting those who want to quit using tobacco. For ������ tobacco cessation resources, visit the “Get Help Quitting Tobacco” website (). For other information, read the ������ Tri-Cities Tobacco Policy FAQ () or emailtobaccopolicy@tricity.wsu.edu.

Contacts:
Scott Tomren, ������ Tri-Cities environmental health and safety coordinator, 509-372-7163,stomren@tricity.wsu.edu
Maegan Murray, ������ Tri-Cities public relations specialist, 509-372-7333,maegan.murray@tricity.wsu.edu