Vanderbilt University is committed to providing a healthy, comfortable and productive environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors to the campus. The health hazards of secondhand smoke are indisputable, and based on solid evidence dating to the early 1970′s. In addition, as an institution of higher learning, Vanderbilt University has a responsibility to be a leader in promoting good health for all members of its community. Therefore, effective August 1, 2010, Vanderbilt University will join more than 500 other colleges and universities in being a smoke-free campus.
All indoor facilities will remain smoke-free (as they have for many years) and smoking is only allowed in a few designated areas, outdoors. Smoking will be prohibited on all university walkways, building entrances, green spaces such as quadrangles, and most public gatherings areas.
Because some Vanderbilt students describe themselves only as “social smokers” this new policy may have some impact on smoking during public events on campus, but less impact on daily routines. Fewer than 10% of faculty, staff, and students are regular smokers. A smoke-free Vanderbilt campus should encourage all smoking students to make the decision to live tobacco free. A myriad of resources as noted below are available to students in achieving this goal.
For Students
Student Health Center – please call 322-2427 to make an appointment!
- Free medical consultation to discuss smoking cessation medication options
- For those who are medically eligible (and while supplies last):
- Free Chantix(oral medication to lessen cravings) at Student Health Center
- Free Nicoderm patches at Student Health Center
- Guidance regarding other generic medications available at local pharmacies for small insurance co-pays.
- Referrals to the AODA Prevention office’s individual consultation services
AODA Prevention Resources and Programming
- Individual consultations for behavioral approaches to cessation
- Referrals from other Dean of Student departments, faculty, and staff, and Student Health Center
- Student self referrals
- Educational presentations for student organizations, residence halls, classes, and athletic teams, and others as requested
- Great American Smoke-out (third week of November) programming
- Educational ads and ongoing promotion of Student health resources
- Education tables
- Free support packs for smokers who are trying to quit
Other Links
The Occupational Health Clinic will continue to provide support and services to employees who have made the decision to quit smoking
The Centers for Disease Control maintains up to date information on tobacco cessation strategies and data on smoke-free initiatives