Clemson University going tobacco-free

Clemson University will become tobacco-free on Jan. 1, after two-plus years of studies and discussions. The university’s administrative council gave final approval based on input from a task force composed of faculty, staff, undergraduate and graduate students and community representatives.

“We want to improve the health of our student and employee populations by decreasing rates of tobacco use and by reducing unwanted exposure to tobacco smoke for non-tobacco users on university property,” said George W. Clay, executive director of Student Health Services and chairman of the Tobacco-Free task force.

All forms of tobacco and smoke-related products will be prohibited under the policy – cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, smokeless tobacco and electronic cigarettes, and the new rules apply to all students, staff, faculty, administrators, visitors and any buildings operated by the university regardless of location.

Clemson joins over 1,600 colleges and universities with tobacco-free policies, including the University of South Carolina.

Visit www.clemson.edu/tobaccofree for more information about the tobacco-free policy, a list of frequently asked questions and answers, and online links to tobacco cessation resources.