Within the first six months of going tobacco-free in 2012, there was a nearly 50% decrease in the number of students who reported exposure to second-hand smoke outside on campus, according to the annual College Student Health Survey.
Tobacco-free means:
The use, sale, free distribution or advertising of smoking and smokeless tobacco products is prohibited on university property, including buildings, walkways, arenas, playing areas and in university owned vehicles and motorized equipment.
For students in violation of the tobacco-free policy:
For employees in violation of the tobacco-free policy:
The tobacco-free policy is enforced on all university-owned property including the River Walk and part of Barden Park. It will not be enforced on city streets and city sidewalks that are adjacent. View a map of campus boundaries.
Exceptions are allowed in accordance with the Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act (PDF). Tobacco use also is allowed in private vehicles on university property, as long as respect for individuals and the environment is demonstrated.
Possession of tobacco products does not violate the policy.
Visit the ClearWay Minnesota website to learn more about the harm caused by tobacco use. Tobacco use is the number one health problem, killing 400,000 Americans every year.
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Communication ToolkitGet the Tobacco-Free logo (JPEG) |
View the Tobacco Use Policy & Procedure.
St. Cloud State’s tobacco-free policy was developed based on recommendations from a task force of 13 students and employees.
Questions: studentaffairs@stcloudstate.edu
A 2008 study published by the National Institutes of Health finds the risk of death from diseases caused by smoking, including lung cancer, heart disease, stroke and respiratory disease, drops dramatically after sustained periods of cessation.
A 2009 study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, at the National Institutes of Health, suggests that it can take up to 12 months -- post quitting -- before the amount of nicotinic receptors in the brain return to the level of a non-smoker.
Below are on-campus and off-campus smoking cessation resources:
On-campus
Employee resources
Student resources
E-cigarettes
Off-campus
Services recommended by the Minnesota Department of Health
Our environment is essential to good health, happiness and quality of life at St. Cloud State University. Since the implementation of the Tobacco Free policy, there has been an overall decrease in cigarette litter on campus. There are, however, some areas on campus such as Barden Park and the Riverwalk where cigarette litter has become a problem. It is important for everyone to protect and respect our environment. Cigarette litter can accumulate in storm drains and wash into the river causing health hazards to the fragile ecosystems we value so greatly. Thank you for respecting the Tobacco Free policy by not using tobacco on campus and by disposing of cigarette litter off campus properly to protect our environment.