Michigan State University’s Board of Trustees has approved a tobacco-free ordinance, a move that will go into effect Aug. 15, 2016.
At the direction of Provost June Pierce Youatt and led by the Office of the University Physician, a task force was created in February to guide campus and community leadership in the development, adoption, implementation, enforcement and evaluation of a tobacco-free policy at MSU.
“This is an important step in improving the health of our campus community and committing ourselves to create the healthiest academic and workplace environment possible at MSU,” Youatt said.
The delay in enacting the policy is to allow sufficient time for those affected by the new ordinance to be aware of its existence and take the necessary steps to comply. Over the next year, the task force will continue to work on educating both members of and visitors to the campus community.
In addition to traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes and chewing tobacco, the ordinance also prohibits e-cigarettes and vaporizers. All FDA-approved nicotine replacement therapy products are permitted for cessation use.
More information about the ordinance, including an FAQ, can be found at http://tobaccofree.msu.edu/. Members of the MSU community can email TobaccoFree@msu.edu with concerns or questions.