Following a process of extensive research, community consultation and collaboration, U of G’s Guelph campus will become tobacco- and smoke-free on World No Tobacco Day: May 31.
“This is an important commitment to the health of our campus and our community,” says Don O’Leary, vice-president (finance, administration and risk). “I’m grateful to the advisory committee for their work and to everyone who shared their thoughts throughout the process.”
The full Tobacco- and Smoke-Free Campus policy is available at www.uoguelph.ca/smokefree.
What a tobacco- and smoke-free campus means
Creating a tobacco- and smoke-free campus helps U of G meet its commitment to supporting the well-being of the whole person and creating a healthy campus for everyone.
The Tobacco- and Smoke-Free Campus policy prohibits the smoking and vaping of tobacco and cannabis and the use of smokeless tobacco (e.g., chewing tobacco) on campus. Exceptions include tobacco use as part of an Aboriginal spiritual or cultural ceremony, in research and medicinal use of cannabis.
The policy applies to all faculty, staff, students and visitors. It applies to the entire Guelph campus and Arboretum. A map is available online.
Answers to frequently asked questions about the policy are available on the FAQ section of the Smoke-Free Campus website.
The University of Guelph respects the sacred role of tobacco and other traditional medicines in First Nations and Métis spiritual and cultural practices. By becoming a smoke-free campus, we hope to reduce the use of commercial tobacco products while supporting the efforts of Aboriginal communities to keep tobacco sacred.
Supporting our community
The University is committed to supporting our community as we become a tobacco- and smoke-free campus. A variety of resources are available online for employees and students who want help to cope, cut back or support a friend.
Next steps
Over the coming weeks, signs will be installed around campus indicating the campus is a tobacco- and smoke-free space as of May 31.
An event is planned on campus for World No Tobacco Day to mark the change. More details will be available in the coming weeks.
Further questions can be sent to smokefree@uoguelph.ca.