To help make our campus healthier for everyone, U of G’s Guelph campus became smoke-free at the end of May. For many of our new and returning students, these next few weeks could be their first experience as part of a smoke-free campus community.

“From what we’re seeing, folks are adapting to the change well,” says Dave Lee, director of Campus Community Police. “Whenever our officers have spoken with someone about smoking on campus, the interactions have been respectful and the person complies with the policy, either by putting out their cigarette or vape pen or going off campus.”

Looking for help to cope, quit or support a friend? U of G has resources to help.

• Peer Support Group – Drop by to speak with U of G community members and a quit coach to talk about challenges and successes on the road to becoming smoke-free. Sessions run Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m., Sept. 12 to Oct. 17, in University Centre, Room 442. For more information, email smokefree@uoguelph.ca.
• Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) on campus – Nicotine patches and gum can help some people manage their cravings and make it through the day without a cigarette.

  Students can pick up free NRT samples from Student Wellness Services in the J.T. Powell Building while supplies last. Students can also get up to a year of pharmacist-assisted counselling and access to free smoking cessation medications like Champix and Zyban through OHIP+. Talk to your pharmacist to get started.

  Faculty and staff can pick up free NRT samples from UC Pharmacy in the University Centre.

• Other resources – Find digital and telephone support resources that work for you. U of G has compiled a list of these supports for faculty, staff and students.

Learn more about the policy, see a map of campus boundaries and view further resources for students, faculty and staff at www.uoguelph.ca/smokefree.