UW-River Falls to Become a Tobacco-Free Campus July 1

June 17, 2013--The University of Wisconsin-River Falls will join more than 700 other college campuses across the United States when it becomes a tobacco-free campus next month. Starting July 1, smoking or the use of other tobacco products will be prohibited on all campus grounds. UW-River Falls Chancellor Dean Van Galen approved the tobacco-free campus policy in December 2012. 

"The formal, positive recommendation of the Faculty Senate, Student Senate, and Classified Staff Advisory Council played a significant role in my decision to approve the policy," said Van Galen. "This policy represents a significant step forward in creating a more healthy learning and work environment at UW-River Falls."  

UW-River Falls acknowledges and supports the findings of the Surgeon General that tobacco use in any form, active and passive, is a significant health hazard. The purposes of the policy are to reduce harm from secondhand smoke, provide an environment that encourages persons to be tobacco-free, establish a campus culture of wellness and environmental responsibility, and promote a tobacco-free future.    

"The success of this policy will depend on the courtesy, respect, and cooperation of users and non-users of tobacco products," said Van Galen. 

For more information on the policy, visit www.uwrf.edu/tobaccofreecampus.