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Effective July 1, Western Illinois University will become smoke-free as part of the state-mandated Illinois Smoke-Free Campus Act.
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WIU Goes Smoke-Free July 1

June 29, 2015

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MACOMB, IL – Effective July 1, Western Illinois University will become smoke-free as part of the state-mandated Illinois Smoke-Free Campus Act.

The Smoke-Free Campus Act prohibits smoking on all campus property, both indoors and outdoors, in University-owned vehicles and in privately-owned vehicles parked on campus property. Littering the remains of tobacco and smokeless tobacco products or any other related waste product on campus property is also prohibited, as well as the use of smokeless tobacco.

Western's complete smoke-free policy, which was approved by the WIU Board of Trustees at its June 12 meeting, can be found at wiu.edu/smokefree. Western joins more than 1,500 colleges and universities nationwide that have smoke-free policies.

"The goal is to create a healthy place to live, learn and work. We appreciate the cooperation of the WIU campus community for the successful implementation of the new Illinois Smoke-Free Campus Act," said Digger Oster, chair of the Smoke-Free Campus Task Force.

Signage and educational materials, which include information regarding smoking cessation, will be displayed throughout the Macomb and Quad Cities campuses.

"It is important that our campus community is a healthy environment, which includes the elimination of second-hand smoke," added JoAnn Hairston-Jones, WIU Beu Health Center Health Education Coordinator. "WIU is committed to providing support to students, faculty, staff and visitors who are considering tobacco cessation. Quitting isn't easy, but it can be done."

Resources for students include Beu Health Center and the Illinois Tobacco Quitline. University employees may access the Illinois Tobacco Quitline, and may also contact their health insurance provider for information regarding smoking cessation products.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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