The University of Windsor will today join more than 95 Canadian post-secondary institutions that have made their campuses entirely smoke-free.
Rita LaCivita, Vice-President, Human Resources, says protecting the health and safety of the campus community is a top priority.
“We know the health implications associated with smoking and second-hand smoke, so today’s move to an entirely smoke-free campus environment is a vital step forward in the University of Windsor’s efforts to provide an environment that better protects the health of our entire campus community.”
The Smoke-Free Campus initiative was introduced in March 2020 and led by the Smoke-Free Campus Steering Committee, the Policy Development & Enforcement Working Group, and the Awareness Raising, Education and Supports Working Group with representation from students, staff, faculty, and subject-matter experts.
“The policy development has been a collaborative initiative driven by the commitment to encourage a healthy and safe environment for everyone who works, learns, teaches, and lives on campus,” LaCivita said.
She adds that the policy is the result of extensive review of similar initiatives from other Ontario universities, advice from subject matter experts, and feedback and input provided by students, faculty, and staff.
“I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the outstanding contributions of students, faculty and staff to this important initiative and their service to the University. Today’s milestone would not have been achieved without the collaborative efforts of all involved, including support and guidance from the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit.”
Eric Nadalin, Director of Health Promotion at WECHU said, “The Health Unit has always been a leader in supporting smoke-free space policies, and therefore we offered our expertise and resources to support this important initiative.”
The university community is encouraged to visit the Smoke-Free Campus website to review the Smoke-Free Campus policy and FAQs, the Smoke-Free Campus map, the Smoke-Free signature template, and resources and supports available to the campus community.