Texas State to become tobacco-free Aug. 1

Posted by University News Service

April 27, 2011

Texas State University-San Marcos will become tobacco-free on both its San Marcos and Round Rock campuses effective Aug. 1, University President Denise Trauth announced Wednesday (April 27).

In a written statement e-mailed to all Texas State students, faculty and staff, Trauth said, “Our decision to become a tobacco-free university is based on the scientific evidence regarding the harmful effects and health risks of tobacco.”

She also noted that a survey conducted in 2010 indicated that 67 percent of students and 75 percent of faculty and staff supported the idea of making Texas State a smoke-free institution.

Trauth said that resources are available to help members of the university community who want to kick the tobacco habit.

“We understand the challenge faced by those who want to quit smoking.  A variety of resources are available for those who want to quit smoking including telephone hotlines and online smoking cessation programs. Texas State employees can access smoking cessation programs offered by their health insurance plans. Texas State students can access smoking cessation programs at the Texas State Student Health Center which will offer significantly discounted smoking cessation medications,” she said.

Texas State became smoke-free inside all university buildings and vehicles in 2000, and several outside smoke-free zones were established in 2005.  The Round Rock campus opened in 2005 as a smoke-free campus, and the university is now extending that policy to the San Marcos campus. 

“This tobacco-free policy will help to reduce health risks and create a healthier and safer university,”Trauth said.