Starting September 1, 2017, CSU Stanislaus, (Stan State), is going smoke-free! Any form of smoking, which includes vaping or any use of tobacco products, will NOT be permitted on campus. This policy will affect anyone who steps foot on Stan State property including students, staff, faculty and visitors.
By adopting this new policy from the Chancellor’s Office, Executive Order 1108, Stan State is promoting clean air and a “cleaner” environment for everyone on campus.
“Our goal is to promote a healthy lifestyle,” Kellie Marshall, department chair and spokesperson for the Smoke- and Tobacco- Free Task Force, said.
One of the ways Stan State is communicating this new policy is by putting up signs all around campus. These signs are located at every entry point on campus saying, “Smoke & Tobacco Free Campus.”
Another way this new policy was communicated was through emails before this semester started. The basis of these first emails being sent out was to inform others about what this new policy meant, and when it would come into effect.
An email was also sent to some students and staff informing them of a seminar that would be taking place on campus for anyone who wanted to know more about the policy. The “Healthy Campus” seminar was held on Monday, August 28th in MSR room 130.
The “Healthy Campus” seminar was an informational presentation that touched on the policy, talking points to inform others about the policy, and some of the resources and programs that are available for any students, staff, and faculty members to quit the use of smoke and tobacco products on campus.  
The seminar ended with a presentation from the event speaker, Joe Jaurez.
Juarez is the account executive for Blue Shield of California’s lifestyle intervention program, Wellvolution. He spoke about some of the major health risks that comes with smoking and the use of tobacco products. Some of those serious health risks included heart attacks and strokes, coronary artery disease (CAP), problems with pregnancy, effects in nutrition, and health risks for family members.
“It’s never too late to stop smoking,” Juarez said.
In efforts to further promote a healthy lifestyle, Stan State is also offering different types of resources at no cost. These resources are made available through various sites on campus. The Student Health Center, Psychological Counseling, and Human Resource Center are some of the places to go to for more information or assistance.
In addition, an extra step has been taken by these resource centers on the battle against addiction. Nicotine patches, gum, quick kits, and other nicotine replacement products are offered to those who need it.
To some students and faculty this is a negative policy, while a majority of other students have found this to be a positive policy.
Karandeep Sooch (junior, Biology) is just one student looking forward to this change.
“I am overjoyed that finally I will be able to go to school without being exposed to the toxic byproducts of smoking. As a person with breathing problems, it was hard to walk by without going into a coughing fit,” Sooch said.
Felipe Aguilera (senior, Communication Studies) is also one of the students who sees this to be a positive change.
“Overall, what bothered me the most was the vape pens. The reason being that people would sometimes use them in the hallways of Bizzini and DBH. It still has a smell to it, and that smell isn’t the best,” Aguilera said. “If people really want to do it, then go to a hookah lounge and make it an event with people who actually want to be around that stuff.”
Some students come to school for a breath of fresh air.
Cheyenne (senior, Business Administration) is one of those students.
“I support the new ban on smoking because I myself don’t smoke, but my father does. As a result of his smoking, I have had to endure the effects of the second hand smoke. I know those who are smokers or are addicted to nicotine will strongly be against the change and it will be a huge inconvenience for them. However, we have to think of Stan State as a whole,” Cheyenne said.
Overall, it is thought that this policy will bring about a positive change, and many people are looking forward to it.
To know more information about this new policy, visit the link below: https://www.csustan.edu/healthy-campus