The University of Texas at Dallas is tobacco-free.
UTD has joined the 1,827 campuses who have taken a stand against the number one cause of preventable death in the United States: tobacco. As of June 1, UT Dallas prohibits the use of tobacco on their campus, hoping to effectively reduce tobacco use by preventing initiation, eliminating secondhand smoke exposure and making it easier for smokers to quit.
University officials say ninety-nine percent of smokers start before the age of 27, so college campuses are critical in preventing young adults from starting to use tobacco.
“We want to make sure that we have a very healthy community for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors who are a part of our growing campus environment,” said Dr. Calvin Jamison, Vice President for Administration.
UT Dallas is the last of the Universities in the UT system to join the initiative.
“I know there are segments of the staff population that will have to make some changes in behavior,” said faculty member Chad Thomas. “But I think the University has done a good job in planning ahead.”
The University made the tobacco-free announcement six months ago and is offering classes to help students and staff with the transition and continuing education about the dangers of tobacco use.
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